Plus-size travel influencer Jaelynn Chaney, also known as Jae Bae, is now targeting ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft in her push for “fat-pride” activism. Previously, Chaney urged airlines to provide extra free seats for larger travelers. Now, she’s taken to TikTok to call on ridesharing companies to mandate that their drivers carry seatbelt extenders for larger passengers.
“Because no belt extenders are available, I have to go without a seatbelt every time I use ridesharing,” Chaney stated in her video caption. She emphasized that this is a safety issue, not just a hassle, and argued that ridesharing services should be required to supply at least one seatbelt extender per car.
Although Chaney carries a “universal” seatbelt extender, it often doesn’t fit, as she demonstrated in her video when she tried to strap in inside a sedan. She suggested that ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft compensate drivers for the cost of seatbelt extenders, which can be purchased on Amazon for as little as $12. “Safety for people of all sizes SHOULD NOT be optional,” she asserted.
Her video received a largely insensitive response. Many commenters advised Chaney to take personal responsibility for her weight. One user wrote, “Not to be rude, but if you need an extender to use a seatbelt in a car, that should be a sign to lose some weight.” Others agreed, arguing that individuals should address their health issues rather than rely on companies to accommodate their lifestyle choices.
Chaney, driven by her spiritual calling to support plus-size individuals, regularly uses her social media platforms to highlight perceived discrimination against obese people, especially in airports. She recently recounted an incident at Chicago O’Hare airport, where she got stuck in a rotating door while being pushed in a wheelchair, and no one helped her.
Her advocacy extends beyond planes and ridesharing. Over 39,000 people have signed Chaney’s petition urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require airlines to provide free seats for obese customers. Her position has sparked debate, as she argues that airlines should accommodate plus-size passengers for their safety and comfort.
Chaney has also spoken openly about her success in dating despite being overweight. In a recent video, she revealed that the same “gym rats” who mock her on TikTok also pursue her on Tinder. Currently, Chaney and her husband are in a polyamorous relationship.
Despite criticism, Chaney remains determined to advocate for policies she believes will make travel safer and more comfortable for larger individuals. Her initiatives have sparked discussions on the challenges faced by overweight passengers, while also raising questions about personal responsibility and the extent to which companies should accommodate customers’ lifestyle choices.
