"Buy 2 seats or don't fly!" This plus-size traveler explains how buying 2 seats is not a blanket solution

Travelling is already nerve-wracking as it is. Now imagine not being sure you'll fit into the seat or be asked to purchase a second seat.

UK-based travel influencer Kirsty Leanne, age 29, known for running Plus SizedTravel Too, shared via TikTok (amassing over 1.3 million views) her reasons for not booking a second plane seat despite public criticism. She describes how airline seating policies and logistics make the option impractical and unreliable for many plus-size travelers .

Call for inclusivity: airports and airlines need standardized, traveler‑friendly policies that accommodate diverse body types fairly.

On her Tik Tok page, Leanne acknowledges that buying a second seat might seem like a straightforward fix to cramped air travel. However, she emphasizes that it’s not universally workable—particularly because of the high cost, unpredictable airline procedures, and lack of uniform policies across carriers .

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For many, spending double on airfare is simply untenable, especially for an uncertain solution that may or may not be honored.

“While I understand that seems like the right solution when it comes to small seats on planes, it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ issue.”

She says, “Booking an extra seat can also be super tricky. Every airline has a different process, and most of the time this isn’t available to find on their website.” “On numerous occasions I have spoke to members of [an airline’s] team, using support chats or their customer service line, and they haven’t understood what I’m trying to do.”

The curvy jetsetter went on to state that airlines will often sell an obese person’s second seat to standby passengers in need. This defeats the whole purpose of purchasing 2 seats to avoid making another passenger uncomfortable.

Despite paying for two adjacent seats in advance, airline agents often lacked awareness or ability to properly allocate or manage the reservation.

Travelers of a certain size have been calling on airlines, demanding “size inclusive” adjustments for heavy-set travelers and those who identify as obese.

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While some commenters argue the extra seat is necessary to keep one’s body within a single space, others supported her, stating that airline seats themselves are simply too small: “Airplane seats are small. … many people need more room.”

Leanne is the founder of Plus Size Travel Too, a site dedicated to overweight travelers, where she is virally documenting the “emotional damage” done by careless companies that refuse to cater to the chubby.

Her heartfelt call-to-action has also been met with cruel attacks launched by fatphobics — who have flooded her page with hateful comments such as, “Buy two seats or don’t fly.”

Paid seats can be taken away due to standby or aircraft changes.

Leanne makes a broader advocacy point: the travel industry needs clearer, inclusive practices that don’t place the burden entirely on plus-size passengers to pay more for basic comfort. She hopes her perspective raises awareness about how flawed and inconsistent current processes are—rather than shaming individuals for making difficult but reasonable choices .

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“While I know booking a second seat works great for some, it’s not a blanket solution for every single plus size person,” she mentions in her closing remarks, hoping to have enlightened any haters or fat-shamers.

Unfortunately, many people's opinions remain the same and they have no sympathy for obese travellers.

“If you can afford to travel, the extra seat should be within your budget,” spewed a commenter. “It’s not fair to the people around you.”

Leanne’s narrative challenges the idea that one extra seat is a viable “solution” for plus-size travel discomfort, arguing instead for structural change—clearer booking options, staff training, and policies that don’t penalize travelers for their body shape.

You can also learn more about when an airline may ask you to purchase 2 seats.

Yahoo CreatorTheankaraqueenHi there! I'm Brenda. A thirty something year old millennial who loves all things travel and fashion. Happy to share my tips and tricks when it comes to booking flights as well as dressing up.FollowFollow