Southwest Airlines ' " client of size of it " insurance policy is n’t new , but millions of people are just now discovering it .
It’s no secret thattraveling as a plus-size personcan be unpleasant. In fact, TikTokerJae’lynn Chaneymade this viral video in June 2022 showingjust how unaccommodating airlines can be:
These are some of the struggles that plus size travelers confront . Travel is potential for everyBODY , but it definitely total with challenges and should be more accessible ! ! What travel challenge have you faced?#plussizetravel#plussizetravelblogger#flyingwhilefat#travellingwhilefat#travelingwhilefat#traveltok#plussize#plussizeedition#fyp
While plus-size people typically have topurchasean extra seat, Southwest Airlines has a policy thatoffers up to two extra seats for free.
You canask for an extra seat at the Southwest airport gate, and they will accommodate you for free. Or, if you want to avoid having to ask at the gate, Jae’lynn made this step-by-step video showing how you can book the extra seat or seats beforehand:
You start by booking the flight for two (or three, if you want two seats). After you select your dates and destination, enter your personal information as normal on the first ticket. For the second ticket, add your same information, but in the middle-name slot put “XS” for extra seat. That’s it!
Now, as a heads-up, you will pay for the extra ticket up front, but you do get reimbursed afterward. Many people choose to do this proactively because it prevents overselling of the flight.
Either way, people have been sharing just how accommodating Southwest has been for plus-size people and how appreciated it is:
BuzzFeed spoke to Jae’lynn, who said this is a game changer for so many who have often felt overlooked by the travel industry. “I made it my mission to spotlight Southwest Airlines' groundbreaking policy revolutionizing travel for plus-size individuals and beyond,” she said. “This policy isn’t just about physical comfort; it’s a catalyst for financial accessibility, too. I’m driven to spread the word, ensuring everyone, regardless of size, experiences travel on equal terms. EveryBODY deserves comfort and the same flying experience.”
Speaking to Southwest Airlines on the phone, I discovered that the “customer of size” policy isnotfor tall people. I was informed that the policy is only for plus-size people who “encroach upon the seat next to them.” For taller people, the agent encouraged the purchase of upgraded boarding to get a better seat. I also inquired about passengers with disabilities. To qualify for an extra seat with a disability, the passenger would have to have an impairment where they would require an extra seat, such as a full-leg cast.
Jae’lynn said that inclusivity across the board when traveling is crucial. “Each traveler is unique, and tailoring the experience even further based on individual needs could make it an even more unforgettable journey for everyone. It’s about making every aspect of the travel experience resonate with diverse individuals, ensuring that no one is left out,” she said.
✈ ️ In a domain where we should all be striving for equivalence , it ’s metre to confront an issue that has long been swept under the rug – the inadequate treatment of positive - size travelers when it comes to atmosphere travel . We ’ve all fancy it , some mass , like myself , call for two seats on a plane , but should they be saddle for that second seat ? Should they be penalized for their body , their comfort , or even their wellness ? My petition call in upon the FAA to take a hard smell at the policies that govern air traveling and demand blondness for plus - size passengers. Let ’s break it down : airline routinely charge surplus for baggage , legroom , and even in - flight of stairs snacks , but when it comes to accommodate larger passengers , they often turn a blind heart to the discomfort and anxiety we face . Is it correct to contract someone into a single seat , make discomfort for them and their fellow passengers , when a simple resolution live ? We ’re not postulate for sumptuousness ; we ’re necessitate for basic dignity. Imagine this : You ’re on a long - draw flight , crammed into a rear next to someone who spill into your place , make the journeying an ordeal for both of you . Now , conceive of if that someone could have a second seat for gratuitous , allowing everyone on that plane to respire a small well-to-do . It ’s not about ' special treatment , ' it ’s about recognizing a alone need and providing a humane solution. Critics may argue that this is an add cost for airlines , but permit ’s put it into perspective . airline business make billions in profit p.a. , and they have the resources to provide this basic accommodation without get out the bank . It ’s about meter they prioritize rider comfortableness over profit margins. This petition is n’t about pointing finger’s breadth or produce sectionalization ; it ’s about set off a conversation that chair to positive change . We believe in a future where plus - size traveler can board planes without the fear of judgment or added expenses . It ’s time for the FAA to step up , acknowledge the issue , and forge towards a fair and just solution. Sign my petition and stand with us in demand par in the skies , not just for plus - size traveler but for all rider who deserve to move around well . Together , we can make a difference of opinion and ensure that everyone has the right field to flee without shame or financial burden . Join us in reshaping the future of air travel travel for the good . Sign the plus size travel petition at change.org/plussizetravel • • •#BodyEqualityInTravel#PlusSizeTravel#PlusSizeTravelTok#CustomerOfSize#PlusSizeTraveler#TravelingWhilePlusSize#TravelingWhileFat#AccessibilityForAll#InclusiveTravel#Fyp
Jae’lynn also has aplus-size travel petitionshe is encouraging people to sign.
To conclude, Jae’lynn said her message is not just a moral imperative but a business opportunity. “By prioritizing the comfort and well-being of all travelers, regardless of size, airlines can tap into a vast market and contribute to a travel experience that truly welcomes everyone.”
you could follow her onInstagram , TikTok , andYouTubeand get more information onher website .
And sign her positive - size change of location postulation here ! ! !
