Plus size creator creates petition to try and force airlines to offer larger passengers bigger seats

A plus-size influencer has demanded that the Federal Aviation Authority and airlines give overweight flyers as many free seats as they need to fly comfortably.

Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle designer based in Vancouver, wants the Federal Aviation Authority to “protect” major travelers and make coach flying “comfortable and accessible to all.”

She also wants airlines to be forced to refund overweight passengers for any extra seats they have to buy at the time of booking to accommodate their size.

“As great travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and inconvenience while flying,” she wrote in her petitionsigned by about 4,300 people on Saturday afternoon.

She added: “All plus size passengers should be given an additional complimentary seat, or even two or three seats depending on their size, to meet their needs and ensure their comfort during the flight.”

Chaney turned her attention to fees, adding, “Airlines should offer refunds to oversized passengers who purchase extra seats themselves. This should be a simple process that can be accessed online or through customer service.”

Chaney admits that ticket prices would have to rise if she had her way, admitting that non-overweight passengers could face higher ticket prices to cover improvements.

“On a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancé was subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, which amounts to discrimination.

“Similarly, on another flight I was forced to occupy only one seat with immobile armrests that caused me pain and bruises.”

In videos posted to her Instagram, Chaney has extensively documented her struggles with flying, from showing her and her boyfriend huddled tightly in seats to showing what some passengers have said to her, including asking her whether she bought two chairs.

Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator based in Vancouver, is demanding the FAA to “protect” plus-size travelers and make it “more comfortable and accessible for everyone”

“They say it’s not fair to the person who has to sit next to me if I don’t,” the video read. “When I tell them I do, they say I’m selfish for taking a seat with someone else.”

However, when Chaney is “forced to occupy only one seat,” it can result in her being in pain and causing friction, as well as subjecting her to “bad treatment from fellow passengers.”

“This mistreatment of plus-sized passengers is unacceptable and highlights the urgent need for better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers, regardless of size,” she wrote.

“Unfortunately, plus-size passengers often experience discomfort and discrimination while flying. The lack of a uniform airline policy tailored to customers is unacceptable and must be addressed.”

Chaney currently uses belt extenders to make flying more comfortable. She has not commented on why she doesn’t fly business or first class – which offers much larger seats – although those fares are much more expensive than regular bus seats.

She also believes crew members should undergo training on “how to accommodate plus size travelers, including how to handle sensitive situations and provide proper customer service.”

She said that on one of his flights, her fiancé was “subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks and even refusal to sit next to them, which amounted to discrimination,” as she was forced to squeeze into a seat without removable armrests that left bruises. caused.

She is now asking airlines for bigger seats or an extra free seat for taller passengers, a wheelchair-accessible bathroom on new planes, crew and TSA training, and refunds for passengers who purchased two seats.

In addition, she believes that TSA should also be trained and “implement clear guidelines for screening plus-size travelers, train agents to respectfully interact with plus-size travelers, provide sensitivity training, and provide accessible screening equipment.”

Chaney has also proposed adding a wheelchair-accessible bathroom to all new aircraft.

“This change will improve accessibility for passengers of all shapes and sizes, making it comfortable and hassle-free for them to go to the toilet. 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.

However, Chaney pointed out that she didn’t know who would fund the cost of her proposed changes, but believes the changes are worth it.

“It’s hard to give a cut-and-dried answer to the question of who will pay for the policies mentioned in the petition,” she said. Fox news in a statement.

“Implementing policies to accommodate plus-sized passengers may have associated costs, but these costs must be weighed against the benefits of creating a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience.”

She admitted she didn’t know who would bear the cost of the changes, but suggested the Department of Transport had some responsibility to ensure everyone travels safely and comfortably.

She suggested that airlines stop selling tickets so that those available tickets can be used to accommodate larger passengers.

She also said the “government can play a role in funding or incentivizing these policies as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transport for all citizens.”

“Ultimately, the question of who pays for these policies shouldn’t be a barrier to taking action,” she told Fox.

“By implementing these requirements, airlines are creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all passengers, regardless of size. It is 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.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Chaney for comment.