A plus-size travel influencer who previously demanded other passengers pay for obese flyers’ extra seats has now called on hotels to enlarge hallways to help fat guests.
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator based in Vancouver, said her aim is to make the travel industry a more accepting place for all – and demanded changes to hotels to accommodate bigger vacationers.
Back in April, she started a petition to the US Federal Aviation Authority to ‘protect’ plus-sized travelers and make flying in coach ‘comfortable and accessible for everyone.’
In her latest video, Chaney referenced multiple demands specifically for hotels across the world, including: ‘Make elevators and hallways spacious, to allow for easy movement of larger individuals and those utilizing mobility devices.’
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator based in Vancouver, said her aim is to make the travel industry a more accepting place for all – and demanded changes to hotels to accommodate for bigger holidaymakers
‘As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ she wrote in her petition earlier this year. The influencer says that she is trying to make the industry more inclusive
She said she wants hotels to raise their toilet seats and fit each room with handheld shower heads so that bigger bodied people can use the facilities with ease.
The influencer also asked for handrails on pools and sturdy chairs so people can lounge in peace.
She also asked for stronger beds, size inclusive bathrobes going up to a size 6 XL, and plus-size friendly towels for guests.
Her suggestions were greeted with mixed reviews.
One person wrote: ‘I agree this is ideal, but some of these are out of the hotel’s control. Lift size, for example.’
Another added: ‘I’m backing you 100 percent.’
But others were more harsh: ‘How are you gonna ask for things to change but you refuse to change yourself.’
Another person said ‘I agree with some but others are just not possible. The amount of money it will take to make all of these changes is unreal.’
Chaney previously said she wanted airlines to be forced to refund overweight passengers for any extra seats they’re forced to purchase when booking to accommodate their size.
‘As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ she wrote in her petition, which has been signed by around 4,300 people as of Saturday afternoon.
Jaelynn Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator based in Vancouver, is demanding the FAA to ‘protect’ plus-sized travelers and make it more ‘comfortable and accessible for everyone’
She added: ‘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.’
Turning her attention to reimbursements, Chaney added: ‘Airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently. This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service.’
Chaney admitted ticket prices would have to rise if she were to get her way, and conceded non-overweight passengers could be faced with higher costs to help cover improvements.
‘During a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancé was subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, amounting to discrimination.
‘Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises.’
In videos posted to her Instagram, Chaney has widely documented her struggles flying, from showing her and her boyfriend being tightly packed into seats to showing what some passengers have said to her, including asking her if she bought two seats.
‘They say it’s not fair to the person who has to sit next me if I don’t,’ text overlaid on the video read. ‘When I tell them I do, they say I’m selfish for taking a seat from another.’
However, when Chaney is ‘forced to occupy only one seat’ it can lead her to being in pain and cause chafing, as well as being subjected to ‘poor treatment from fellow passengers.’
‘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,’ she wrote.
‘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.’
Chaney currently uses seatbelt extenders to make flying a more comfortable experience. She hasn’t commented on why she doesn’t fly business or first class – which offers much bigger seats – although those fares are far more expensive than regular coach seats.
She also believes crew members should undergo training on ‘how to accommodate plus-size travelers, including handling sensitive situations and providing appropriate customer service.’
