Flying Shouldn’t Hurt: Influencer Launches Petition for Plus-Size Travelers
Air travel should be for everyone, but for plus-size passengers, it can feel like anything but. Washington-based influencer Jae’lynn Chaney is determined to change that. After a painful and humiliating flight experience, she’s taking a stand with a petition demanding better treatment for larger passengers.
With over 90,000 Instagram followers, Chaney has become a voice for plus-size travelers, offering advice and support. But her recent two-hour flight from Pasco to Denver left her feeling frustrated and discriminated against. Her fiancé faced cruel comments and icy stares, while Chaney herself endured cramped seating that left her bruised and uncomfortable.
“No one should have to endure this,” she said in a heartfelt Instagram video. “Flying should be inclusive, not painful.”
Her petition, titled “Demand for the FAA to Protect Plus-Size Travelers,” outlines the changes she believes are urgently needed. Chaney is calling for the Federal Aviation Administration to require airlines to create clear and compassionate policies for plus-size passengers.
What does she want? For starters, free extra seats for larger travelers—one, two, or even three depending on their size. These seats would ensure comfort and dignity throughout the flight. She also suggests a refund system for passengers forced to purchase multiple seats.
But her vision doesn’t stop there. She’s pushing for better airport accommodations, like priority boarding, seatbelt extenders, larger bathrooms, and alternative seating arrangements. And she believes all airline employees should be trained in how to handle these situations with sensitivity and care.
“Airlines must make changes,” Chaney insists. “It’s not just about comfort—it’s about basic human rights.”
She’s also urging airplane manufacturers to include at least one wheelchair-accessible restroom on every new aircraft.
As of now, over 4,000 supporters have signed the petition, and the number is growing. One comment reads: “We deserve a world built for real bodies, not corporate profits.”
Will airlines take notice? That remains to be seen. In the meantime, Chaney’s petition serves as a powerful reminder that air travel should be accessible for everyone, regardless of size.
Want to help make air travel more inclusive? Sign Jae’lynn Chaney’s petition here.
