Air travel should be comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of size. As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying. During a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancé was subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, amounting to discrimination. Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises.

Being forced to occupy only one seat can result in pain and vulnerability to poor treatment from fellow passengers, including hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them. This mistreatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable, and it highlights the urgent need for better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers, regardless of size. Unfortunately, plus-size passengers often experience discomfort and discrimination when flying. The lack of a uniform customer-of-size airline policy is unacceptable and must be addressed.

The FAA should mandate that all airlines have a comprehensive customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers. This policy must have clear and inclusive guidelines on accommodating customers of size, including plus size individuals, individuals with disabilities, tall individuals, and anyone who needs more space to be comfortable while flying. The policy should also provide alternative seating arrangements, larger seats, and other size-accessible accommodations to ensure that all passengers can have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flying experience, while also being considerate of their fellow passengers.

Here are some policies to ensure customers-of-size are accommodated and treated with respect while flying:

Provide additional accessible seats: To ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience for all passengers, airlines should provide accessible additional seats to customers-of-size who require more physical space on planes or encroach onto another passenger's space. These passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even multiple seats, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort and safety, as well as those around them, during the flight. Southwest Airlines and Canadian Transportation Carriers have set a precedent for policies like this by providing additional seats for those who physically require it. The ultimate goal is to provide a positive flying experience for all, which means prioritizing the comfort of those on board while ensuring safety for everyone. By implementing official customers-of-size policies, airlines can ensure that all passengers have a positive flying experience, regardless of their size or physical needs.

Reimbursement: Airlines should offer a refund for customers-of-size who purchase additional seats independently. This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service. This refund process should be an official written policy that is easily accessible for all passengers who purchase additional seats independently due to their size. 

Clear communication: Airlines must create a set of policies, standards, and procedures for customers-of-size and communicate them in a clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand way. This should include information on booking additional seats, requesting a refund for those who purchased additional seats independently due to their size, and what to expect during check-in, boarding, and flight as a customer-of-size. 

Accommodations: A written procedure for airport assistance should be in place to ensure that customers-of-size can receive the necessary support they need. This should include what airport assistance options are available to customers-of-size and how to request assistance. Airlines should provide priority boarding to customers-of-size, as they may require more time and space to get to their seat and get situated comfortably. To accommodate larger passengers, airlines should also provide larger lavatories, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements. Lastly, the decision makers should consider requiring all new aircraft to have a new section of economy seats specifically reserved for customers-of-size that offer more room in terms of width and pitch. By implementing these accommodations, airlines can make air travel more comfortable and accessible for all passengers.

Employee training: Airlines and government agencies that regulate the airline industry must train all employees on how to accommodate Customers-of-Size. This training will teach staff how to use language that does not focus on a person's body size, shape, or abilities but instead treats them with respect and dignity. It will also help employees understand how to assist customers who may be larger in size, so that they can have a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience without being discriminated against. The training should be required by both airlines and government agencies that regulate the airline industry, and should cover a range of topics including how to handle situations that may be sensitive or difficult, as well as providing good customer service to all travelers regardless of their size or abilities. The goal is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported when traveling, and that no one is made to feel uncomfortable or excluded because of their body size or abilities. 

As petitioners, we are also calling on the FAA to mandate that all new airplanes have at least one wheelchair accessible lavatory. This change will improve accessibility for passengers of all sizes and abilities, allowing them to use the restroom comfortably and without difficulty. This will promote a more inclusive and accommodating travel experience, demonstrating the industry's commitment to serving all passengers equally.

In addition to the lack of accessible lavatories on planes, the mistreatment and discrimination of customer-of-size during Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings is another major issue that must be addressed.

To provide a safe and comfortable experience for all travelers, the TSA should implement clear guidelines for screening customers-of-size, train agents on how to respectfully interact with these travelers, offer sensitivity training, and provide accessible screening equipment. It's time for the TSA to recognize the needs of travelers of all sizes and abilities and take action to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity.

By implementing these requirements, airlines will create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all passengers, regardless of their size or abilities . It's time for the airline industry to take a stand and commit to creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all passengers. Join us in demanding that the FAA take action to protect plus-size travelers.