Jaelynn Chaney, a 28-year-old plus-size travel blogger and advocate for fat liberation, has made headlines for her bold response to critics who suggested she should lose weight or pay extra to board planes. Hailing from the Tri-Cities in Washington, Jaelynn uses her platform to speak out against fatphobia and the systemic issues that make air travel difficult for larger bodies. Her advocacy often centers on the idea that everyone deserves equal access to comfortable and dignified travel, regardless of their size. Recently, she addressed the hurtful comments she’s received on TikTok, where some users suggested she should diet, upgrade to first class, or even stop flying altogether if she struggles with fitting into standard airplane seats. Jaelynn’s response was clear: her body doesn’t need to change to make others comfortable, and the focus should be on fixing a system that fails to accommodate larger bodies, rather than blaming individuals for not fitting into it.
One of the most striking comments Jaelynn addressed was the suggestion that she should be treated like overweight luggage, with some arguing that if airlines charge extra for heavy bags, they should also charge extra for passengers who take up more space. Jaelynn called this comparison “dehumanizing” and emphasized that people are not objects to be measured and priced by their weight. She pointed out that treating passengers this way would not only be unfair but also completely miss the point of equality. “Paying extra for luggage is a different issue entirely,” she said, stressing that the conversation should be about ensuring fair and equal treatment for all passengers, regardless of their size. For Jaelynn, this is not just about personal comfort but about basic human dignity and the right to exist in a world that often excludes or marginalizes people with larger bodies.
Jaelynn’s advocacy goes beyond air travel. She is fighting for systemic change that would make all public spaces—whether it’s airplanes, healthcare facilities, or public transportation—more accessible to people of all sizes. She believes that fatphobia is a widespread issue that affects every aspect of life for larger individuals, and she’s calling on governments to implement policies that address these inequalities. For instance, she has proposed a “fat equality bill of rights” and a “fat accessibility act” to ensure that no one is excluded or shamed for their size. Her efforts have struck a chord with many who feel unseen or oppressed in a world that often views fatness as a problem rather than a natural part of human diversity.
Despite the support she’s received, Jaelynn has also faced backlash from critics who argue that individuals should take “responsibility” for their own bodies and health. Some have suggested that losing weight is a simple solution to the challenges she faces, but Jaelynn quickly shuts down this argument, explaining that losing weight is not always a straightforward or feasible option. She also notes that even if it were, it wouldn’t be her job to shrink herself to fit into spaces that were never designed with her body in mind. “Why should I change my entire body to accommodate your comfort?” she asks, pointing out that the responsibility lies with the systems and structures that fail to include people of all sizes. For Jaelynn, self-acceptance is not only a personal choice but a radical act of defiance in a world that constantly tells fat people they are “too much.”
Jaelynn’s message has resonated with many who feel inspired by her confidence and determination. She’s set up a GoFundMe page to support her movement for fat equality and accessibility, with the goal of creating a world where people of all sizes can live, travel, and exist without shame or additional costs. Her efforts have sparked a broader conversation about body positivity, inclusivity, and the need for systemic change. On TikTok, her videos have garnered hundreds of comments, with some expressing support and solidarity, while others continue to criticize her for being “too big” or “unhealthy.” Yet, Jaelynn remains undeterred, using her platform to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced or excluded for far too long.
Ultimately, Jaelynn’s fight for fat liberation is about more than just airplane seats or personal comfort; it’s about challenging the deeply ingrained societal norms that dehumanize and marginalize people based on their size. She believes that everyone deserves the right to live their life with dignity, regardless of how they look or how much space they take up. “Flying is a necessity, not a privilege,” she says, emphasizing that exclusion based on size is not a solution—it’s a form of discrimination. By speaking out against fatphobia and advocating for inclusivity, Jaelynn is helping to create a world where no one has to hide or apologize for their body. Her courage and conviction remind us that equality is not just a concept; it’s a right that everyone deserves, no matter their size.
