An influencer is calling for airlines to give plus-sized flyers as many free extra seats as they need, arguing that air travel should be ‘accessible for everyone’, regardless of their weight.
Travel and lifestyle creator Jaelynn Chaney (@jaebaeofficial), set up an online petition to ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers like her, having recently faced ‘discrimination and discomfort’ while in the air.
Chaney, who is based in Vancouver, is ‘demanding’ the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) should force ‘all airlines to implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of all passengers’.
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In the petition, she writes: “This policy should include clear guidelines on accommodating larger passengers, such as providing larger seats, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements.”
Chaney said she and her partner had both faced bad experiences while flying.
“My fiancé was subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, amounting to discrimination,” she said of a flight from Pasco to Denver.
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“Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises.”
Chaney continued: “Being forced to occupy only one seat can result in pain and vulnerability to poor treatment from fellow passengers, including hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them.
“This mistreatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable, and it highlights the urgent need for better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers, regardless of size.
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“Unfortunately, plus-size passengers often experience discomfort and discrimination when flying. The lack of a uniform customer-of-size airline policy is unacceptable and must be addressed.”
Chaney is calling for the FAA to help ‘protect’ people like her through a series of policies, including providing accessible additional seats.
“All plus-size passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even two or three seats depending on their size, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort during the flight,” she said.
The influencer also believes airlines should offer full reimbursement for plus-sized travellers who purchase additional seats independently, and provide full employee training on how to accommodate plus-sized travellers.
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“Airlines must create a set of policies, standards, and procedures for plus-size travellers and communicate them in a clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand way,” she continued.
“This should include information on booking additional seats, requesting a refund, and what to expect during check-in, boarding, and flight.”
Chaney also thinks additional airport assistance ‘must’ be provided if necessary, including wheelchair assistance and priority boarding.
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“Airlines should also create accommodations for larger passengers, such as larger bathrooms, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements,” she added.
After hitting 5,000 signatures, Chaney shared an update yesterday (16 April) to thank everyone for their support.
She wrote: “I am so excited to announce that we have reached 5,000 signatures on our petition to make travel more inclusive for people of all sizes and abilities!
“This is a major milestone and could not have been achieved without the incredible support from all of you. Thank you so much for your unwavering dedication to this important cause.
“As many of you may already know, our petition has been featured in the press lately, which has brought some negative attention to our page.
“However, we will not be discouraged by this. We know that our mission is a worthy one, and we will continue to fight for inclusivity in the travel industry.”
Jess Hardiman