For many travelers, flying comes with its fair share of inconveniences—tight seating, limited legroom, and the struggle to navigate crowded aisles. But for plus-sized individuals, the challenges of air travel can go far beyond discomfort. One woman has sparked a heated discussion after revealing that on certain flights, she physically cannot use the restroom because the aisles are simply too narrow for her to get there.
A Common Yet Overlooked Struggle
In a world where airlines continuously aim to maximize passenger capacity, airplane designs have become increasingly compact. While these layouts allow more people to be accommodated on flights, they often do so at the cost of comfort and accessibility. For plus-sized individuals, these restrictions can turn what should be a straightforward trip into a logistical nightmare.
This issue recently came to light when TikToker Bo Berry shared her experience of flying on a United Airlines plane. She posted a video demonstrating how difficult it was for her to walk down the aisle without turning sideways. She explained that, beyond struggling to fit into standard airplane seats, one of the biggest barriers she faces is simply accessing the restroom on a flight.
In her now-viral TikTok video, which has garnered millions of views, she spoke candidly about what she described as the biggest roadblock for her as a plus-sized traveler:
“So, this is an awkward topic, but we’re going to go ahead and get awkward and talk about it,” she began. “I don’t fit in a standard airplane lavatory at all.”
Bo explained that on wide-body aircraft, some restrooms are designed to be wheelchair-accessible, making them slightly larger and more accommodating. However, narrow-body planes—which are commonly used for domestic flights—do not offer the same accessibility.
“If I’m flying on a narrow-body plane, I can’t use the bathroom, and my maximum flight time is about six hours,” she stated.
She then recalled a particularly stressful experience in which she almost had an accident on a flight from San Francisco to Chicago after bad weather forced an unexpected reroute, extending her journey by an additional two hours.
“That was the closest I’ve ever come to a serious situation,” she admitted.
The Debate Over Airplane Accessibility
Bo’s story has divided opinion. While many viewers sympathized with her, others argued that airlines shouldn’t be responsible for making accommodations for all body types.
One TikTok user wrote: “Unfortunately, airlines are constantly redesigning planes to make them more compact. It’s not just a problem for plus-sized people—it’s an issue for tall passengers too. If flying is too uncomfortable, there are alternative travel options.”
Another commenter was more blunt: “Flying is a privilege, not a right. Airlines don’t need to change anything—just book first-class or drive instead.”
Others offered potential solutions, suggesting that she purchase seats located closer to the lavatory.
“Ask your ticket agent to book a seat near the restroom,” one user suggested.
However, many agreed with Bo, pointing out that airline seating has become noticeably smaller over the years, making travel increasingly difficult for both plus-sized and average-sized passengers alike.
“I remember when you could walk past the flight attendant’s trolley without having to press yourself against someone else’s seat,” one person commented. “Now, everything feels so cramped—planes aren’t designed for comfort anymore.”
Another viewer agreed, adding: “I’m of average weight, and even I feel like airplane seating has shrunk. I fit in my seat, but barely. It’s like airlines have made everything as small as possible to squeeze in more people.”
Why Are Airplane Seats and Aisles So Tight?
The root of the problem lies in airline profitability. The more seats they fit on a plane, the more tickets they can sell, and consequently, the more money they make.
Over the years, airlines have gradually reduced seat width, legroom, and aisle size to accommodate as many passengers as possible, especially on budget carriers. While this benefits airlines financially, it creates serious accessibility issues for those who do not fit the airline’s increasingly restrictive standards.
One of the biggest concerns is that airplane lavatories have also been shrinking. These restrooms are already notoriously small, but on modern aircraft, they have become even more compact, making them difficult to access for larger passengers, elderly travelers, and people with mobility issues.
Aviation experts note that wider aircraft (such as those used for international flights) do sometimes offer more accessible restrooms, but these are not a legal requirement for smaller planes. Because of this, plus-sized travelers may find themselves in situations where they are unable to access basic amenities on a flight.
The Growing Call for Change
Bo’s video sparked an outpouring of support from others who have faced similar struggles. Many plus-sized travelers, wheelchair users, and advocacy groups have long been fighting for more accessible airplane seating and restroom options, arguing that air travel should be inclusive for everyone.
One viewer commented: “As someone who uses a wheelchair and works in accessibility advocacy, airplane design has been a huge concern for years. It’s unacceptable that so many people are excluded from something as basic as using the bathroom on a flight.”
Another added: “I totally relate to this. I often feel self-conscious just walking down the aisle because I have to turn sideways to avoid bumping into people. Airplanes should be designed with real passengers in mind.”
Others pointed out that wheelchair users face an even greater struggle, as most domestic flights do not have space to accommodate wheelchairs at all.
“Wow, I never even considered how difficult it must be for wheelchair users to fly,” one commenter admitted. “This is so sad. Airlines really need to rethink their designs.”
While some remain skeptical that airlines will make changes anytime soon, conversations like this highlight the growing demand for more inclusive travel experiences.
A Larger Conversation About Accessibility
Bo’s experience is not just about plus-sized travellers—it’s about making air travel accessible to all passengers, regardless of body size, mobility limitations, or disabilities. As airlines continue to shrink seat sizes and cut space to increase profits, the issue is becoming more pressing than ever.
Whether or not the airline industry chooses to address these concerns remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: as more travelers speak out about their experiences, the conversation surrounding airplane accessibility and comfort is only just beginning.