Some airlines might ask passengers to purchase more than one ticket depending on their size. This has activists upset.

Some airlines are coming under fire for requiring larger passengers to purchase more than one seat, a policy that has ignited heated debate among travelers, advocates, and activists.

The rules, sometimes referred to as “passenger of size” or “customer of size” policies, are framed by airlines as a matter of safety and comfort. They argue that all passengers are entitled to use their seat without encroachment, and that larger individuals may need additional space for the armrests to lower properly and for the seatbelt to fit securely. In some cases, airlines reimburse the cost of the extra seat if the flight does not sell out.

Still, critics say the policy unfairly singles out plus-size travelers and creates an atmosphere of public shaming. Activists argue that flying is already expensive, and charging certain passengers double—or even triple in cases of connecting flights—amounts to discrimination.

“This is a matter of dignity and equal access,” said one advocate. “No one should be penalized for their body size when traveling.”

Disability and body-positivity groups are calling on regulators to step in, urging the U.S. Department of Transportation and international aviation authorities to establish clearer protections. Some suggest solutions such as adjustable seating, redesigned cabins, or waivers for larger passengers when planes aren’t fully booked.

The controversy highlights the growing tension between airlines maximizing revenue in tightly packed cabins and passengers demanding a more inclusive approach to air travel. With more voices joining the conversation, the issue is likely to keep resurfacing as the travel industry seeks a balance between comfort, fairness, and business efficiency.