Rethinking Airline Seating: One Plus-Size Traveler’s Fight for Fairness in the Skies
What if the long-held assumptions about airline seating and plus-size passengers don’t tell the whole story? Kirsty Leanne, a 32-year-old travel influencer from Shropshire, is challenging the status quo—and sparking a conversation that airlines and travelers alike can’t ignore.
Kirsty’s TikTok account, @kirstyleannetravels, has gained traction for its honest, no-nonsense insights into the realities of flying while plus-size. But her refusal to book two seats—a demand often pushed on plus-size passengers—has drawn both praise and sharp criticism.
“I’m plus-size, but buying two seats every time just isn’t a straightforward solution,” Kirsty explains in a candid video that’s gone viral. “It’s not about just doubling the cost. It’s about accessibility, logistics, and the way airlines handle these situations—or fail to.”
For Kirsty, booking two seats means more than extra expenses. It involves battling airline policies that are confusing at best and hostile at worst. She recalls dealing with customer service reps unfamiliar with the option, gate agents who mishandle seat assignments, and even a nightmare scenario where her paid-for second seat was sold to another passenger.
“This isn’t about shirking responsibility,” she says. “It’s about how the system itself isn’t designed to work for everyone.”
The backlash online reveals the deep divide on this issue. Some criticize her for allegedly infringing on others’ comfort, while others rally behind her, emphasizing that airline seats are notoriously cramped for nearly all passengers.
Comments range from empathy—“Airlines should accommodate all body types”—to frustration, “I had to lean over the entire flight because of someone bigger next to me.” Kirsty meets these with frankness and grace, reminding everyone that she regularly sits next to her equally plus-size girlfriend without incident.
Unfortunately, her experiences extend beyond online debates. On a recent flight to Spain, she endured a passenger’s audible disgust—someone who openly complained about sitting next to her. Instead of confrontation, Kirsty quietly asked a flight attendant for a seat change, turning discomfort into a quiet act of self-advocacy.
Her blog, Plus Size Travel Too, is a beacon for travelers facing similar challenges. From practical tips about seatbelt extenders to navigating airline policies, Kirsty empowers others to travel confidently despite the obstacles.
“For years, I thought I was too big to travel,” she shares. “But breaking through that mindset opened a whole new world for me. If I can help even one person feel that same freedom, it’s worth every struggle.”
Final Thoughts:
Kirsty Leanne’s journey is more than a viral moment—it’s a spotlight on the intersection of body politics and travel accessibility. Her story questions who airline policies serve and highlights the urgent need for change. Whether you agree with her approach or not, one truth remains: the skies should be welcoming to all bodies, and the conversation is just beginning.
So it is the airlines fault that you eat too much and cannot control your eating habits? I think you have 2 choices, 1. Don’t fly 2. Lose weight until you can properly occupy an aircraft seat.