Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
38
“Nothing In Life Is Free”: Plus-Size Traveler Slammed For Demanding Free Extra Plane Seats
Plus-size travel influencer Jae’lynn Chaney renewed her call for US airlines to adopt a “one person, one fare” policy to prevent larger passengers from being charged for extra seats. Jae’lynn, who has faced incidents of discrimination while flying, argued airlines profit off the discomfort of plus-sized travelers and need to implement larger seats and fair refunds.
Highlights
- Plus-size influencer calls for 'one person, one fare' airline policy.
- Jae’lynn criticizes airlines for shrinking seats, affecting plus-sized travelers.
- Canadian policy offers extra seats at no cost for those with disabilities.
- Petition seeks fair refunds, large seats, and anti-bias training in airlines.
Taking to her TikTok page on Sunday (November 24), Jae’lynn shared a clip where she denounced airline shrinking, leaving plus-size passengers struggling for space and forced to pay for extra seats.
“It’s actually outrageous here that we’re forced to pay twice for the same accommodation anyone else gets with just one ticket,” the TikToker said in her viral video.
“This isn’t about giving fat people more, it’s about accommodating basic needs.”
RELATED:
Plus-size travel influencer Jae’lynn Chaney renewed her call for US airlines to adopt a “one person, one fare” policy
Image credits: jaebaeproductions
Jae’lynn went on to claim that as opposed to the US, Canada has a “one person, one fare” policy, and the policy should therefore also exist in other countries.
While her claim is accurate, this Canadian policy is specific to individuals with disabilities who require additional seating.
According to the Canadian Transportation Agency, Canadian airlines must provide extra seats without additional cost for domestic travel if the passenger provides documentation confirming their need due to a disability.
Image credits: jaebaeproductions
However, the policy does not universally apply to all larger passengers unless they can document a disability requiring such accommodation.
“Meanwhile, in the US, fat people are still being forced to pay double for what should be a standard accommodation,” Jae’lynn said.
The content creator continued to criticize US airlines for profiting from shrinking seat sizes, which she said disproportionately affects passengers needing extra space.
The policy would prevent larger passengers from being charged for extra seats
Image credits: jaebaeofficial
“And let’s not forget airline seats keep shrinking every year, making it even harder for people who already need extra space,” Jae’lynn exclaimed.
She concluded: “It’s time they stop profiting from our bodies and start treating everyone fairly.”
Jae’lynn’s video sparked outrage, as a TikTok user commented: “Maybe bcs ur the size of two people?”
A person wrote: “If you take up two seats, then no other person can buy a ticket to sit there, so you have to pay for it.”
Image credits: jaebaeofficial
Someone else penned: “If you choose to be the size of 2 people then you should pay for 2 people.
“You look fairly young and the health risks from being morbidly obese should want you to make lifestyle changes.”
Morbid obesity, now known as class III obesity, is a chronic disease that occurs when a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher, and other obesity-related health conditions, the Cleveland Clinic explains.
Morbid obesity is a serious condition that can negatively impact health and shorten a person’s lifespan.
Jae’lynn previously faced incidents of discrimination while flying
Image credits: jaebaeofficial
It can lead to the development of other serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, and degenerative joint disease.
“People that are very tall pay extra for more legroom,” a netizen shared. “My boyfriend is claustrophobic and pays extra for business class. You should too.”
A commentator added: “It’s like me and my coworker get paid the same money for the same job. But I spend more money so I should get paid more by your logic.”
@jaebaeofficial Replying to @🫧🎀🌸🎐 Airline seats are getting smaller every year, making it harder for people who need more space. When a fat person speaks up about small plane seats or needing to buy more than one seat because they don’t fit, they’re criticized and ridiculed. Now, let’s talk about how when a thin person says the same thing, they’re praised. Why the double standard? The real issue is anti-fat bias that’s ingrained in society, making people think fat people don’t deserve basic accommodations. We’re treated like the problem when, in reality, it’s the system that’s broken. Airlines profit from shrinking seats and forcing us to pay double for what should be a basic need. And when we demand fairness, we’re made to feel like we’re asking for too much. It’s time to change the narrative and treat every body with respect. • • • #BodyEqualityInTravel #FearlessFatAdvocacy #FatAcceptance #SizeInclusion #AirlineSeats #AntiFatBias #FatPeopleDeserveRespect #FairTravel #EndFatPhobia #TravelEquality #InclusionMatters #TravelForAll #AccessibleTravel #PlusSizeTravel #InclusiveTravel #Fyp ♬ Righteous – Mo Beats
A separate individual chimed in: “You’re actually getting double the standard accommodation. Hope this helps.”
Jae’lynn currently runs a petition calling for the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate comprehensive policies for accommodating plus-size travelers, emphasizing dignity, accessibility, and comfort for all passengers.
In the petition, she highlighted personal experiences of discrimination and physical discomfort during flights, calling the current system unacceptable.
She argued airlines profit off the discomfort of plus-sized travelers and need to implement larger seats and fair refunds
Image credits: jaebaeproductions
Proposed changes in her petition include providing additional seating at no extra cost, refunding tickets for those forced to purchase extra seats, priority boarding, larger lavatories, and improved employee training to address anti-fat bias.
Jae’lynn also urged accessible Transportation Security Administration screening practices and wheelchair-accessible lavatories on all new aircraft, asserting these measures would create a more inclusive air travel experience.
So far, her petition has been signed by 39,439 people with a goal to reach 50,000 signatures.
Image credits: jaebaeproductions
This isn’t the first time the influencer has spoken out on behalf of plus-size flyers seeking more comfortable and inclusive travel accommodations.
Back in July, Jae’lynn sparked viral debate with a TikTok video demanding mandatory handrails at public swimming pools to improve accessibility for swimmers of all sizes and abilities.
Highlighting her reliance on handrails for safe pool entry and exit, the plus-size travel influencer argued that their absence excludes many individuals from enjoying pools confidently.
Taking to her TikTok page on Sunday (November 24), Jae’lynn shared a clip where she denounced airline shrinking
Image credits: jaebaeproductions
She emphasized, “Accessibility isn’t optional,” and called for inclusive measures to ensure everyone can participate safely.
In May, Jae’lynn accused Seattle–Tacoma International Airport of discrimination after an employee allegedly refused to assist her in a wheelchair and made dismissive comments about her size.
She claimed she was forced to walk a long jet bridge unaided, resulting in health issues like low oxygen levels and near fainting.
Jae’lynn subsequently called for mandatory sensitivity training for airport employees and referenced her petition advocating for inclusive travel policies.
Jae’lynn’s video continued to ignite heated debates
Poll Question
Thanks! Check out the results:
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
What do you think ?
Bernd Herbert 3 weeks ago
If my suitcase is one kg above the limit I'd have to pay extra, but that woman is double my weight and pays the same.
ZGutr 3 weeks ago
Yes, this is absolutely absurd. IF weight is such an issue, then peoples weight should matter too.
Load More Replies...
ॐBoyGanesh 3 weeks ago
If it were a public entity, a public utility, a civil right or a human right issue, I’d agree with her. However, their goal IS profitability off ALL our bodies. We pay them a fee to cram ourselves into a predefined space. We have the option to not fly & we typically have alternatives to flying. In cases where we don’t have alternatives, we have the option to buy a larger predefined space on the aircraft. I am mostly taken aback by her failure to recognize flying isn’t a right. It’s a privilege. Her entire argument is based on a foundation of it being a right & attempting to massively widen the scopes of “accessibility” and “reasonable accommodation.” If she were legally required to fly, then the government should assure her accessibility. If she has a qualified disability (which obesity typically is not) the airlines should reasonably accommodate her. I fly weekly to/from a location with larger Polynesians. Most upgrade cabins, buy 2 seats or get moved to very last row.
XenoMurph 3 weeks ago
She completely understands, but she needs to continue to get headlines for the Insta clicks, so she makes outrageous statements.
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 3 weeks ago
Morbid obesity runs in my family. Many of my family members end up with Type 2 diabetes and its eventual co-morbidities. My cousin died of diabetes-caused kidney failure at age 24. My great-aunt got gangrene in one arm and had to have it amputated. My 34-year-old cousin has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Most of my obese family members die by their late 50s. All because of self-caused obesity. And yet every single one of them has more dignity and self-respect than to have ever demanded FREE seats on a plane simply because they were too fat to fit into one seat. This isn't about "accessibility" - she is saying that fat people should get free seats and be allowed priority boarding of the plane before others with actual disabilities. This woman's attitude and entitlement is disgusting. There are some conditions that can *cause* obesity and those ARE disabilities. But she isn't disabled.
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 3 weeks ago
"Morbid obesity runs in my family." - Sounds like no one runs in your family! (I'm sorry, I really could resist)
Load More Replies...
Jayjay 3 weeks ago
Maybe she could use a course in aerodynamics? Before taking off, pilots have to calculate and check the weight of luggage and passengers in the plane to be sure they have enough fuel, and that the weight is distributed properly over the plane. If you put 10 of her size on one side of the plane, you wouldn't fly far :).
Megan Curl 3 weeks ago
Exactly! It literally causes the airline extra work just to balance the plane got obese people.
Load More Replies...
Hans Georg 3 weeks ago
Airplane seats are build for the majority and most people fit in those seats. Call me an a*****e, but the woman is far above plus-size. This reminded me of a case in Germany where a woman, being only a few cm too short, sued an airline company, because she was rejected at their pilots school. The airline company argued that she could not reach all switches in case of an emergency. Even cockpits are build for the majority. I can understand, that it is uncomfortable for this woman, but when we start to build wider seats, we have to build wider airplanes soon. And even if we did not and just placed only a few wider seats into the airplane, who decides how many.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 3 weeks ago
When I was a child, I wanted to be a fighter pilot because my dad had been in the Air Force (as a navigator.) At the time I did not meet the height requirements (since abolished) and I am also left-handed. My dad pointed out that there are no left-handed planes made. It does suck when our physical bodies do not match what we want to be able to do, but like you said, cockpits are built for the majority/the "average". I do think airline seats are super small even for the average human being (and I am not tall nor obese) but again, there are reasons why things like mass travel are made for the "average person". There should always be accommodations for the truly disabled, but this woman is not disabled.
Load More Replies...
Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
Waiting for the Lizzo epiphany when she suddenly realises that she needs to lose weight or die. Who exactly is she influencing with this approach? Is she being paid by pizza and cake companies?
Jayjay 3 weeks ago
No, she is trying to right herself, and it would be better if her friends and family would help her that the only way she can right herself is finding a way to lose the weight.
Load More Replies...
Mr. Toast 3 weeks ago
In the UK beginning of 80's we did not really have plus plus size people. Mind hardly any fast food in UK at that time. In fact holidaying in the US at that time we were fascinated by the plus plus plus brigade often seen sitting on a bench eating for hours at a time and ice cream that woul have fed our entire family. Maybe there will be an entitlement for free US Health Care due to tax made on junk food as that will be needed soon ? Just like skinny fashion models there is nothing positive here.
Nonya Business 3 weeks ago
no, the plane uses more fuel by weight. she weighs at least 3x what a normal person does.
Pittsburgh rare 3 weeks ago
So if she oozes over MY seat l can fly for free? Because I'm not having the space l paid for.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 weeks ago
If I'm taking up 2 seats, I should have to pay for two seats. "Reasonable" accommodation is that you fit safely onboard the aircraft. When you're a size DAMNNN! you need two seats, so you should have to pay for them. Why is that so hard to understand?
Steve Robert 3 weeks ago
Why is this woman given press? If you eat the same as four people, should you not pay the price for doing so? She takes away the dignity of true disabled people. She's not disabled. She just can't keep her mouth closed when food is around.
David Ward 3 weeks ago
The passenger plus luggage should be weighed, that should determine the fare.
Sue S 3 weeks ago
I'm sorry but if you've let yourself get that large at that young an age, you have bigger problems than the size of airplane seats. I understand weight gain can be due to medical reasons but I don't think that's the case here. This girl is so busy with her me, me, me attitude that she doesn't think about her fellow travelers. Im very thin and it's very uncomfortable for me to have someone overflowing into my seat. I've paid for my space. Why are you entitled to take up some of what I've paid for? I agree that she's just trying to get attention and "likes". Sad.
R Dennis 3 weeks ago
I am disabled. I used to be athletic until my neuromuscular disease started affecting me. While being on steroids to try to treat it, I ballooned up over 100 pounds. Unfortunately, my diagnosis meant no treatment would help, so I was able to stop the steroids. Because I primarily use a wheelchair now, I have only dropped 50 lbs. Ngl, I don't think I should have to pay extra. But on top of that, I think the airlines have people tricked about seat space - instead of calling out shrinking seats, people are attacking each other. (But don't worry. I have given up on flying as being too difficult now.)
Sian E 3 weeks ago
I'm short (5ft) and plus sized (size 20 UK, 48 Europe) but I fit into an airline seat without causing any discomfort for the person next to me. If I knew I was going to require more than one seat, I'd pay for it! People may be obese for a variety of reasons (some medical disorders like hypothyroidism or medications like steroids), but we learn to adapt. And sometimes the outcome is not in our favour. Is it fair? Probably not. But is having a hissy fit in public or online going to help either?
Richard Wareham 3 weeks ago
Stop giving this grossly oversized and overweight woman the publicity she craves.
William Teach 3 weeks ago
Sure, she can buy one seat when she loses the weight. I thought the whole being grossly obese and extolling that trend was ending?
Arabiata Arabiata 3 weeks ago
I'm 68 kg and 165 cm short. I demand half price on airfare, because the plane won't burn as much fuel while carrying my feather body. In addition my luggage is light, because my underwear is smaller in size.
Donna Peluda 3 weeks ago
I saw a woman at an airport that didn't fit through the metal detector. They had to wand her down. When she got on the plane she opened her hand luggage. It was full of chocolates, crisps and sweets. It was like watching a staving gorilla.
Steve Sharpe 3 weeks ago
I desperately wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was a kid. Didn't work out in the end, but even if I could count past ten without taking my shoes and socks off it wouldn't have been physically possible anyway - I'm really broad and very, very tall, whereas fighter jets are built for average sized people.. even if I could have got my legs in there (with the aid of some butter and a small crane) they'd have to cut a big hole in the lid for me to poke my head out of otherwise it wouldn't shut properly.. I wonder if I could file a compensation claim for bigphobic discrimination?
Binky Melnik 3 weeks ago
I’m extremely slender, and take up just half a seat. I’m gonna start a petition calling for airlines to charge thin or small people half-price since we don’t use all the space! It’s only fair/fare! I’m not using all the space, and so shouldn’t hafta pay for all of it! Seriously, what the hell gets into some people that they can’t see beyond their own noses?
Bernd Herbert 3 weeks ago
If my suitcase is one kg above the limit I'd have to pay extra, but that woman is double my weight and pays the same.
ZGutr 3 weeks ago
Yes, this is absolutely absurd. IF weight is such an issue, then peoples weight should matter too.
Load More Replies... ॐBoyGanesh 3 weeks ago
If it were a public entity, a public utility, a civil right or a human right issue, I’d agree with her. However, their goal IS profitability off ALL our bodies. We pay them a fee to cram ourselves into a predefined space. We have the option to not fly & we typically have alternatives to flying. In cases where we don’t have alternatives, we have the option to buy a larger predefined space on the aircraft. I am mostly taken aback by her failure to recognize flying isn’t a right. It’s a privilege. Her entire argument is based on a foundation of it being a right & attempting to massively widen the scopes of “accessibility” and “reasonable accommodation.” If she were legally required to fly, then the government should assure her accessibility. If she has a qualified disability (which obesity typically is not) the airlines should reasonably accommodate her. I fly weekly to/from a location with larger Polynesians. Most upgrade cabins, buy 2 seats or get moved to very last row.
XenoMurph 3 weeks ago
She completely understands, but she needs to continue to get headlines for the Insta clicks, so she makes outrageous statements.
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 3 weeks ago
Morbid obesity runs in my family. Many of my family members end up with Type 2 diabetes and its eventual co-morbidities. My cousin died of diabetes-caused kidney failure at age 24. My great-aunt got gangrene in one arm and had to have it amputated. My 34-year-old cousin has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Most of my obese family members die by their late 50s. All because of self-caused obesity. And yet every single one of them has more dignity and self-respect than to have ever demanded FREE seats on a plane simply because they were too fat to fit into one seat. This isn't about "accessibility" - she is saying that fat people should get free seats and be allowed priority boarding of the plane before others with actual disabilities. This woman's attitude and entitlement is disgusting. There are some conditions that can *cause* obesity and those ARE disabilities. But she isn't disabled.
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 3 weeks ago
"Morbid obesity runs in my family." - Sounds like no one runs in your family! (I'm sorry, I really could resist)
Load More Replies... Jayjay 3 weeks ago
Maybe she could use a course in aerodynamics? Before taking off, pilots have to calculate and check the weight of luggage and passengers in the plane to be sure they have enough fuel, and that the weight is distributed properly over the plane. If you put 10 of her size on one side of the plane, you wouldn't fly far :).
Megan Curl 3 weeks ago
Exactly! It literally causes the airline extra work just to balance the plane got obese people.
Load More Replies... Hans Georg 3 weeks ago
Airplane seats are build for the majority and most people fit in those seats. Call me an a*****e, but the woman is far above plus-size. This reminded me of a case in Germany where a woman, being only a few cm too short, sued an airline company, because she was rejected at their pilots school. The airline company argued that she could not reach all switches in case of an emergency. Even cockpits are build for the majority. I can understand, that it is uncomfortable for this woman, but when we start to build wider seats, we have to build wider airplanes soon. And even if we did not and just placed only a few wider seats into the airplane, who decides how many.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 3 weeks ago
When I was a child, I wanted to be a fighter pilot because my dad had been in the Air Force (as a navigator.) At the time I did not meet the height requirements (since abolished) and I am also left-handed. My dad pointed out that there are no left-handed planes made. It does suck when our physical bodies do not match what we want to be able to do, but like you said, cockpits are built for the majority/the "average". I do think airline seats are super small even for the average human being (and I am not tall nor obese) but again, there are reasons why things like mass travel are made for the "average person". There should always be accommodations for the truly disabled, but this woman is not disabled.
Load More Replies... Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
Waiting for the Lizzo epiphany when she suddenly realises that she needs to lose weight or die. Who exactly is she influencing with this approach? Is she being paid by pizza and cake companies?
Jayjay 3 weeks ago
No, she is trying to right herself, and it would be better if her friends and family would help her that the only way she can right herself is finding a way to lose the weight.
Load More Replies... Mr. Toast 3 weeks ago
In the UK beginning of 80's we did not really have plus plus size people. Mind hardly any fast food in UK at that time. In fact holidaying in the US at that time we were fascinated by the plus plus plus brigade often seen sitting on a bench eating for hours at a time and ice cream that woul have fed our entire family. Maybe there will be an entitlement for free US Health Care due to tax made on junk food as that will be needed soon ? Just like skinny fashion models there is nothing positive here.
Nonya Business 3 weeks ago
no, the plane uses more fuel by weight. she weighs at least 3x what a normal person does.
Pittsburgh rare 3 weeks ago
So if she oozes over MY seat l can fly for free? Because I'm not having the space l paid for.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 weeks ago
If I'm taking up 2 seats, I should have to pay for two seats. "Reasonable" accommodation is that you fit safely onboard the aircraft. When you're a size DAMNNN! you need two seats, so you should have to pay for them. Why is that so hard to understand?
Steve Robert 3 weeks ago
Why is this woman given press? If you eat the same as four people, should you not pay the price for doing so? She takes away the dignity of true disabled people. She's not disabled. She just can't keep her mouth closed when food is around.
David Ward 3 weeks ago
The passenger plus luggage should be weighed, that should determine the fare.
Sue S 3 weeks ago
I'm sorry but if you've let yourself get that large at that young an age, you have bigger problems than the size of airplane seats. I understand weight gain can be due to medical reasons but I don't think that's the case here. This girl is so busy with her me, me, me attitude that she doesn't think about her fellow travelers. Im very thin and it's very uncomfortable for me to have someone overflowing into my seat. I've paid for my space. Why are you entitled to take up some of what I've paid for? I agree that she's just trying to get attention and "likes". Sad.
R Dennis 3 weeks ago
I am disabled. I used to be athletic until my neuromuscular disease started affecting me. While being on steroids to try to treat it, I ballooned up over 100 pounds. Unfortunately, my diagnosis meant no treatment would help, so I was able to stop the steroids. Because I primarily use a wheelchair now, I have only dropped 50 lbs. Ngl, I don't think I should have to pay extra. But on top of that, I think the airlines have people tricked about seat space - instead of calling out shrinking seats, people are attacking each other. (But don't worry. I have given up on flying as being too difficult now.)
Sian E 3 weeks ago
I'm short (5ft) and plus sized (size 20 UK, 48 Europe) but I fit into an airline seat without causing any discomfort for the person next to me. If I knew I was going to require more than one seat, I'd pay for it! People may be obese for a variety of reasons (some medical disorders like hypothyroidism or medications like steroids), but we learn to adapt. And sometimes the outcome is not in our favour. Is it fair? Probably not. But is having a hissy fit in public or online going to help either?
Richard Wareham 3 weeks ago
Stop giving this grossly oversized and overweight woman the publicity she craves.
William Teach 3 weeks ago
Sure, she can buy one seat when she loses the weight. I thought the whole being grossly obese and extolling that trend was ending?
Arabiata Arabiata 3 weeks ago
I'm 68 kg and 165 cm short. I demand half price on airfare, because the plane won't burn as much fuel while carrying my feather body. In addition my luggage is light, because my underwear is smaller in size.
Donna Peluda 3 weeks ago
I saw a woman at an airport that didn't fit through the metal detector. They had to wand her down. When she got on the plane she opened her hand luggage. It was full of chocolates, crisps and sweets. It was like watching a staving gorilla.
Steve Sharpe 3 weeks ago
I desperately wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was a kid. Didn't work out in the end, but even if I could count past ten without taking my shoes and socks off it wouldn't have been physically possible anyway - I'm really broad and very, very tall, whereas fighter jets are built for average sized people.. even if I could have got my legs in there (with the aid of some butter and a small crane) they'd have to cut a big hole in the lid for me to poke my head out of otherwise it wouldn't shut properly.. I wonder if I could file a compensation claim for bigphobic discrimination?
Binky Melnik 3 weeks ago
I’m extremely slender, and take up just half a seat. I’m gonna start a petition calling for airlines to charge thin or small people half-price since we don’t use all the space! It’s only fair/fare! I’m not using all the space, and so shouldn’t hafta pay for all of it! Seriously, what the hell gets into some people that they can’t see beyond their own noses?
You May Like Passenger Shows Up For American Airlines “Flight”—Finds Bus Waiting At Gate Passenger Sparks Heated Debate After Standing For Entire Seven-Hour Flight: “Health Queen” People Wondered If Women In Comas Still Get Their Periods, And An Expert Answered
Karina Babenok
Renan Duarte
Donata Leskauskaite
Related on Bored Panda
-41
55