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One of the best parts of flying in business class or another premium cabin is having extra room to stretch out. Although I am not a huge person, it is always nice to be able to stretch out, especially on longer or overnight flights. There’s no denying that if you are a larger individual that flying can be challenging.

a woman in a dress

Passengers Of Size Starting Online Petition

Jae’lynn Chaney, a plus-size traveler and online travel advocate has started an online petition saying that the FAA should mandate that all airlines have a comprehensive customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers.

The petition continues that the policy must have clear and inclusive guidelines on accommodating customers of size, including plus size individuals, individuals with disabilities, tall individuals, and anyone who needs more space to be comfortable while flying. The policy should also provide alternative seating arrangements, larger seats, and other size-accessible accommodations to ensure that all passengers can have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flying experience, while also being considerate of their fellow passengers.

Airlines’ Passenger Of Size Policies

I first read about this over on CNN, where they talk a bit more about the different policies that airlines have, and the difference in policies is quite wide. For example, United’s plus-size traveler policy says you have to buy an extra seat if you can’t “properly attach, buckle and wear the seat belt, with one extension if necessary”, stay seated with the armrests down or if you “significantly encroach upon the adjacent seating space.” On the other hand, in Canada, obesity is recognized as a disability and Canadian airlines are forbidden from charging for an additional seat for a plus-sized traveler.

Personally, I can see a few sides to this discussion. It’s really not as simple as “maybe they should lose weight”. That is a very simplistic view (shared by many) that really isn’t going to solve problems. On the other hand, it was a flight where I was seated in the window next to two very large individuals that got me to switch to always booking the aisle. I do think that it’s reasonable that airlines have a published passenger of size policy and that is consistently enforced. Right now, it’s a bit hit or miss depending on the airline and the experience (or mood!) of the flight attendant on the flight.

The Bottom Line

Jae’lynn Chaney, a plus-size traveler and online travel advocate has started an online petition saying that the FAA should mandate that all airlines have a comprehensive customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers.

What do you think of this petition? Leave your thoughts in the comments


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