I’m a XXXXXXL airline passenger and I have to book two seats every time – but airlines should be the ones paying
A PLUS size passenger is demanding airlines fork out for the extra seat she needs on planes.
Influencer Jaelynn Chaney says she has been left in “pain” and with “bruises” after being “forced to occupy only one seat”.
Jaelynn, from the US, has set up a petition arguing for airlines to reimburse travellers who have to buy two seats because of their size.
She wrote: “Being forced to occupy only one seat can result in pain and vulnerability to poor treatment from fellow passengers, including hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them.
“This mistreatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable, and it highlights the urgent need for better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers, regardless of size.
“Unfortunately, plus-size passengers often experience discomfort and discrimination when flying.
“The lack of a uniform customer-of-size airline policy is unacceptable and must be addressed.”
She claims that she and her fiancé were subject to abuse when flying from Pasco to Denver.
Jaelynn – who is a size 6X – wants airlines to provide additional accessible seats or reimburse customers who feel the need to book an extra spot.
In a rant to her 133,000 followers on TikTok, she said she can only travel comfortably in two economy seats.
She added: “Plus size travellers need more space.
“Many people agree that plane seats are too small, even for the average size person.
“As a plus size traveller myself I know how uncomfortable and unsafe it can be to squeeze into a tiny airplane seat.
“We are not asking for special treatment or luxury accommodations, we simply want enough space to travel comfortably and safely without fear of being discriminated against because of our size.”
So far, almost 30,000 people have signed Jaelynn’s petition.
On the page, she wrote: “These passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even multiple seats, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort and safety, as well as those around them, during the flight.
“By implementing official customers-of-size policies, airlines can ensure that all passengers have a positive flying experience, regardless of their size or physical needs.”