Too Overweight? Brazilian Influencer Denied Boarding on Airplane

Qatar Airways Encourages First Class Purchase Instead of Economy
Flight Rebooked Two Days After Controversy... Using COVID-19 Test Documents as Excuse

Brazilian influencer and plus-size model Juliana Neme is speaking about being denied boarding in front of the Qatar Airways counter. Photo by Neme Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Juliana Neme (38), a Brazilian influencer and plus-size model, was denied boarding on a plane because she was considered too fat.

According to foreign media including the New York Post on the 25th (local time), Neme was trying to return to Brazil via Doha, Qatar after vacationing in Lebanon with her mother, younger sister, and niece. On the 22nd, at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon, Neme attempted to check in for a flight to Doha, Qatar, but Qatar Airways refused her boarding. Qatar Airways told her that instead of the economy class ticket she purchased, she needed to buy a first-class ticket with wider seats that fit her body. In response, Neme questioned, "When I came from Brazil to Lebanon, I flew economy class on Air France without any problems, so why is Qatar Airways the only one making an issue about my body and preventing me from boarding?" Qatar Airways explained their policy, stating, "Passengers who invade other travelers' space and cannot fasten seat belts or lower armrests may be required to purchase additional seats for the comfort and safety of other passengers."

Neme conveyed the situation to her Instagram followers in an agitated tone in front of the airport check-in counter. "A stewardess from Qatar told me I couldn't board because I am too fat, and according to her, I don't deserve this plane ticket. I paid $1,000 for the ticket, but if I want to ride first class, I have to pay an additional $3,000. There are only 30 minutes left before the plane takes off, and I don't know what to do."

In the end, she was unable to board the plane, and only her younger sister and niece returned to Brazil. Her mother stayed in Lebanon with her. Missing the first flight also caused them to miss their connecting flight to Brazil. Neme posted on Instagram to update her followers on the situation. She expressed her distress, saying she was spending unexpected money on hotels and taxis in Lebanon and was running out of money, unsure of what to do. Neme also said, "Qatar Airways is not allowing me to board the plane and is not providing a refund." Still visibly upset, she added, "It was very humiliating to be told in front of many people that I couldn't board because I am fat," and raised her voice, saying, "I am fat, but I am the same as everyone else."

After Neme's story spread, Qatar Airways denied her claim that she was refused boarding because of her size, stating, "One member of Neme's party was denied boarding for failing to submit the required COVID-19 test documents for entry into Brazil, and Neme showed very rude and aggressive behavior toward staff, which required security intervention." It was reported that Neme was able to reschedule and return home on a flight departing the evening of the 24th, two days after being denied boarding. Qatar Airways was ranked 7th among the world's best airlines in the 2022 Skytrax World Airline Awards.