In a bold campaign, 25-year-old influencer Jaelynn Chaney is pushing for airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration to provide free additional seats for plus-size passengers to ensure comfortable travel. Chaney, a travel and lifestyle creator, claims she is working with a U.S. Senator—though she hasn’t named who—to advance this cause. Her petition, signed by over 38,000 people, calls for airlines to reimburse passengers who purchase extra seats and demands better treatment of overweight travelers, citing personal experiences of discrimination and discomfort.

Chaney also advocates for enhanced crew training and accessible screening equipment for plus-size travelers. Despite her calls for change, she currently flies economy and uses seatbelt extenders. Southwest Airlines has taken a step with its “Customer of Size” policy, allowing passengers who encroach on neighboring seats to buy extra seats refundable at check-in. This policy bases eligibility on body dimensions rather than weight, sparking both praise and criticism.

Critics, including personal trainer Josh Nabbie, argue that special accommodations exclusively for obese passengers are unfair, emphasizing that all travelers face unique challenges. With rising obesity rates in the U.S., airlines are grappling with how best to accommodate diverse passenger needs, making this debate a complex and evolving issue.