Plus-Size Traveler Confronts Airline After Denied Wheelchair Assistance

In a scene that shocked onlookers and quickly went viral, a popular travel influencer was left stranded and breathless on a jet bridge—allegedly because of her size.

What began as a routine flight into seattle-tacoma international airport turned into a painful and humiliating experience for jaelynn chaney, a 28-year-old plus-size advocate with over 140,000 tiktok followers.

Equipped with a protest sign advocating for wheelchair accessibility, chaney initiated action after experiencing deliberate denial of wheelchair assistance by an airport employee who, she alleges, made a disgusted expression and walked away.

Now, there are many questions being asked: Was this a one-time mistake made by an individual, or does it indicate a larger issue within the travel industry? As the outrage grows and her story spreads across social media, chaney is demanding accountability, not just for herself, but for all travelers who have been left behind, overlooked, or shamed simply because of their body size. 

A plus-size influencer shared their experience of being denied assistance with a wheelchair at the airport, sparking a conversation about accessibility and inclusivity. 

Jaelynn chaney, a 28-year-old travel influencer with more than 140,000 followers on tiktok, is publicly challenging seattle-tacoma international airport (seatac) after she says she was denied wheelchair assistance because of her size—a situation she describes as blatant discrimination. 

Chaney, who wears a size 6xl, recounted the incident that occurred in May 2024 after arriving at Seatac. According to her, a staff member at the airport who was assigned to assist her, glanced at her, responded unfavorably, and then walked away without providing any assistance.

‘She glanced at me, scrunched her face, and walked away,’ chaney recalled. ‘everyone else received help—except me.’. 

While chaney can handle short distances on foot, she typically prefers to use a wheelchair for longer walks within airports.

She clarified that due to the incident, she had to walk across what she described as one of the longest jet bridges she had ever seen. By the time she reached a wheelchair, she says her oxygen levels dropped, her lips turned pale, and she was on the verge of passing out. 

‘this was my first flight without supplemental oxygen,’ chaney said This is not just a matter of dissatisfaction—it is a potential hazard to one’s well-being. 

Chaney shared her experience in a tiktok video, staging a protest at the airport with a sign that read ‘wheelchair access for all.’ in the caption, she condemned seatac for what she claims is a recurring issue of discrimination.

If seatac refuses to assist individuals who are overweight, they should be open about their stance. Instead, they deny services, provide excuses, and abandon fat disabled travelers. It’s unacceptable—and I won’t remain silent. 

Chaney has been a strong advocate for more accessible and equitable travel practices. In 2023, she initiated a petition urging the federal aviation administration (faa) to adopt a ‘customer of size’ policy. Her suggestions involve providing complimentary extra seating for individuals with larger body sizes, designing seats that are more accessible, and improving staff training. 

As of now, the petition has amassed more than 39,600 signatures. Numerous supporters have openly shared their personal experiences of feeling uneasy and facing discrimination while flying. 

One signer shared their experience of being publicly humiliated by a fellow passenger, leading them to completely abandon air travel.

Another added, ‘i’m tall and still end up injured. Seats are becoming smaller, and passengers are expected to adapt to the change. 

Chaney’s recent experience underscores a more significant problem within the airline industry. 

‘larger passengers face pain, embarrassment, and sometimes outright denial of services,’ she said ‘We are entitled to equitable consideration.’. 

Result: 

Jaelynn Chaney’s encounter at Seatac Airport has reignited a vital discussion about inclusivity and accessibility in air travel. Her narrative, shared by countless individuals who have experienced similar prejudice, underscores the pressing necessity for comprehensive reform within the aviation sector. As she continues to champion policies that guarantee dignity and equal treatment for plus-size and disabled passengers, her message is unequivocal:

no one should be denied basic assistance due to their body size. As her petition gains more support and garners widespread public attention, chaney’s campaign has the potential to be the driving force behind a more inclusive and compassionate future for the industry.