Jae’lynn Chaney, a ‘plus-size travel social media influencer’ from Vancouver, Washington, has started a Change.org petition demanding that airlines better accommodate larger passengers. The petition, titled “Demand for the FAA to Protect Plus-Sized Customers,” details several demands aimed at ensuring that larger passengers can fly without experiencing any issues.
Chaney’s petition was triggered by her recent flight from Pasco, WA, to Denver, where she claims she and her fiancé were discriminated against by other passengers who refused to sit next to them, and subjected them to hateful comments and disapproving looks throughout the flight.
As a plus-size traveler, Chaney said she has had several negative experiences flying, including being forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that she said caused her pain and bruises. Even when she and her fiancé purchase extra seats on their own, she claimed they still face mistreatment from other passengers and airline staff.
Chaney believes that 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.
Chaney’s petition demands airlines implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of all passengers. She wants the policy to include clear guidelines on accommodating larger passengers, such as providing larger seats, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements.
She says 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. For plus-size passengers who purchase extra seats on their own, Chaney wants airlines to fully reimburse their additional seats and said the process should be straightforward.
Chaney’s petition also calls for larger-sized bathrooms for plus-size travelers, saying planes should have at least one wheelchair-accessible restroom. For bathrooms, the average size is around 24 inches wide, which is 10 inches less than the average porta-potty, according to the Washington Post.
Chaney is also calling on airlines to provide additional airport assistance to plus-size travelers if necessary, including wheelchair assistance and priority boarding, along with proper employee training to handle sensitive situations and provide appropriate customer service for larger travelers.
The TSA also came under Chaney’s scrutiny in the petition, and she called on them to implement clear guidelines for screening plus-size travelers, train agents on how to respectfully interact with plus-size travelers, offer sensitivity training, and provide accessible screening equipment.
As of Saturday morning, Chaney’s petition has garnered 3,951 signatures of her set goal of 5,000. Chaney, who labels herself as a “Plus Size Travel, Fashion & Lifestyle” creator, has nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram.
