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.

Armed with a protest sign demanding wheelchair accessibility, chaney took action following an incident where an airport employee refused to provide assistance, displaying a disgusted expression and walking away.

Currently, numerous inquiries are being raised: was this an isolated incident caused by a single person, or does it suggest a more widespread problem within the travel sector? 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 encounter with airport staff who refused to help them with a wheelchair, igniting a discussion 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. 

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Chaney, who wears a size 6xl, shared the story of what happened in May 2024 when they arrived at Seatac. According to her, a staff member at the airport who was assigned to help her, glanced at her, responded negatively, and then walked away without offering any assistance.

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

While chaney can manage short distances on foot, she usually relies on 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 moving walkways she had ever seen.

As she progressed to using a wheelchair, she experienced a significant decrease in oxygen levels, resulting in pale lips and the imminent risk of fainting. 

‘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 provide assistance to individuals who are overweight, they should be transparent about their policy. Instead, they refuse to provide services, offer excuses, and abandon individuals with disabilities. It’s unacceptable—and I won’t remain silent. 

Chaney has been a vocal supporter of promoting accessible and fair travel options. In 2023, she started a petition calling on the federal aviation administration (faa) to implement a ‘customer of size’ policy. Her recommendations include offering complimentary additional seating for individuals with larger body sizes, creating seats that are more accessible, and enhancing staff training. 

Currently, the petition has gathered over 39,600 signatures. Many individuals have publicly expressed their discomfort and encountered discrimination while flying. 

One individual recounted their encounter with a fellow passenger who publicly humiliated them, causing them to lose all interest in flying.

Another added, ‘i’m tall and still end up injured. Seats are getting smaller, and passengers are expected to adjust to the new seating arrangements. 

Chaney’s recent experience highlights a more significant issue 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 experience at Seatac Airport has sparked an important conversation about inclusivity and accessibility in air travel. Her personal account, shared by numerous individuals who have faced similar discrimination, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the aviation industry.

As she continues to advocate for policies that ensure dignity and equal treatment for plus-size and disabled passengers, her message is clear: no one should be denied basic assistance simply because of their body size. As her petition gains momentum and garners widespread public support, chaney’s campaign has the potential to be the catalyst for a more inclusive and compassionate future within the industry.