While flying is often considered the quickest mode of transportation, it can be quite inconvenient for some individuals. Many of us complain about cramped seating and insufficient legroom, but one plus-sized influencer highlighted a challenge that extends well beyond mere discomfort.
In a TikTok video that has gained significant attention, this influencer brought to light an issue that is rarely discussed yet affects millions: airplane bathrooms are simply too small. This problem affects not only those with disabilities but also plus-size travelers.
“The struggle of needing to purchase two seats is one thing, but accessibility is my biggest hurdle, especially for long-haul flights,” Bo Berry expressed in her video titled “Flying while fat – lavatory edition.” “I can’t fit into the standard airport restroom at all.”
She is not the only one who feels this way. Numerous others have shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that the design of modern airplanes often prioritizes profit over passenger comfort, cramming more seats into tight spaces while neglecting the needs of those who do not conform to the average size.
Reducing bathroom sizes
According to the Los Angeles Times, airlines are adopting a new approach to increase profits amid rising labor costs and soaring fuel prices: they are reducing the size of lavatories to fit in an additional row of seats.
Gary Weissel, managing director of Tronos Aviation Consulting Inc., states that American Airlines could generate an additional $400,000 annually for every extra seat added to a plane.
Weissel mentioned to the publication, “Despite passenger complaints about these lavatories, I don’t foresee airlines removing them. The income from fitting in another row of seats is just too significant.”
Pilot Jimmy Walton describes the smaller bathrooms as “the most miserable experience in the world.”
He remarked, “You’ve added 12 more seats, eliminated some lavatories, and reduced the size of the remaining lavatory to 75% of its original size. I can’t even turn around in it.”
“Super close to having an accident”
For Bo, her travel experience has turned into a logistical challenge. She has to maneuver sideways just to make her way down the aisle, being careful not to collide with seats or fellow passengers.
And she refuses to use the restroom, even in urgent situations.
“I can’t use the restroom, and my maximum flight duration is around six hours. I’ve never encountered an issue with that before, except for one time when I came super close to having an accident on a flight from San Francisco to Chicago,” the influencer shared in a video that has garnered 2.7 million views. “There was some inclement weather, and my flight was redirected; they added an extra two hours to the journey, and things got a bit dicey.”
“Aisles aren’t the issue”
Bo Berry’s courage in sharing her experience has ignited a flurry of mixed responses online, leading to a heated discussion about whether personal size should influence airline design – or if it’s fair to anticipate such extensive changes.
“When you’re the only person on the plane impacted by the narrow aisles, the aisles aren’t the issue,” one user commented on Facebook in reaction to Bo’s story.
“Diet and exercise appear to be more sensible than reengineering aircraft,” says one individual, while another comments, “Alright – let’s make the aisles wider – it’s simpler than sticking to a diet.”
A different person states, “We’re not going to reconstruct planes just because someone is unwilling to put in the effort to maintain a healthy and reasonable size. Such childish, self-centered, and selfish mindsets will only lead to arguments and disagreements.”
What are your thoughts on this matter? Have you faced similar challenges while flying? Join the discussion and share your opinions with us!
