Plus-size air travelers should get free extra seats and other accommodations, petition declares

A petition posted on change.org calls for airlines to accommodate large passengers, including by offering them free additional seats.

The petition, posted by "plus size" blogger and content creator Jae'lynn Chaney, calls for the Federal Aviation Administration to require airlines to implement policies to accommodate larger passengers — so far, the petition has more than 3,700 signers.

"The FAA must require all airlines to implement a clear customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of all passengers. This policy should include clear guidelines on accommodating larger passengers, such as providing larger seats, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements," the petition declares.

It lists various policy ways to accommodate larger flyers, such as free extra seats and refunds for large passengers who opt to purchase an extra seat.

"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," the petition suggested. "Airlines should offer a refund for plus-size passengers who purchase additional seats independently. This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service."

"Airlines must create a set of policies, standards, and procedures for plus-size travelers and communicate them in a clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand way. This should include information on booking additional seats, requesting a refund, and what to expect during check-in, boarding, and flight," the petition declares.

It also says that there should be bigger restrooms available, calling for the FAA to require that new aircraft include a wheechair-accessible lavatory.

"Airlines should also create accommodations for larger passengers, such as larger bathrooms, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements," the petition states. "As petitioners, we are also calling on the FAA to mandate that all new airplanes have at least one wheelchair accessible restroom."

Chaney addressed the question of cost in a message to Fox News Digital.

"It is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who will pay for the policies mentioned in the petition," Chaney told Fox News Digital via email. "However, what is clear is that the mistreatment and discrimination of plus-size travelers is unacceptable and must be addressed," she noted. "The airline industry has a responsibility to provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment for all passengers, regardless of their size."

"Many airlines also oversell a percentage of seats on flights, resulting in available seats that could be used to accommodate passengers who need additional room," she suggested, according to the outlet. "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."

"Additionally, the government may have a role to play in funding or incentivizing these policies, as part of its responsibility to promote accessible and equitable transportation for all citizens," Chaney noted, according to Fox. "In the end, the question of who will pay for these policies should not be a barrier to taking action."

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