A plus-sized woman has ignited a widespread discussion regarding the challenges she encounters while traveling by air. She highlighted a challenge that numerous travelers might overlook: maneuvering through airplane aisles and reaching restrooms.
Bo Berry, a TikToker boasting nearly 300,000 followers, recently recounted her experience in a video. The video has attracted millions of viewers, highlighting the challenges she faces as a plus-sized traveler, especially regarding access to the bathroom while in the air.
The video starts with Bo addressing her audience directly: “So, this is an awkward topic, but we’re going to go ahead and get awkward and talk about it.” She subsequently illustrates her challenge of navigating down the aisle of a United Airlines aircraft, twisting her body to fit between the seating arrangements.
“I don’t fit in a standard airplane lavatory at all,” she confessed. Bo emphasizes that this matter extends beyond mere comfort; it pertains to a fundamental requirement.
“Forget the difficulty of having to get two seats to fly—accessibility to a bathroom is the number one roadblock for me when it comes to long-distance travel.” Bo’s story highlights a significant issue in airplane design.
The construction of many aircraft, especially those intended for domestic travel, prioritizes passenger capacity optimization. This frequently sacrifices comfort and accessibility.
Limited space in aisles and tight restrooms pose challenges for travelers who do not conform to the airline’s specified dimensions. Wide-body aircraft typically come equipped with more spacious restrooms that accommodate wheelchairs, a feature that is seldom available on smaller, narrow-body planes.
For Bo, this implies that during numerous flights, she is unable to access the restroom. “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 elaborated.
Although Bo has largely managed to steer clear of major problems, she shared a notably tense experience. A flight from San Francisco to Chicago faced unexpected weather conditions, leading to a necessary reroute that added two hours to the journey.
“I came super close to having an accident,” she said, emphasizing how stressful and uncomfortable the experience was. This situation highlighted the critical need for accessible restrooms on flights, especially for travelers like Bo who depend on them during extended trips.
Following the release of her video, Bo has garnered significant support from fellow travelers who have encountered similar challenges. One commenter exchanged, “I have had this issue as well. I got sick and tired of the embarrassment and self-hatred.”
Another user, who works for an advocacy organization, wrote, “As a wheelchair user, improving airplane accessibility for all people is one of my top priorities.” Bo’s video has sparked a broader discussion regarding how airlines accommodate passengers with varying body types and mobility requirements.
The conversation has sparked inquiries regarding the true inclusivity of air travel. Although there are recommendations for passengers to choose seats close to the restroom or consider upgrading to premium options, these alternatives may not be feasible or within everyone’s budget.
One user pointed out, “The airline is a want, not a necessity. They don’t need to change anything.” For some individuals, such as Bo, flying remains the sole practical choice for extensive journeys, highlighting the urgent need for improved accessibility.
The video has ignited discussions about the insufficient awareness surrounding these matters. “WOW, I never thought about wheelchair accessibility on a domestic/small flight,” a commenter said. That is truly heartbreaking.
A different person shared, “I often get so much anxiety about getting past people in the aisle seats because I’m so wide no matter which way I turn.” Bo’s experience has struck a chord with a wide audience, including not only plus-sized travelers but also individuals with disabilities.
Her story highlights the importance of airlines reconsidering their designs and policies to better serve passengers of diverse sizes and abilities. There are calls for broader aisles, improved restroom accessibility, and seating arrangements that allow passengers to enjoy basic comfort without additional fees.
With the ongoing dialogue surrounding inclusivity in air travel, Bo’s viral video has highlighted a pressing issue that impacts many travelers. Her story highlights that for many individuals, air travel is not merely a hassle but a significant obstacle.
Advocates like Bo are leading the push for airlines to embrace more inclusive designs, potentially compelling the sector to implement changes. Currently, Bo and others in similar situations persist in sharing their narratives, highlighting the need for greater awareness and pushing for a more inclusive flying experience.
The lingering inquiry is whether airlines will heed the call for change and implement the required modifications, or if travelers like Bo will continue to face the challenges of navigating tight aisles and cramped restrooms independently. We will have to wait and see.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/ @officialboberry)
