Airline seat policy sparks controversy: Are plus-size travellers facing discrimination?

We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


travel1.jpg
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


travel2.jpg
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
 
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We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


View attachment 22328
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


View attachment 22329
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways

  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
I have no idea what they should do, but we were on a plane once., my hubby had almost no room to move. The lady sitting next to him was so very big. She hung over the seat, it was very uncomfortable for him. Why do we have to put up with that? Maybe they should pay for 2 seats so others are not squashed up!
 
We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


View attachment 22328
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


View attachment 22329
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways

  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
At what weight do you stop pandering to overweight people? Should the person who weighs 200Kg be given 2 seats? Should the person who weighs 300Kg be given 3 seats? How about 4 seats if you weigh 400Kg?

We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


View attachment 22328
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


View attachment 22329
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways

  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
 
So by this lady's reckoning, if I don't even fill my own seat should I pay a reduced seat charge? No of course not.

On every airline website there are the seating plans together with seat measurements. If you cannot 'comfortably' access them then you buy two, upgrade to first or business class, try another airline or find another way to get to your destination. Your choice.

Just wait until the airlines all start weighing passengers with all their luggage to ensure even weight distribution. What will this lady do then?
 
We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


View attachment 22328
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


View attachment 22329
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways

  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
good luck. i would rather they paid the extra than be up close and personal to me. there is such a thing as caring for ones self.
 
Subsides or free seats are only going to increase the price of any seat. The airlines aren't going to supply 'free' seats.
 
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There is a very easy solution to overweight passengers obtaining a comfortable seat on an airline-purchase a business class ticket or fly ScootPlus where for a very small price you get a large seat and as I am a size 50 overweight passenger I find very comfortable. Why on earth would an airline provide a free seat to a passenger who, through only their own personal experience, are obese, they are not responsible for their passengers being obese.
Neither are the taxpayers. Far more important priorities like health and hospitals and homelessness 5o be addressed.
 
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Reactions: Littleboy8
Many times I have sat at the boarding gate and hoped that the obese people also sitting there were not going to be in a seat next to me, because feeling someone's hot, fatty body rubbing up against mine makes a long journey even more uncomfortable. If you need a seat belt extension and an extra seat, pay for the extra space and don't make others responsible for your health or medical condition.
 
The only person responsible for your size is you, nobody else. I weighed 50kg and put on almost 30kg in 6 weeks when my thyroid died, I am a size 12 - 14 and it takes work to maintain it with a chemical metabolism but I do for me. I doubt that I will ever be a size 8 - 10 ever again, but I love to travel and I fly a lot, and I take up one seat. So there a no excuses about being overweight, I have been living with this for 40 odd years and medicines have gotten much better.
 
We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


View attachment 22328
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


View attachment 22329
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways

  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
If your bum needs two seats pay for two seats. It’s not our fault, you’re oversized, there’s nothing worse than sitting beside someone spilling out of their seat, on a long haul flight, and you need to get to the toilet.. if you need two seats to be comfy, pay for them.. pretty simple
 
We here at the SDC know that travelling is only getting harder with the rise in ticket costs, security procedures, and baggage limitations.

And while we try our hardest to make travel as convenient as it can be, certain travellers are facing more issues and, as a result, feel discriminated against.



Flying used to be a luxury reserved for a select few. But now, it's a necessity for many, allowing them to explore the world easily and efficiently, either for work or for pleasure.

But with this accessibility comes questions about how airlines can cater to passengers with different needs and ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.

For those who are plus-sized, airline seat policies have become a controversial topic. Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size traveller and social media content creator, believes that airlines are treating larger passengers unfairly by requiring them to pay for extra seats in order to accommodate their size.


View attachment 22328
A traveller claimed that airline policies for plus-sized passengers are unfair and discriminatory. Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Jaelynn petitioned for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce changes to airline policies overseas, including providing plus-sized travellers with extra free seats as necessary.

So far, her Change.org petition has gathered over 17,000 signatures.



According to Chaney, a size 6XL herself, these policies are discriminatory against plus-sized passengers.

‘As plus-size travellers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying,’ Jaelynn wrote in her petition.

As she points out, ‘People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination. And we have to pay two fares, even though we're getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging.’


View attachment 22329
Jaelynn said airlines should ‘protect’ plus-sized travellers’ interests. Credit: Nathan Moore/Pexels

This sentiment is echoed by Gabor Lukacs, the founder of Air Passenger Rights. In a recent interview, Lukacs suggests the issue could be considered a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.

He argues that ‘through that lens of human rights, I don't see any justification for charging these people a double fare’.



Lukacs also points out that many factors contribute to a person's size, including genetics and health conditions. He also believes that there is a ‘lot of negative attention and prejudice against plus-sized people’, which impacts the issue.

As he puts it, ‘It's not as if someone is getting up in the morning and making a decision that they're going to be a large person.’ Further adding that ‘being a large-size person is not a choice, as many people mistakenly believe’.

Lukacs also explained that ‘immutable characteristics’ that are being used to assess additional fees for passengers is a ‘slippery slope’ for airlines.

Airline policies concerning larger passengers remain a contentious issue, but there are a few potential solutions being discussed.

Some suggest that airlines themselves should bear the financial burden of providing extra accommodations, while others argue that the costs could be subsidised by the government. After all, shouldn't accessible and equitable transportation be available to everyone, regardless of size?



At the very least, plus-size passengers like Jaelynn Chaney hope that the FAA and similar international organisations will standardise policies in a way that benefits plus-sized travellers and creates a more accessible, inclusive experience.

She said: ‘The government may have a role to play in funding or incentivising these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens.’

As the conversation around airline seat policies continues, we will stay tuned for the latest developments.
Key Takeaways

  • Plus-size traveller and lifestyle content creator Jaelynn Chaney believes airlines should give overweight passengers extra seats for free, claiming current policies are discriminatory.
  • Chaney's Change.org petition demanding changes benefiting obese and overweight flyers has received 17,000 signatures.
  • Air Passenger Rights founder Gabor Lukacs agrees with Chaney, stating it is a matter of human rights for passengers of a certain weight.
  • Chaney hopes for standardised policies and a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for plus-size passengers.
We want to hear from our wonderful members! Do you think the airlines should offer extra free seats to obese or overweight passengers? Of course, this may have a knock-on effect on the price of fares for everyone else – would you be willing to pay a little extra as a result of this policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
I don’t care if fatties want 2 seats I was on a trip from melb to tassie many moons ago. And I’m a scrawny chicken and because the last person to board our plane was a rather large 🐘. I got asked if I wanted to ride in the cockpit with the pilots as the plane was overloaded. Yes please!best trip of my life. So thanks “mamma cass”😈
 
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The biggest problem (and not just for larger people) is that airlines have shrunk their seats and rows over the years!
YES, true. Qantas is one of them. Hence why when I fly long journeys I always choose Emirates, Qatar, Singapore and/or Cathay.
Qantas is all about money and how much money the ex CEO was going to make with all his bonuses and freebies. As such, Qantas has lost all credibility IMHO.
 

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