A petition for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require airline accommodations for “plus-size travelers” has gained over 6000 signatures. The petition listed items such as “extra free seats and priority boarding” as adaptations that should be made for travelers in need.

According to National Review, the initiative was started by travel blogger

Jae’lynn Chaney. The “self-described “fat woman of color” has over 275,000 followers across social media platforms.

The 26-year-old began documenting her experience as a plus-size traveler in 2021. Her TikTok video “Flying while fat” gained almost 30K views, while some videos in her “plus-size travel struggles” TikTok series have amassed over 3 million views.

@jaebaeofficial Flying when you’re plus size ️ #plussizetravel#plussizetraveltok#flyingwhilefat#plussizetraveltips#HPRadicalReuse#GetYourJeansOn#foryou♬ dance(256762) – TimTaj

In the series, Chaney speaks about issues that may impact travelers with larger bodies, such as plus-size-friendly rental cars, purchasing extra seats on an airplane, and how to get airport assistance if needed. At one time she even admitted that she has suffered “pain and bruising” from airport seats with inoperable armrests.

She announced the petition on her Twitter on April 7, asking her followers to “spread the word and let’s make a difference.”

While there has been some “fatphobic” backlash to Chaney’s movement, she’s not worried about the haters.

She spoke with Travel and Leisure and told them seeing the diversity of people supporting the petition was an “incredible feeling”

“It’s an incredible feeling to see the petition gaining traction and to witness the diverse range of people coming together to support this movement,” she said.

“Being a voice for those who have felt voiceless for too long has been an honor… It’s time for the travel industry to recognize the value of inclusivity and prioritize the comfort and well-being of all passengers.”

“As a plus-size traveler, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and mistreatment that many of us face in the air.”

She added. “The goal is to raise awareness about the issues that many travelers face when their bodies don’t fit into the societal norm. It’s time for the industry to recognize the diversity of bodies and experiences and take action to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and respected while traveling.”

Currently size policies are not consistent among airlines. The outlet reported Southwest Airlines, asks customers who “encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s)” to purchase an extra seat in advance, but refunds these extra seat purchases. Alaska Airlines, requires customers who “cannot comfortably fit within one seat with the armrests in the down position” to purchase an additional seat. However, they do refund customers if the flight departs with an open seat available.

On the other end of the spectrum, larger carrier, Delta Air Lines, does not require travelers to purchase an additional seat, but adds “if a passenger impedes on another passenger, they may be asked to move to another location that provides additional space, or in the event of a full flight, be asked to take a later flight with available seating.”

While there have been few changes made to airplane bathrooms or seat structure, the FAA is currently reviewing seat dimensions for standard flights. They received numerous comments during a public comment period last year addressing the need for comfort and accommodation that could affect plus-size travelers.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly.