A plus sized travel influencer who complained that airline seats left her "with bruises" has been "attacked and mistreated" she revealed.
Jaelynn Chaney, from Vancouver, Washington shares her experience of travelling as a larger person on social media @JaeBaeproductions, but her recent actions have led to her receiving cruel death threats.
The travel fan recently demanded that airlines implement a "customer-of-size policy" and asked the Federal Aviation Authority in the US to make flying in economy "comfortable and accessible for everyone".
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She even suggested that airlines should "Provide accessible additional seats.
"All plus-size passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even two or three seats depending on their size, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort during the flight."
To do so, the plus sized influencer – who has over 94,000 followers – started a petition highlighting the need for "better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers".
However, today, Jaelynn posted on Instagram sharing the obscene abuse as well as death threats being sent to her, as well as comments on her photos.
Jaelynn took to Instagram to share some of the worst attacks and said her piece in response, defending her petition.
The influencer wrote: "My petition is not solely about securing free seats for people who need more space on planes.
"It’s about spreading awareness, fighting for a more inclusive future, and accommodating those who need it.
"We live in a society that has perpetuated discrimination and exclusivity for far too long. We have been told that certain bodies are not fit for certain spaces, and that is a lie.
"We have been made to feel unwelcome in certain spaces, and that is unacceptable. But today, we say enough is enough. We are fighting for a world where all bodies are welcome, and all people are treated with respect and dignity."
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Jaelynn added: "There is a precedent for policies like this. Southwest Airlines is a great example of a company that has implemented an excellent customer of size policy.
"It is profitable, and many plus size people fly with them because of their policy. We are fighting for a uniform policy so that people can navigate air travel more easily.
"But let me be clear: this fight is not just about air travel. It’s about a bigger issue. It’s about systemic discrimination and exclusion that many of us have experienced for far too long. It’s about taking a stand against fatphobia, ableism, and all forms of discrimination."
Speaking about her experience of abuse online, Jaelynn noted: "Let me also be clear about something else: this fight is not without its challenges.
"I have been attacked and mistreated since speaking out, but I know that my experience is not unique.
"Many of us have faced mistreatment and discrimination, but we cannot be deterred. We must continue to fight for what is right, for what is just, and for what is inclusive.
"Let us stand together in solidarity, and let us continue to spread awareness and demand change. Let us create a world where everyone is welcome, no matter their body size or shape."
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Other options for plus sized travellers that Jaelynn suggested included airlines refunding plus sized passengers for the extra seats they buy to sit and larger bathrooms.
In the comments of Jaelynn’s post a debate raged.
One man wrote: "TBH this is reasonable. She's asking for policies and concrete steps. That's fine. It doesn't mean airlines should give up extra seats for free, but a clear policy is reasonable."
While woman added: "Thank you so much for speaking up about this! I’m so done with being uncomfortable in public seating."
"Free seats and more room – thank you," added another.
When asked whether taller people should also get extra legroom Jaelynn said yes.
She commented: "I have stated that this improvement would benefit people of ALL sizes and abilities.
"People who are taller, have broader shoulders, people who live with disabilities, and people who physically need more space would benefit from these changes.
"Also, free additional seats isn’t the only thing I speak about in this petition. I also state they need to have a clear outlined policy in place which many airlines don’t currently have.
"There are airlines who state that a person who is larger must buy an additional seat yet some of them will provide refunds to customers for that additional seat if the travellers asks about it yet these policies aren’t spoken about or written anywhere which causes confusion for those trying to navigate air travel."
A fellow public figure wrote: "After almost every TV segment I do I get similar emails and messages. You are very brave."
While a woman said: "Good for you for continuing to advocate, it’s horrific that you’ve been subjected to these hateful comments!"
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