Plus-Size Influencer Demands Free Extra Seats on Planes for Overweight Passengers
Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-sized travel influencer, has sparked heated debates online after calling out airlines for their treatment of overweight passengers. In a passionate TikTok video, she slammed US airlines for making plus-sized travelers like herself purchase two seats to fly comfortably, branding it “outrageous” and evidence of systemic bias against fat people.
“Why is it that other countries, like Canada, recognize this as a basic need, but here in the US, 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.”
She contrasted Canadian airline policies with US regulations, where the Department of Transportation states airlines are not required to provide more than one seat per ticket purchased. Canadian airlines like Air Canada; however, assess individual needs through a detailed process involving medical documentation and body measurements, offering accommodations at no additional charge.
Most online sentiments disagreed with Chaney. “It’s not up to airlines to cater to you. They provide a standard service. If you want extra, pay for it,” wrote Michael Crow on Facebook.
Another reader chimed in, “If people have to pay extra for weight in their luggage then surely someone of this size should pay extra for the weight of themselves. An aircraft can only take so much weight.
A third netizen commented, “My husband and I have both spent uncomfortable flights next to people as large as yourself in general-sized seats, spilling over and pushing against us making our whole experience poor. We are free to live our lives in our own way and accept the consequences, so unfortunately, I’m a firm believer that you should pay for 2 seats to accommodate both your needs and that of others.”
Still, Jaelynn remains undeterred, determined to challenge a system she believes is inherently biased. “We’re treated like the problem”, she said, “when, in reality, it’s the system that’s broken.”
A few months ago, “Jae Bae” also began a petition, advocating for “comfortable and accessible” flights for all regardless of size. As of November 29, the petition has nearly 40,000 signatures.
This isn’t the first time that Jaelynn Chaney has made headlines. In the past, the plus-size internet personality demanded bigger hallways in hotels. She also blasted an airline employee for refusing to push her in a wheelchair.
