A plus-sized blogger is making waves once again, demanding that U.S. airlines stop charging bigger passengers extra for additional seats as the holiday travel season approaches.
Jaelynn Chaney, a vocal advocate for plus-sized travelers, took to TikTok this week to express her frustration. “It’s outrageous that plus-sized passengers are forced to pay twice for the same accommodation anyone else gets with just one ticket,” she said. “This isn’t about giving fat people more – it’s about accommodating basic needs.”
For years, Chaney has championed the need for larger seats on planes, arguing that airlines continue to shrink seat sizes to pack in more passengers. She believes that the U.S. should adopt the Canadian policy of “one person, one fare,” where passengers needing extra space don’t have to pay extra for it.
Canada has had a “one person, one fare” policy in place since 2008, and airlines like Air Canada require passengers needing extra accommodations to submit paperwork from their doctors. This must be done up to 48 hours before their flight. According to the Canadian government, the airline’s Fitness for Air Travel form includes a section that allows passengers to request accommodations due to obesity. Passengers must provide their height, weight, body mass index, and surface measurements, and the request must be signed by a doctor.
The U.S., however, does not have a similar policy. The Department of Transportation states that airlines are only required to provide one seat per ticket purchased.
Chaney is baffled that other countries, such as Canada, recognize this as a basic need while U.S. airlines continue to profit from passengers’ discomfort. “Why is it that other countries, like Canada, recognize this as a basic need, but here in the U.S., airlines are still making money off our discomfort?” she questioned. “It’s time they stop profiting from our bodies and start treating everyone fairly. And let’s not forget, airline seats keep shrinking every year, making it even harder for people who already need extra space.”
Her call for change has stirred strong reactions. One commenter argued, “If you take up two seats, then no other person can buy a ticket to sit there, so you have to pay for it.” Another asked, “If you use two seats, shouldn’t you pay for two seats?” Some commenters even made personal remarks, with one saying, “If I’m ever big enough to need two seats, it will be my wake-up call.” A man raised another question: “So who would decide if two seats were needed? What if I identified as a passenger of size?”
This is not the first time Chaney has advocated for plus-sized flyers. In June 2023, she petitioned for U.S. airlines to be required to refund overweight passengers for any additional seats they have to purchase. “As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,” she wrote in her petition, which has gained nearly 40,000 signatures.
Chaney argued that all plus-sized passengers should be provided with extra seats – possibly two or even three, depending on their size – to ensure comfort during flights. She also called for a straightforward refund process for passengers who purchase extra seats on their own. “Airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently,” she added. “This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service.”
Yet, despite her petition and ongoing efforts, U.S. airlines have yet to respond to her demands. But Chaney’s struggles go beyond just airline seats. She also faced difficulties at Chicago O’Hare airport, where she got stuck in a revolving door.
“I recently had a distressing experience at Chicago O’Hare airport,” Chaney explained. “As a plus-size ambulatory wheelchair user, I faced a significant challenge when trying to get to the baggage claim. The only option is to go through a revolving door. Press the button to slow it down for people with disabilities, but as we entered, we got stuck.” Chaney, who suffers from claustrophobia, said she panicked and motioned for help, but airport staff offered no assistance.
The incident at O’Hare was not her first trouble with airport staff. Chaney also shared an upsetting experience at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where staff allegedly refused to help her onto the jet bridge after she requested wheelchair assistance. She claims the employee began to walk away when they realized they were supposed to assist her, a plus-sized passenger, and not a smaller one. As the employee left with the wheelchair, she says they made comments about her size. The whole experience left Chaney gasping for air.
Jaelynn Chaney’s journey as an advocate for plus-sized travelers continues to highlight the many challenges that come with air travel for those of larger body sizes. Despite her ongoing efforts, the industry has yet to catch up to the needs of all passengers, and the debate over extra space and fair accommodations is far from over.
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