Plus-Size Influencer Denied Wheelchair Assistance at Airport, Sparks Protest Over Discrimination

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

A viral protest at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) has reignited a powerful conversation around disability rights, body discrimination, and travel policy reform in the U.S.

Jaelynn Chaney, a plus-size travel influencer and disability advocate with over 140,000 TikTok followers, is speaking out after allegedly being denied wheelchair assistance because of her size. The 28-year-old staged a peaceful protest at SeaTac, holding a sign that read “Wheelchair Access for All”, and shared her traumatic experience in a now widely circulated video.

“She Looked at Me and Walked Away”

Chaney, who identifies as a size 6XL and uses wheelchair assistance for long walking distances, says she was left stranded after an airport staff member assigned to assist her visibly recoiled and refused to help.

“She saw me, made a face, and walked away,” Chaney recalled. “All the other passengers received assistance but I was left behind.”

With no choice but to walk a long jet bridge unaided, Chaney reported a severe drop in oxygen levels, pale lips, and near-fainting by the time she reached the waiting wheelchair.

“This was my first time flying without oxygen. That employee made assumptions about what I could handle—that’s not just bad service, that’s dangerous.”

Public Backlash & Accessibility Claim

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Chaney’s emotional video prompted widespread backlash against SeaTac, as well as renewed calls for an enforceable “Customer of Size” policy.

In her caption, she demanded accountability:

“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. This is unacceptable, and I will not stay silent.”

This isn’t her first time pushing for change. In 2023, Chaney launched a petition demanding the FAA mandate inclusive travel accommodations, including:

Free extra seating for plus-size passengers
Clearly marked accessible seating
Mandatory disability and size-inclusion training for airline staff

The petition has already gathered over 39,600 signatures, with hundreds of supporters sharing stories of shame, discomfort, and even trauma while flying.

Legal and Policy Implications

Disability rights attorneys say Chaney may have a valid discrimination claim, particularly under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits airlines and their contractors from discriminating against passengers with disabilities.

“Denying wheelchair service based on someone’s size may qualify as both disability and weight-based discrimination,” said one legal expert. “It could open the door to a federal investigation or even a class action claim.”

Chaney’s case has also raised serious questions about travel insurance, airline liability, and what rights passengers truly have when requesting accommodations.

The Bigger Picture: Shrinking Seats, Growing Frustrations

From legroom to armrests, passengers of all sizes are expressing growing frustration. Airlines are shrinking seat dimensions, but expecting everyone to “just deal with it.” Some have walked away from air travel altogether.

“After being fat-shamed by a passenger next to me, I no longer fly,” one commenter said.
“I’m tall and still leave flights with bruises,” another added.

Final Thoughts

Jaelynn Chaney’s protest isn’t just a personal plea—it’s part of a larger civil rights movement demanding equity in public spaces. As airlines continue to profit while squeezing out comfort and dignity, passengers like Chaney are refusing to be silent.

What are your thoughts—should airlines and airports be held legally accountable for failing to assist plus-size and disabled travelers? Let us know in the comments below.