A plus-size travel influencer who previously demanded other passengers pay for the extra seats of obese travelers has now called on hotels to enlarge corridors to accommodate fat guests.
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator based in Vancouver, said her goal is to make the travel industry a more accepting place for everyone — and demanded changes to hotels to accommodate larger vacationers.
In April, she started a petition with the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority to “protect” plus-size travelers and make coach flying “comfortable and accessible for all.”
In her latest video, Chaney referenced several requirements specific to hotels around the world, including: “Make elevators and hallways spacious so that larger individuals and those using mobility aids can be moved easily.”
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator based in Vancouver, said her goal is to make the travel industry a more accepting place for everyone — and demanded changes to hotels to accommodate larger vacationers.
“As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,” she wrote in her petition earlier this year. The influencer says she is trying to make the industry more inclusive
She said she wants hotels to raise their toilet seats and equip every room with handheld showers so that people with larger bodies can use the facilities easily.
The influencer also asked for handrails at swimming pools and sturdy chairs so that people can lounge in peace.
She also requested stronger beds, bathrobes in sizes up to size 6 XL, and plus-size friendly towels for guests.
Her suggestions were greeted with mixed reviews.
One person wrote: ‘I agree this is ideal, but some of these are beyond the hotel’s control. Elevator size, for example.’
Another said: ‘I support you 100 percent.’
But others were stricter: ‘How are you going to ask for things to change, but you refuse to change yourself.’
Another person said: ‘I agree with some of them, but others are just not possible. The amount of money needed to make all these changes is unreal.”
Chaney previously said she wanted airlines to be forced to refund overweight passengers for any extra seats they have to buy when booking to accommodate their size.
“As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,” she wrote in her letter petitionwhich was signed by approximately 4,300 people on Saturday afternoon.
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle maker based in Vancouver, is demanding the FAA “protect” plus-size travelers and make it “more comfortable and accessible for everyone”
She added: “All plus-size passengers should be provided with an additional vacant seat, or even two or three seats depending on their size, to meet their needs and ensure their comfort during the flight.”
Turning her attention to refunds, Chaney added: “Airlines should offer a refund to plus-size passengers who independently purchase additional seats. This should be a simple process that can be accessed online or through customer service.”
Chaney admitted that ticket prices would have to rise if she had her way, and that non-overweight passengers could face higher costs to help cover improvements.
“On a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancée was subjected to snide comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, which amounted to discrimination.
‘Similarly, on another flight I had to occupy only one seat with fixed armrests, which caused me pain and bruises.’
In videos posted to her Instagram, Chaney has extensively documented her struggles while flying, from showing her and her boyfriend sitting tightly packed in seats to showing what some passengers have said to her, including asking whether she bought two chairs.
“They say it’s not fair to the person who has to sit next to me if I don’t,” the text on the video read. “When I say that, they say I’m selfish because I took someone else’s seat.”
However, if Chaney is “forced to occupy only one seat,” it could cause her to suffer pain and abrasions and be subjected to “poor treatment from fellow passengers.”
“This mistreatment of plus-size 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 when flying. The lack of a uniform aviation policy tailored to the customer is unacceptable and must be addressed.”
Chaney currently uses seat belt extenders to make flying more comfortable. She did not respond when asked why she is not flying business or first class – where much larger seats are available – even though those fares are much more expensive than regular coach seats.
She also believes crew members should receive training on “how to accommodate plus-size travelers, including how to handle sensitive situations and provide appropriate customer service.”