Plus-Size Travel Influencer Claims Discrimination at Airport

A plus-size travel influencer has reported an incident of discrimination by an airport employee who refused to assist her in a wheelchair due to her weight. Jaelynn Chaney, 27, shared her experience at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport in a TikTok video.

Chaney, who is from Vancouver, Washington, described how she requested wheelchair assistance after landing, as she usually does. However, the airport employee assigned to assist her walked away, making comments about her size.

The influencer recounted that despite her pleas, the employee ignored her and left her to walk up one of the longest jet bridges she had encountered. This walk left Chaney gasping for air, and she eventually had to sit down when her oxygen levels dropped.

Chaney believes that the employee's actions were discriminatory, assuming she could walk without assistance. She urged others who have faced similar issues to speak out, emphasizing that discrimination based on body size is real and unacceptable.

Supporters on social media expressed their sympathy and support for Chaney, condemning the discrimination she faced. Some comments highlighted the need for equal treatment regardless of body size or abilities.

Chaney used this incident to promote her ongoing campaign for airlines to provide extra seats for plus-size travelers without additional charges. She argues that this policy would ensure basic human rights for overweight passengers, although it might increase fares for slimmer passengers.