Plus-sized traveler, Jae’lynn Chaney, demands free seats, better accommodations on airlines

Plus-sized traveler demands free seats, better accommodations on airlines:

“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”

In her petition, which has been signed by more than 4,900 people so far, she wrote: “As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying.

“During a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancé was subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, amounting to discrimination. Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises.”

“As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,” the content creator wrote in her petition.

The influencer wrote it was not the first time she felt discriminated against while flying. As part of her plea, Jaelynn is asking for all airlines to “implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritises the comfort and well-being of all passengers”.

This includes providing larger seats and bathrooms, seat belt extenders and alternative seating arrangements, wheelchair access and priority boarding if needed.

She also wants airlines to have to refund passengers for any extra seats they have to purchase during the booking process to accommodate their size.

However, she is aware that ticket prices would need to rise if these changes were to happen.

The travel influencer regularly documents her and her fiancé’s struggles when flying on social media – from videos of them being tightly packed into seats, to showing the horrible things other passengers have said to her – including asking her if she bought two seats.

According to Jaelynn, people tell her it’s “not fair to the person who has to sit next to her” if she doesn’t. However, when she tells them she does purchase an extra seat, they tell her she’s “selfish for taking a seat from another”.

“On another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises,” she wrote, citing that when she and her fiancé purchase extra seats on their own, they are still mistreated by other passengers and airline staff.

Chaney said her experiences flying caused her “pain and vulnerability” and that the airline companies have a responsibility to consider people of larger size when booking flights and is requesting the FAA to step in to enforce her demands.