Flying as a plus-size traveler can feel overwhelming, especially when space is limited and airlines seem to make booking extra seats an uphill battle. But Kirsty Leanne, a UK-based content creator with over 115,000 TikTok followers, is flipping the script on uncomfortable flights with a simple question and some savvy advice.
Leanne, who founded “Plus Size Travel Too,” understands the struggles of navigating travel as a bigger woman. In her viral TikTok video—racking up an impressive 2.6 million views—she shares her go-to strategy for securing an empty seat next to her on “almost every flight.”
“One of the most daunting things about flying as a plus-size person is how much space you’re going to have,” Leanne says in the video, narrating clips of her jet-setting to different destinations. “With airlines making it so difficult to book a second seat, this tip has saved me from countless hours of discomfort.”
Her secret? Asking flight attendants a simple but effective question: “Do you know if there are any rows with two seats next to each other free?”
The result isn’t guaranteed, but Leanne says it’s worth the effort. In the video, a flight attendant responds, “Maybe after boarding, I can look,” showing that even small steps can lead to big wins.
Leanne emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. “I know how hard it can be to speak up for yourself, but remember—you deserve to be comfortable too,” she says.
@kirstyleannetravels A few other things to bear in mind are: ✨ The sooner you board and ask, the better. FAs work on a first come first serve basis and if you’re last to board, all the free empty seats might be allocated. ✨ Don’t ask the first FA you see. Get to the ‘section’ your seat is in and ask the person who is then standing closest to you. If you’re at the back of the plane, it’s unlikely someone at the front will be able to help you. ✨ Don’t just move. It’s always better to ask so that FAs are aware you want more space. They also may tell you to wait until after takeoff to move and will save the space for you. ✨ I also ask at check-in as often, they can change your ticket to be in an empty row. A lot of the time, however, I’m told it’s a full flight even if it’s not. If you get this answer, don’t be disheartened – people don’t show up or miss their flight, leaving extra seats. #plussizetraveltoo #plussizetraveltips #travellingwhilefat #fattravel #plussize #flyingwhilefat #plussizequeen #flightghack #travelhack #fatandhappy #plussizetraveller ♬ original sound – kirstyleanne•plus size travel
Booking a second seat outright isn’t always straightforward, either. Airlines don’t make it easy to find extra space, and buying an additional ticket can be pricey. Leanne recommends researching airline policies on second seats beforehand. “Just Google the airline name and ‘extra seat policy’—it’s the best place to start,” she advises.
Her top tip? Board early. “The sooner you board, the better your chances of finding extra space,” she writes in her TikTok caption. Flight attendants might even reserve the seat for you or suggest waiting until after takeoff to move.
Leanne also suggests asking at check-in. “Sometimes they can change your ticket to an empty row,” she says. Even if you’re told the flight is full, don’t lose hope. “People miss flights all the time, leaving empty seats available.”
Leanne’s advice has resonated with thousands of viewers, sparking conversations about accessibility and comfort for plus-size travelers. As she puts it, “You’re paying for your seat like everyone else—you deserve a comfortable flight.”
What do you think of her approach? Share this with a friend who might need it—or let us know your travel tips in the comments!
