A woman is calling on airlines to implement a 'customer-of-size policy' so that plus-sized travellers are 'protected' when travelling.
This involves making sure there are guidelines in place to ensure the comfort of travellers of all sizes. For plus sized travellers, this would involve giving them as many free seats as needed to travel comfortably.
Plus-sized influencer Jaelynn Chaney, based in Vancouver, Washington, wants the Federal Aviation Authority in the US to make flying in coach "comfortable and accessible for everyone," including "larger people".
The travel and lifestyle creator speaks from experience as she claims she was left "bruised" and in "pain" due immovable armrest during a flight – and also speaks of the "discrimination" she faces as a plus sized traveller.
In her petition, which has been signed by more than 4,900 people so far, she wrote: "As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying.
"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. Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises."
She added that the "mistreatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable" and highlighted the need for "better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers".
As part of her plea, Jaelynn is asking for all airlines to "implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritises the comfort and well-being of all passengers".
This includes providing larger seats and bathrooms, seat belt extenders and alternative seating arrangements, wheelchair access and priority boarding if needed.
She also wants airlines to have to refund passengers for any extra seats they have to purchase during the booking process to accommodate their size.
Jaelynn explained: "Airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently. This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service."
However, she is aware that ticket prices would need to rise if these changes were to happen.
The travel influencer regularly documents her and her fiancé's struggles when flying on social media – from videos of them being tightly packed into seats, to showing the horrible things other passengers have said to her – including asking her if she bought two seats.
According to Jaelynn, people tell her it's "not fair to the person who has to sit next to her" if she doesn't. However, when she tells them she does purchase an extra seat, they tell her she's "selfish for taking a seat from another".
In a recent Instagram post, she added: "No matter what we do, someone is mad. So we might as well do exactly what we want to do. We only get this one life to live and I'll be damned if I spend it sad and hating my life and or body.
"Nobody should have to live like that. I will never encourage someone to spend life hidden away to appease someone on the internet who takes time out of their day to spread hate."
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