To hear morbidly obese “travel influencer” Jae’lynn Chaney tell it, others should have to bear the cost of airlines being forced to accommodate her massive size when flying.
Chaney started a Change.org petition demanding that airlines change their “discriminatory” policies requiring plus-size travelers to buy two seats, claiming they have to pay “twice for the same experience.”
“People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination,” Chaney told CNN Travel. “We have to pay two fares, even though we’re getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.”
The petition, which has been signed by 18,400 people as of this writing, begins with Chaney describing her experiences, along with her plus-size partner.
Sign the petition here: https://t.co/V8L10cTUZq
— Jae’lynn Chaney (@JaeBaeOfficial) April 7, 2023
“As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,” she wrote. “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.
“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,” Chaney added.
Her solution is additional seats granted free of charge — never mind that airlines are sure to pass this lost revenue on to other passengers.
“To ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience for all passengers, airlines should provide accessible additional seats to customers-of-size who require more physical space on planes or encroach onto another passenger’s space,” the petition reads. “These passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even multiple seats, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort and safety, as well as those around them, during the flight.”
According to Chaney, Southwest Airlines and Canadian Transportation Carriers already have policies that provide additional seats for those who physically require them.
As for the likelihood of higher costs for other passengers, she says so be it if that’s what it takes to ensure comfort for travelers like her who over indulge.
“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,” Chaney told Fox News.
Other demands include “clear guidelines” from TSA on screening obese passengers, better screening equipment, and sensitivity training to “train agents on how to respectfully interact with these travelers.”
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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