Plus-Size Influencer Says Airlines Should Give Obese Flyers Free Seats

Breitbart: Jaelyn Chaney, a plus-sized social media influencer, has called for airlines to give obese flyers as many free seats as they need to feel comfortable.

In a Change.org petition that has since garnered over 4,000 signatures with a goal of 5,000, the Vancouver-based influencer called upon the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to end “discrimination and discomfort” for obese passengers.

“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,” she wrote. “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.”

Perhaps, like baggage, there should be weight and size limits and extra charges if we exceed that?

Plus-Sized Influencer Tells Airlines to Give Obese Flyers Free Seats https://t.co/XNzk4iVQqE via @BreitbartNews

— Alaskan Tequila (@LTequila4) April 16, 2023

“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,” she added.

Chaney then recommended that the FAA “require all airlines to implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of all passengers.” This would also include clear guidelines of accommodation for obese passengers such as “larger seats, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements.”

1. Travel is a privilege, not a right
2. Airplane seating is not comfortable for anyone regardless of size
3. People can’t even get free seats when traveling with babies. Why should these people who are obese by choice get free seats?

— Sara Lamberto (@slamberto) April 15, 2023

Depending on the passenger’s size, Chaney recommended that the airlines provide an extra free seat or “even two or three seats.” Should a plus-sized passenger purchase two seats independently, Chaney further demanded that the airline reimburse them through a “straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service.”

Chaney previously chronicled her struggles while flying on Instagram. In one post, for instance, she said that people “can’t stand to see fat people happy” and strongly encouraged plus-sized followers to “be happy and take up space.”