Modern Living

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Two-ton Tessie demands a bigger seat

Plus-size airline passenger Miss Jae’lynn Chaney (its/thyrz/godknowswhat) has started an online petition demanding change from airlines when it comes to passenger accommodations for people who are larger than others.

"As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying."

"Being forced to occupy only one seat can result in pain and vulnerability to poor treatment from fellow passengers," she added.

"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," Chaney wrote.

The petition also calls for larger-sized bathrooms for plus-size travelers, priority boarding and additional airport assistance. 

Anyone of any size who has suffered through the continuing efforts of airlines to squeeze out profits by squeezing passengers into ever-smaller seats can sympathize with Chaney, but it’s her “solution” that bothers me: rather than reach into her no doubt ample bosom and retrieve cash to pay for an upgrade to First Class and its more capacious seating, she suggests another source of funding, the one that’s always the go-to for these sorts of “calls for action”: other people’s money.

Chaney said she knows there will be additional costs associated with her demands if they were to be implemented — but she said she feels those costs would be worth it.

Of course she does, because she doesn’t figure on paying those costs herself.

"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."  

 She also said, "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."

"In the end, the question of who will pay for these policies should not be a barrier to taking action."

I say it’s time to stop glamorizing obesity and discontinue the current social campaigns to have it declared the new normal. Unfortunately, the trend seems to be going the other way, and the “anti-fatphobia” mob continues to waddle unimpeded toward an inevitable victory.