Travel influencer shares useful airplane seat hack for plus-size passengers
As society continues to put a greater emphasis on the need for inclusive and accessible travel for all people, the aviation industry is taking small steps toward change. There is still work that needs to be done, however, especially when it comes to size inclusivity. Aircraft cabin features including seats, aisles and lavatories make it glaringly obvious that there is a disparity when considering accessibility for plus-size travelers.
Although this lack of consideration can be frustrating, influencer KirstyLeanneTravels gave her followers a simple, yet effective strategy to obtain a second plane seat at no extra cost.
In a video posted to her TikTok, Kirsty approaches a flight attendant and asks, “Do you know if there are any two seats next to each other free?” The flight attendant tells her that once all travelers have boarded the aircraft, she will check. The TikTok then pans to Kristy on the plane sitting in the extra seat she asked for.
In the caption of the video, Kristy also gave a few more pointers for travelers to keep in mind.
“The sooner you board and ask, the better,” she said. “[Flight attendants] work on a first come first serve basis and if you’re last to board, all the free empty seats might be allocated.”
She also recommended asking to check in as early as possible, as flight attendants are able to change a passenger’s ticket to an empty row. Kirsty noted that even if a flight may seem full, travelers shouldn’t be quick to feel discouraged, as “people don’t show up or miss their flight, leaving extra seats.”
Kirsty’s TikTok, while not only helpful, also continues to spotlight the difficulties plus-size travelers face. Travel Noire notes that influencer Jae-lynn Chaney created a Change.org petition earlier this year calling for the FAA to protect plus-size travelers.
The petition, which currently has 18,870 signatures, states that “the FAA should mandate that all airlines have a comprehensive customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers. This policy must have clear and inclusive guidelines on accommodating customers of size, including plus-size individuals, individuals with disabilities, tall individuals, and anyone who needs more space to be comfortable while flying. The policy should also provide alternative seating arrangements, larger seats, and other size-accessible accommodations to ensure that all passengers can have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flying experience, while also being considerate of their fellow passengers.”
As plus-size travelers continue to be more outspoken about their experiences and demand more from airlines and the FAA, hopefully there will be greater action taken to ensure that all passengers feel comfortable and considered.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.