Influencer Jaelynn Chaney Accuses SeaTac Airport of Discrimination After Being Denied Wheelchair Assistance Due to Her Size
Travel influencer Jaelynn Chaney, who boasts over 140,000 followers on TikTok, is speaking out after what she calls a disturbing and discriminatory encounter at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). Chaney, 28, alleges she was denied critical wheelchair assistance simply because of her size — an experience she describes as humiliating and dangerous.
The plus-size advocate and body rights activist, who identifies as a 6XL, held a powerful protest at the airport, carrying a sign that read “Wheelchair Access for All” and sharing a heartfelt video detailing the ordeal.
According to Chaney, the incident took place during a flight into SeaTac in May 2024. She says an airport staff member, assigned to assist passengers with mobility needs, visibly reacted upon seeing her — then abruptly walked away, refusing to help.
“She looked at me, made a face, and just left,” Chaney recalled in the video. “Everyone else got assistance. I was completely abandoned.”
Although Chaney can walk short distances, she relies on wheelchair support for longer treks — particularly through airports. Left without aid, she was forced to navigate an exceptionally long jet bridge on foot. By the time she finally reached the designated wheelchair area, she says she was in medical distress.
“My lips were white. My oxygen levels had dropped. I nearly passed out,” she said. “This was my first time flying without supplemental oxygen — and that employee made a dangerous assumption about what I could handle.”
Chaney isn’t just calling it bad customer service — she’s calling it a life-threatening act of discrimination.
“Denying someone assistance because of their size isn’t just wrong — it puts lives at risk,” she emphasized.
Her protest and video have since gone viral, igniting a broader conversation about accessibility, body discrimination, and the need for systemic change within travel infrastructure.
“We Deserve Better”: Jaelynn Chaney Slams SeaTac for Ongoing Discrimination Against Plus-Size Travelers
In a scathing caption accompanying her viral protest video, travel influencer Jaelynn Chaney didn’t mince words. She accused Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) of fostering a “pattern of exclusion” toward plus-size and disabled passengers.
“If SeaTac refuses to assist fat people, they should put their discrimination in writing,” Chaney declared. “Instead, they lie, deny services, and leave disabled fat travelers stranded.”
Unapologetically bold in her message, she added: “This is unacceptable — and I will not stay silent.”
Chaney, who has become a leading voice for plus-size rights in the travel industry, says this incident only underscores the need for systemic change. In 2023, she launched a national petition urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to adopt a mandatory “customer of size” policy across all airlines. Her demands include complimentary extra seating for larger passengers, clearly designated accessible seats, and comprehensive staff training to address the needs of diverse body types.
The petition has already garnered more than 39,600 signatures — and the comments speak volumes. Supporters describe a travel experience riddled with physical pain and emotional trauma.
“After being fat-shamed by a passenger sitting next to me, I no longer fly,” one commenter shared. Another wrote: “I’m tall, and I still leave flights with bruises. Airlines keep shrinking space, but expect us to just deal with it.”
To Chaney, this isn’t just about inconvenience. It’s about dignity — and equal rights.
“Plus-size passengers face pain, humiliation, and sometimes outright refusal of service,” she said. “That’s not just uncomfortable — it’s discriminatory. And it has to stop.”
