Gracie Bon, a Panamanian model with five million Instagram followers, recently called for larger airplane seats to accommodate plus-size passengers. Bon, who shares fashion, lifestyle, and travel content, voiced her struggles with airplane seats, stating she even faced difficulties in first class. “So today I had a flight and even if I was flying in first class, I couldn’t fit on the aeroplane – so this is a petition for all the airlines so big girls like me can fly,” she said.

Bon’s comments sparked a debate, with some trolls suggesting she should “buy two seats instead of one.” Critics argued that increasing seat sizes would reduce the number of seats and raise prices, leading to more complaints. Despite the backlash, many supported Bon. One follower empathized, saying, “Seats are just small,” while another commented, “It’s so not fair.”

The issue of plus-size passengers paying extra for additional seats remains contentious. Plus-size travel influencer Jaelynn Chaney recently went viral, calling airline policies “discriminatory.” Chaney highlighted the discomfort and discrimination faced by larger passengers, urging for policies that protect their dignity and rights. “This mistreatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable,” she stated.