A plus-sized influencer has divided the internet after saying that Federal Aviation Authority and airline companies should give accessible seats to overweight passengers so that they can fly comfortably.
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle blogger from Vancouver, Washington, has demanded the FAA to protect plus-sized customers and make the flying experience comfortable for everyone regardless of their size.
Chaney has also said that obese flyers should not be asked to buy an extra plane ticket to feel ‘comfortable’ and must be provided with as many free seats as they want.
In her change.org petition, Jaelynn also explained the reason behind her demand.
According to the creator, during one of her by-air travels, she was forced to sit on only one seat with immovable armrests, which caused her severe discomfort and pain.
“Air travel should be comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of size,” she wrote in her petition.
“As plus-size travelers, 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.”
“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,” the statement continued.
“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. 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.”
On her Travel blog on Instagram where Jaelynn boasts over 94K followers, she has documented her traveling struggles with different airlines in the form of videos.
In one of her videos, Jaelynn explained that travel does look different for plus-sized individuals, but airlines should do a better job at accommodating such customers.
“Everyone deserves to travel comfortably no matter their size or abilities. My comment sections are flooded with people telling us we don’t deserve to travel, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Don’t listen to all that nonsense, I’m here to remind you that you can live your best life at any size!” she captioned her clip showing her struggles during a flight.
In another clips, she showed herself barely standing inside an airplane bathroom and said she does not fit in most airplane bathrooms and even if she does, it’s never a comfortable experience.
“POV, you’re a size 6X in a plane bathroom and there is standing room only.” The caption read.
In her petition, Chaney suggested that airline companies provide at least or a maximum of three extra seats to accommodate their needs. She also asked for a reimbursement policy to be introduced and said airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently.
The travel blogger also demanded that airlines must provide additional airport assistance to plus-sized individuals if necessary.
“Including wheelchair assistance and priority boarding. Airlines should also create accommodations for larger passengers, such as larger bathrooms, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements,” she wrote.
In a statement to Fox News, Chaney said that she doesn’t know who would have to pay for the changes she suggested in her petition, but she strongly believes that all the suggested changes 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 said
“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.”
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Sources: Change.org – Instagram – Fox News
