A plus-sized influencer has demanded that airlines change their "discriminatory" policies associated with making bigger flyers pay "double" for two seats.
Speaking to CNN, Jae-lynn Chaney opened up about being discriminated against while flying due to her size.
"People with smaller bodies get to pay one fare to get to their destination," Chaney, who said she has to buy an extra seat while flying, told the outlet.
"We have to pay two fares, even though we’re getting the same experience. If anything, our experiences are a little bit more challenging."
In April the influencer started a petition titled 'Demand for the FAA to Protect Plus-Sized Customers,' in the hopes that airplanes would put an end to their discriminatory rules.
"As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying," Chaney wrote in the description. "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," she continued.
Further down, she called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to "mandate that all airlines have a comprehensive customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers," urging that this 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."
Chaney then outlined some policies to ensure customers of size are accommodated and treated with respect while flying, which included providing additional accessible seats, reimbursement, clear communication, accommodations, and employee training.
After the petition garnered a lot of attention online, Chaney spoke to Fox News telling the outlet that "It is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to the question."
"However, what is clear is that the mistreatment and discrimination of plus-size travelers is unacceptable and must be addressed," she continued before adding: "Implementing policies to accommodate plus-size passengers may come with associated costs, but these costs must be weighed against the benefits of creating a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience."
The influencer, who has dubbed herself the "advocate for people of all sizes & abilities", has started to raise awareness about the issue via both Instagram and TikTok, answering questions and also offering other plus-sized people some tips and advice on what to do when traveling.
While the US seems to be a few steps behind when it comes to understanding the issue, across the globe other countries - such as Australia and Canada - have already implemented laws which prohibit passengers from being charged different prices depending on their body sizes for domestic flights as per the New York Post.