By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-17 15:16:32 | Updated at 2025-03-18 00:47:10
9 hours ago
A plus size travel blogger has hit out at 'fat phobic' critics who have told her to 'lose weight' or pay extra to board planes - and says their suggestions are 'dehumanising' her.
Jaelynn Chaney, from the Tri-Cities in Washington, often posts about 'fighting for fat liberation' and has even demanded that bigger people should get free seats onboard aircraft.
Now, the 28-year-old has responded to some of the criticism she receives on TikTok, including people telling her to 'lose weight' and 'upgrade to first class' because of her size.
Some have said that because they have to pay when their suitcase is overweight, Jaelynn should therefore have to shell out more money for extra room on flights.
But she was seemingly offended by this comment and said: 'So now my body is being compared to luggage? Charging by weight is fat phobic and dehumanising. I'm not a suitcase.
'Paying extra for luggage is a different issue entirely. Let's talk about fair, equal treatment for all passengers.'
Jaelynn - who is reportedly a 6XL (UK size 24) - also condemned those who said she should go on a diet and said it's 'not her job' to shrink herself to accommodate the comfort of other passengers.
She said: 'Oh so I should just change my entire body to accommodate your comfort? It's not my job to shrink myself to fit into spaces that were never designed for me in the first place.
Jaelynn Chaney, from the Tri-Cities in Washington, often posts about 'fighting for fat liberation' and has even demanded that bigger people should get free seats onboard aircraft
'And let's not even get into the fact that losing weight isn't a simple fix, it's not a one-size fits all solution.'
Others have told Jaelynn that she upgrade to first class on planes but she argues the focus should be on 'fixing the system, not the people'.
The content creator added: 'First class is a luxury and guess what? First class isn't big enough for some fat bodies.
'The cost is way out of reach for most people and upgrading doesn't solve the fundamental issue of under-sized seats for fat people in economy. Fix the system, not the people.'
Users also told Jaelynn that she should consider not travelling by plane if she has issues with finding the right seats for her size.
But the TikToker said flying is a 'necessity' and that 'fat people' shouldn't be excluded.
'I'll just stop living my life because the world isn't built for me? Flying is a necessity for many people, whether for work, family or travel,' she said.
'Telling fat people to just stay at home is not a solution - it's exclusion.
The TikToker said flying is a 'necessity' and that 'fat people' shouldn't be excluded from the opportunity of air travel
Some people said that Jaelynn needs to take 'responsibility' for herself and that isn't other people's problem
However, others agreed with her points and said that she shouldn't have to change who she is
'Sure, flying is a privilege, but basic human dignity and accessibility are rights.
'No one should be excluded from travelling comfortably or safely because of their body size. Let's focus on equality, not exclusion.'
Jaelynn said that the US government needs to implement a 'fat equality bill of rights and the fat accessibility act'.
'It's time to stop tolerating fat phobia and make travel, healthcare and public spaces accessible to everyone, no matter the size,' she said.
Jaelynn also set up a Go Fund Me page for people to donate to her movement which aims to gain 'equal rights, dignity and basic accessibility for fat people'.
She added: 'We deserve to travel, live and exist without the shame or extra costs. Join me in the fight for a better future. Let's de-mantle fat phobia together.'
Her clip racked up hundreds of comments on the platform, with people commenting their thoughts on her mission.
One wrote: 'Consequently it isn't the world's responsibility to accommodate your poor health choices.'
Another penned: 'No it’s to accommodate YOUR comfort.'
A third said: 'Well the airline is gonna charge you if you take up space that could have been used for another paying customer.'
A fourth commented: 'Take responsibility for yourself. The world doesn't revolve around accommodating your needs.'
But others agreed with her points, with one writing: 'I’m a 6ft Size 18 female…. I have to squeeze LENGTH AND WIDTH! Your posts are soo valid!!'
Another said: 'Don’t listen to the haters, you don’t need to change'
A third wrote: 'You're very inspiring I’m a plus size person I’m very self conscious and trying to lose weight but it’s hard cuz of my medical condition and mental health.'
