“You need to test the seat first” – Plus-sized woman embarrassed at SkyHelix Sentosa

[The_King]

The SkyHelix Sentosa opened to much fanfare in December 2021. It purports to offer one of the highest vantage points in the Island. In the Mount Faber Leisure website, the SkyHelix is marketed as “an uplifting experience for everyone“. However, for at least one couple on 27 January 2022, the experience was anything but.

“YOU NEED TO TEST THE SEAT FIRST”

Seeing that his partner had been very stressed and anxious about work and school, Mr X decided to surprise his partner by booking a ride at the SkyHelix. He wanted a date night where the both of them could just relax and unwind, 79 meters above sea level.

The ride never happened. Seeing that the woman was plus-sized, a SkyHelix staff member told her that she needed to test the chair first to see if she fits. Upon hearing this, the woman felt so embarrassed and teared up. Noticing that his partner was placed in a most embarrassing situation, Mr X did not wish to put his partner through any further discomfort. He told his partner that they should just forego the ride and walk away.

In his message to us, he hoped that no one else would have to go through what his partner went through.

NO RESTRICTIONS ON SIZE AND WEIGHT ACCORDING TO SKYHELIX WEBSITE

In addition to the less that tactful manner in which the situation was handled, what is also of concern was the fact that restrictions on weight or size were nowhere to be found in SkyHelix’s website. For ease of reference, we append screenshots below.

Screenshot from SkyHelix’s booking page

For completeness, in addition to the booking page, we also read the Terms and Conditions, and the FAQs. Again, there were no restrictions relating to size and weight.

SKYHELIX APOLOGISES AND PROMISES TO INCLUDE SIZE AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN WEBSITE

Mr X aired his greivances in an email to SkyHelix. In response, a guest relations officer from Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd stated that they were “truly sorry for the disappointment” and averred that they would work together with their Marketing team to expressly include size and weight restrictions for patrons. They also provided a refund for Mr X.

HUSBAND RESPONDS TO COMMENTS

After having sight of some unpleasant and fatphobic comments, the lady’s husband sent us a further message that he wished for us to share with everyone.

DESIGNING SPACES FOR PLUS-SIZED PERSONS

In many countries, a lot of thought is put into making rides and experiences suitable for plus-sized people. Being inclusive, open, and conscious about designing spaces for people who are plus-sized should be a key consideration in future attractions. According to this writer from Chubby Diaries, one unique feature of Disney theme parks is that there are no restrictions on weight:

“Disney attractions always pay attention to the health and safety of their visitors—therefore you’ll often see warnings around certain rides or locations, signaling visitors about restrictions to consider before boarding the ride.

Heart disease, height, back issues or pregnancy are all restrictions to consider—weight, however, is nowhere to be found.

That’s because not a single ride is forbidden due to weight. Refreshing, isn’t it?”

If we can create or modify seats for children, we probably can do so for plus-sized persons too.

Where such inclusion is not possible for whatever reason, it should be stated clearly. Going to attractions and rides should be, to borrow a phrase from SkyHelix, an uplifting experience for all, including plus-sized persons.