This is the heartbreaking reality of flying when you’re ‘really fat’

Fact: Flying is stressful. We have our belongings handled by people we don't know, are groped by TSA agents, and spend a small fortune on mediocre airport food, all to strap ourselves into a giant flying hunk of metal that has even worse food you have to pay for.

That stress is only worse if you're a passenger that's plus-size. Twitter user @yrfatfriend revealed what it's like to fly when you're "a very fat person," and it's horrific at best.

First, there's the act of preparing for the flight.

I researched airlines for their "customer of size" policies, many of which reserve the right to kick me off the plane, even after boarding.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She has to buy a second seat or fly first class.

I'm charged for that second seat regardless of whether one is available. I pay double for the privilege of staying on the plane.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

First class it is.

I bought a round trip first class ticket for this trip--about $900 more than a coach ticket, but on this flight--still less $ than 2 seats.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She also has to consider seatbelt extenders.

I'm not worried about the embarrassment of asking for a seatbelt extender. I know I'm fat.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She's worried about passengers complaining about her getting a seat extender.

Over the last 2 yrs, about 50% of passengers in my row complained about me. So, my body is regularly discussed in my presence w/o my input.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

"I am treated like luggage."

As a very fat person on a plane, I am treated like luggage--a cumbersome, exasperating inconvenience. Inanimate & unfeeling.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

The tray table poses another issue.

Without a tray table, I can't work for the full six hours. I also won't be able to eat the first class meal that comes with the ticket.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She also doesn't want to attract attention.

So I'll sit silently, arms crossed, so I don't encroach on my neighbor's space.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She stays strong.

And this isn't about emotional fragility. I'm vulnerable, but I'm tough.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She isn't a stranger to other passengers complaining about her.

The man sitting next to me became increasingly agitated. I said hello, asked how he was. He didn't respond.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She was singled out by her seatmate, just for taking up space.

When he returned, he gathered his things and said sharply, "this is for your comfort. It'll be better for both of us."

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She was mortified.

I spent the rest of the flight with my arms & legs crossed, humiliated and alone. No one spoke to me or made eye contact.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

She felt invisible, even to the airline staff.

No one said anything. No one interrupted him or reached out to me. I was invisible.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017

Despite all this, she continues to fly.

If you learned something from this thread/think others might, please RT. It would genuinely help if others knew where their complaints lead.

— your fat friend (@yrfatfriend) July 17, 2017