A petition demanding that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implement clear guidelines airlines must follow to accommodate plus-size passengers has gathered nearly 7,500 signatures in just over a week.
Plus-size travel, fashion and lifestyle influencer Jae'lynn Chaney created the petition in response to physical discomfort and poor treatment experienced while flying. The Change.org petition urges the FAA to “require all airlines to implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of all passengers.” It goes on to say the policy “should include clear guidelines on accommodating larger passengers, such as providing larger seats, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements."
Policies vary from airline to airline, with some requiring customers of size to purchase an additional seat in advance (refunding the purchase if one or more seats are available after takeoff), while others ask travelers to move to another seat or a later flight if necessary.
In the petition, Chaney includes suggestions for policies that could appropriately address the comfort and needs of plus-size travelers. These include accessible additional seats, reimbursement for advance purchase of additional seats, employee training, clear communication of policies and additional airport assistance to plus-size passengers as needed. The petition also calls for at least one wheelchair-accessible bathroom in all new planes and standardized TSA protocols for plus-size passengers. The guidelines would “ensure plus-size passengers are accommodated and treated with respect while flying.”