Legal and Insurance Implications of Inadequate Accessibility
In her caption, Chaney condemned SeaTac for what she calls a pattern of exclusion: “If SeaTac refuses to assist fat people, they should put their discrimination in writing. Instead, they lie, deny services, and leave disabled fat travelers stranded.”
Such incidents may fall under civil rights violations and could involve potential lawsuits for medical neglect, especially if tied to OB-GYN-related chronic conditions or diagnosed respiratory challenges requiring support during long-distance walking.
She added: “This is unacceptable and I will not stay silent.”
Petition for FAA Policy Reform and Health-Based Accommodations
Chaney has been a vocal advocate for better treatment of plus-size travelers, and this incident is just the latest example fueling her ongoing campaign. In 2023, she launched a petition urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to mandate a “customer of size” policy across all airlines.
Her proposals include free extra seating for larger passengers, accessible seating options, and improved staff training—recommendations that intersect with maternity travel insurance, emergency travel health coverage, and wellness accommodation benefits for flyers with chronic health conditions.
A Groundswell of Support from Affected Travelers
The petition has gained over 39,600 signatures so far, with supporters sharing their own frustrations in the comments. Many cited the physical and emotional discomfort of air travel, from bruised knees to open fat-shaming—both of which are issues tied to personal injury legal protections and the need for inclusive travel healthcare policies.
One commenter noted: “After being fat-shamed by a passenger sitting next to me, I no longer fly.” Another added: “I’m tall, and I still leave flights with bruises. Airlines keep shrinking space, but expect us to just deal with it.”
