A travel and lifestyle creator named Jaelynn Chaney, who is plus-sized, is advocating for the Federal Aviation Authority and airlines to provide free seats to overweight flyers. She believes it is the FAA’s responsibility to safeguard the interests of plus-sized passengers and ensure that flying in coach is convenient and available for all.
The expectations are rather unreal
Furthermore, Chaney is urging airlines to refund overweight passengers for any extra seats they are obliged to buy while booking to suit their body size. “As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying.” As of Saturday afternoon, over 4,300 individuals have signed the petition she started.
“All plus-size passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even two or three seats based on their size. To accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort during the flight.” She added. Turning her attention to refunds, Chaney added: “Airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase extra seats separately. This should be an easy process that can be found online or through customer service.”
Accommodating plus-size airline passengers will increase ticket prices
Chaney noted that if her proposal were to be implemented, there may be an increase in ticket prices to accommodate the provision of extra free seats for larger passengers. She also recognizes that non-overweight passengers may face higher ticket prices to make up for the cost of the suggested changes.
“During a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancé was faced with 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 fixed armrests that caused me pain and bruises.” She mentioned.
Her struggles are all over Instagram
Through videos, Chaney has openly shared her struggles while flying on her Instagram account. These videos depict her and her partner being crammed into seats and also showcase the hurtful comments she has received from other passengers. Such as asking whether she had paid for two seats.
Read: I Weigh 300 Pounds—These Are The Everyday Challenges Of Being Overweight That People Don’t Talk About
“They say it’s not fair to the person who has to sit next to me if I don’t.” Text on the video read. “When I tell them I do, they say I’m selfish for taking a seat from another,” She said. Nonetheless, when Chaney is obliged to use only one seat, it can result in her experiencing pain and chafing. In addition to being subjected to rude behavior from other passengers.
“This poor treatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable. And it shows the urgent need for better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers. Regardless of size. 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.” She wrote.
The plus-size airline passenger currently uses seatbelt extenders to make her traveling more comfortable
Currently, Chaney employs seatbelt extenders to enhance her comfort during flights. However, she has not said why she does not opt for business or first-class seats that provide larger seating space, despite being more expensive than regular coach seats.
Moreover, Chaney advocates for crew members to receive training that includes how to support plus-sized travelers. This training would involve dealing with sensitive scenarios and delivering appropriate customer service to these passengers.
Furthermore, Chaney asserts that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) should also receive training and establish unequivocal guidelines for screening plus-sized travelers. She advocates for TSA agents to be trained on how to interact respectfully with plus-sized travelers, receives sensitivity training, and use accessible screening equipment.
This is not the only problem plus-size airline passengers face
Chaney has proposed that all new airplanes include a wheelchair-accessible bathroom. “This change will improve accessibility for passengers of all sizes and abilities, allowing them to use the restroom comfortably and without difficulty. This will promote a more inclusive and accommodating travel experience, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to serving all passengers equally.” She wrote on the petition.
Nevertheless, Chaney acknowledged that she is uncertain about who would bear the cost of implementing the changes she proposed. Despite this, she firmly believes that the suggested alterations are worth it.
“It is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who will pay for the policies mentioned in the petition.” She told Fox News in a statement. “Implementing policies to accommodate plus-size passengers may come with associated costs, but these costs must be weighed against the benefits of creating a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience.”
The influencer blames the government
Chaney suggested that airlines discontinue the practice of overselling tickets. And to enable available tickets to be utilized to accommodate larger passengers. Moreover, she proposed that the government may have a responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens, including funding or incentivizing the policies she suggested.
“In the end, the question of who will pay for these policies should not be a barrier to taking action.” She told Fox. “By implementing these requirements, airlines will create a more inclusive and warmer environment for all passengers, regardless of their size. It’s time for the airline industry to take a stand and commit to creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all passengers. Join us in demanding that the FAA take action to protect plus-size travelers” She wrote in her petition.
A side note
Each airline has its own set of policies concerning overweight passengers. While some airline attendants will attempt to secure two vacant seats for passengers of size at no extra cost, other airlines may not do so. Before booking a flight, overweight passengers should conduct comprehensive research on the overweight passenger policy of their preferred airline to avoid any potential delays or discomfort.
Keep Reading: ‘I refuse to switch plane seats so couples or families can sit together’
Sources
- “Plus-size influencer demands FAA and airlines give fat flyers as many FREE seats as they need to spread themselves out – and admits other passengers may have to foot the bill.” DailyMail UK. Alyssa Guzman. April 15, 2023
- Instagram. jaebaeproductions.
- “Overweight Passenger Policies.” iFly.