Plus-sized activist raises demand for extra free seats for ‘fat’ fliers, sparks outrage

On November 28, 2024By Online Niel

Plus size travel influencer Jae’lynn Chaney renewed his call for us airlines adopt a “one person, one fare” policy to prevent older passengers from being charged for extra seats. Jae’lynn, who has faced incidents of discrimination while flying, they argued that airlines are taking advantage of plus-size discomfort PASSENGER and must implement larger seats and fair reimbursements.

Taking to her TikTok page on Sunday (Nov. 24), Jae’lynn shared a clip in which she denounced the airline’s decline, leaving plus-sized passengers scrambling for space and forced to pay for extra seats.

“It’s actually outrageous here that we’re being forced to pay twice for the same accommodation that everyone else gets with one ticket,” the TikToker said in her viral video.

“It’s not about giving fat people more, it’s about meeting basic needs.”

Plus-size travel influencer Jae’lynn Chaney has renewed her call for US airlines to adopt a ‘one person, one fare’ policy

Image credits: jaebaeproductions

Jae’lynn went on to argue that unlike USCanada has a “one person, one fare” policy, and so the policy should exist in other countries as well.

Although her statement is accurate, this Canadian policy is specific to people with DISABLED who need additional seats.

right Canadian Transportation AgencyCanadian airlines must provide additional seats at no additional cost for domestic travel if the passenger provides documentation confirming their need due to a disability.

Image credits: jaebaeproductions

However, the policy does not apply universally to all older passengers unless they can document a disability that requires such an accommodation.

“Meanwhile in the US, fat people are still being forced to pay double for what should be standard accommodation,” Jae’lynn said.

The content creator continued to criticize the US airlines to take advantage of shrinking seat sizes, which she said disproportionately affects passengers who need the extra space.

The policy would prevent taller passengers from being charged for extra seats

Image credits: jaebaeofficial

“And let’s not forget that airline seats are getting smaller every year, making it even harder for those who already need the extra space,” Jae’lynn exclaimed.

She concluded: “It’s time to stop profiting off our bodies and start treating everyone fairly.”

Jae’lynn’s video sparked outrage as one TikTok user commented: “Maybe you’re the size of two people?”

One person wrote: “If you take two seats then no one else can buy a ticket to sit there so you have to pay for it.”

Image credits: jaebaeofficial

Someone else wrote: “If you choose to have the 2 person size, then you should pay for 2 people.

“You look quite young and the health risks of morbid obesity should make you want to make lifestyle changes.”

Morbid obesity, now known as class III obesity, is a chronic disease that occurs when a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher and other conditions of obesity related health, Cleveland Clinic explain.

Morbid obesity it is a serious condition that can have a negative impact on health and can shorten a person’s life span.

Jae’lynn has previously faced incidents of in-flight discrimination

Image credits: jaebaeofficial

It can lead to the development of other serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and degenerative joint disease.

“People who are very tall pay extra for more legroom,” said one netizen. “My boyfriend is claustrophobic and pays extra for business class. You should too.”

One commenter added: “It’s like me and my co-worker getting paid the same for the same job. But I spend more money, so I should be paid more by your logic.”

A separate individual chimed in: “You actually get double the standard accommodation. I hope this helps.”

Jae’lynn currently runs a petition calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to enforce comprehensive policies for accommodating plus-sized travelers, emphasizing dignity, accessibility, and comfort for all passengers.

In the petition, she highlighted personal experiences of discrimination and physical discomfort during flights, finding the current system unacceptable.

She argued that airlines are taking advantage of the discomfort of plus-sized travelers and need to implement larger seats and fair refunds.

Image credits: jaebaeproductions

The changes proposed in her petition include providing extra seats at no extra cost, ticket refunds for those forced to buy extra seats, priority boarding, larger restrooms and improved employee training to address fat bias.

Jae’lynn also urged the Transportation Security Administration’s accessible screening practices and wheelchair-accessible restrooms on all new aircraft, saying these measures would create a more inclusive air travel experience.

So far, her petition has been signed by 39,439 people, with the goal of reaching 50,000 signatures.

Image credits: jaebaeproductions

It’s not the first time the influencer has spoken out on behalf of plus-sized flyers looking for more comfortable and travel-friendly accommodations.

In July, Jae’lynn sparked viral debate with a TikTok video calling for mandatory handrails at public pools to improve accessibility for swimmers of all sizes and abilities.

Highlighting her reliance on handrails for safe pool entry and exit, the plus-size travel influencer claimed their absence rules many people out from enjoying pools with confidence.