Model calls on airlines to make bigger plane seats after she ‘couldn’t fit’ in one on a recent flight

An influencer has called on airlines to make plane seats bigger after struggling to fit her “big” bum into one on a recent flight.

An influencer has called on airlines to make plane seats bigger after struggling to fit her “big” bum into one on a recent flight.

Gracie Bon, a 26-year-old plus-size model from Panama, has started a petition in the hopes airlines will adjust economy seating measurements to cater for “bigger” passengers.

She shared a clip explaining the challengers she faces every time she takes a flight.

“So today I had a flight and even if I was flying in first class, I couldn’t fit on the airplane,” she said.

Gracie Bon, from Panama, shared a now viral clip of herself struggling to sit in a plane seat. Picture: Jam Press

“So this is a petition for all the airlines so big girls like me can fly.

“It’s not my fault I have an a*se this big. Please just make them bigger.”

She shared the clip with her 4.5 million Instagram followers and it has since gone viral after attracting 1.4 million views and sparking a heated discussion.

“Stop having surgery to make it bigger,” one person claimed.

“She tryna act like we think that’s real,” another added.

One person suggested she buy two plane seats.

The 26-year-old has called on airlines to make plane seats bigger after sharing the challenges she faces every time she takes a flight. Picture: Jam Press

“Larger travelers have been required to purchase two seats for decades. Just because you are unproportionally built in a way you deem as attractive does not mean you are any different than other large passengers. I kindly ask you to humble yourself and get a grip,” a third chimed.

It’s not been confirmed which surgeries the Panamanian model has undergone.

Others were quick to defend the model, agreeing that plane seats are too small.

“I’m with ya plane seats way too small!” one person wrote.

“Discrimination at its finest,” a second added.

“Agreed. I definitely need a larger seat and a seatbelt that doesn’t have such a hard buckle. Could they throw in a tray that fits over big boobs?” a third wrote.

Gracie said it’s not her fault she has an ‘a*** this big’. Picture: Jam Press

But others fired back saying she chose to have her backside enhanced and should pay for two seats. It’s not been confirmed which surgeries the Panamanian model has undergone. Picture: Jam Press

Gracie isn’t the only one advocating for bigger seats.

Last year, travel blogger and body positive advocate Jae’lynn Chaney also started a petition urging the aviation industry to “protect” plus-size travellers.

The 26-year-old believes that all larger people should be entitled to a free second and third aeroplane seat if needed due to their size.

Jae'lynn wants airlines to offer free extra plane seats for larger passengers. Picture: Instagram/ jaebaeproductions

“Let’s just state facts, plus-size travellers need more space,” the Canadian said in a TikTok.

“Many people agree that plane seats are just too small, even for the average sized person.

“As a plus size traveller myself, I know how uncomfortable and unsafe it can be to squeeze into a tiny aeroplane seat.

“We are not asking for special treatment or luxury accommodations.

“We simply want enough space to travel comfortably, without being discriminated against because of our size.”

She also demanded airlines be forced to refund larger passengers for any extra seats they needed to purchase when booking to accommodate their size.

She added that United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should require all airlines to implement a clear “customer-of-size policy”.

“This policy should include clear guidelines on accommodating larger passengers, such as providing larger seats, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements,” Jae’lynn said.

Her idea divided opinion, with many people stating that people’s weight should not be “someone else’s problem”, while others believed it would make for a more positive travelling experience for everyone.

“I’m 6’10, I get cramped but I don’t deserve anything, I’m not better than anyone,” one person wrote. “Pay for what you need or make a change.”

“I think this is great. Everyone can benefit from seats being slightly bigger,” added another.

– with Jasmine Kazlauskas