A plus-size influencer has sparked a huge debate over on social media for her demand to have the FAA “protect” those with a fuller figure when flying on planes. Jaelynn Chaney has received quite the reaction from people as she said airlines need to start providing people of her size with as many seats as they need in order to feel comfortable when flying — particularly if the journey tends to last several hours.
Chaney, who is a travel content creator from Vancouver that regularly flies across the country as part of her job, says it’s time that plus-size people are protected by the Federal Aviation Authority, adding that they, too, deserve to feel comfortable when flying in coach.
“As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,” she wrote in the petition. All plus-size passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even two or three seats depending on their size, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort during the flight.”
But Chaney wasn’t done just yet. According to the Daily Mail, she also demanded that “airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently.” She continued, “This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service.” If the change was approved, Chaney admits that the price fare would evidently have to increase but suggests that those who aren’t overweight should pay the same higher ticket price to help cover the improvements.
Airline seats are designed to accommodate a certain weight and size limit, which can be a problem for bigger passengers. The seat width and legroom are often too small, making it difficult to sit comfortably for hours at a time. Additionally, the armrests may not be able to lower or lift, which can further limit the space for bigger passengers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese. This means that a significant percentage of the population is likely to experience discomfort when flying. Globally, the World Health Organization reported that over 1.9 billion adults were overweight in 2016, with 650 million classified as obese.
Airlines have recognized the issue of uncomfortable seats for bigger passengers and have implemented various solutions to address the problem. Some airlines have introduced wider seats with more legroom, while others have installed seatbelt extensions and additional padding. However, these options are not always available and may come with an additional cost.
One of the most common solutions offered by airlines is the option to purchase an additional seat. This allows bigger passengers to have more space and avoid discomfort during the flight. However, this can be an expensive option, as the cost of two seats can be significantly higher than a single seat.
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The discomfort experienced by bigger passengers can have a significant impact on their mental health and self-esteem. Bigger individuals may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their size, especially if they are unable to fit comfortably in the seat. This can lead to anxiety and stress when traveling, which can have a negative impact on their overall travel experience.
Moreover, the discomfort and lack of accommodation can also lead to discrimination and ridicule from other passengers on the flight. This can further worsen the mental and emotional state of bigger passengers, making air travel a traumatic experience.