A plus-size model says Qatar Airways didn't let her board a flight because she was too fat for an economy seat

A plus-size model said she was not allowed to board a flight because she was too fat to fit in an economy seat, but the airline said she was rude and aggressive.

Nehme said in her post that she was not allowed to board a flight from Lebanon to the Middle East because of her family's religious beliefs.

She said she spent $947 on her economy flight and was refused a refund because she was told to pay for first class.

"I bought a return ticket to Brazil through Qatar and arrived at the time to check in, a flight attendant called my mother while another staffer was finishing our check-in, and told her I wasn't welcome to board because I'm fat."

A post shared by Juliana Nehme (@juliananehme)

Nehme missed her connecting flight to So Paolo.

Nehme became extremely rude and aggressive to check-in staff when another person in her party failed to produce the necessary documentation needed to enter Brazil, according to a spokesman for the airline.

Passengers could be asked to buy an extra seat if they couldn't fit into one.

In line with industry practices and similar to most airlines, anyone who impedes upon the space of a fellow traveller and cannot secure their seatbelt or lower their armrest may be required to purchase an additional seat.

Nehme was put on a different flight. She didn't know if she had to pay for an upgrade to fly.

Nehme didn't reply right away.