Plus-size Airline Passenger Petitions For Free Seats And Bigger Bathrooms

An online petition has been initiated by a plus-size airline passenger who is calling for improved passenger accommodations from airlines for people who are larger.

Here’s What She’s Asking For

In a Change.org petition titled “Demand for the FAA to Protect Plus-Sized Customers,” petition originator Jae’lynn Chaney, a content creator from Vancouver, Washington, has several requests for change when it comes to larger individuals flying safely and comfortably.

“Air travel should be comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of size,” Chaney wrote in her petition. 

“As plus-size travelers, 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 [a] refusal to sit next to them, amounting to discrimination,” she added.

“Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises,” Chaney also noted in her petition.

“Being forced to occupy only one seat can result in pain and vulnerability to poor treatment from fellow passengers,” she added.

According to Chaney, she confirms that implementing her requests would incur extra expenses. However, she believes that the benefits would outweigh these costs.

“It is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who will pay for the policies mentioned in the petition,” she told Fox News Digital in emailed comments.

“However, what is clear is that the mistreatment and discrimination of plus-size travelers is unacceptable and must be addressed,” she said in part. 

“The airline industry has a responsibility to provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment for all passengers, regardless of their size.”

Offering a potential solution, she said, “Many airlines also oversell a percentage of seats on flights, resulting in available seats that could be used to accommodate passengers who need additional room.”

Chaney added, “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.” (See Chaney speak about her petition in the Instagram video, below.)

Chaney’s petition calls for specific changes, such as comprehensive guidelines from the FAA instructing all airlines to provide accommodations for larger passengers, which would include “alternative seating arrangements,” larger seats, and seatbelt extenders.

The petition also asks for free extra seats for plus-size individuals.

The petition also calls for airlines to provide refunds to plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently. Furthermore, Chaney’s demands include the creation of airline standards pertaining to booking, refunds, check-in, boarding, and flight procedures for larger individuals.

Also, the petition requests that larger-sized bathrooms be provided for plus-size travelers, along with priority boarding and extra airport assistance.

Training of airline employees is also on the docket in the petition.

Chaney said she wanted to hit 5,000 signatures for her petition — and is hoping for reaction from the FAA or the airlines. 

She also says in her petition, “Together, we can make a difference and create a better world for everyone.”

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