A plus-size travel influencer, Jaelynn Chaney, 27, recently shared her experience of alleged discrimination by an airport employee at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. According to Chaney, the incident occurred after she landed and requested wheelchair assistance, a service she regularly uses when traveling.
In a TikTok video, Chaney, who is from Vancouver, Washington, recounted the distressing encounter. She explained that upon deplaning, the wheelchair assistant assigned to her walked away when she realized she was supposed to help Chaney instead of a smaller passenger. Chaney stated that the employee made disparaging comments about her size as she left with the wheelchair, leaving Chaney struggling to walk the length of the jet bridge. Despite repeatedly asking for help, Chaney was ignored, causing her to experience shortness of breath and nearly faint.
Chaney’s ordeal sparked a discussion about discrimination against plus-size individuals. She emphasized that staying silent is no longer an option and urged others who have faced similar discrimination to speak out. The influencer, who has previously called for airlines to provide free extra seats for larger passengers, used this incident to highlight the need for better accommodation and respect for plus-size travelers.
Chaney, who has over 135,000 followers on TikTok, has been vocal about the challenges plus-size travelers face. In her videos, she documents her experiences and advocates for the rights of plus-size individuals. This recent incident has added fuel to her ongoing campaign for more inclusive policies in the travel industry.
In April 2023, Chaney created a Change.org petition demanding that the FAA protect plus-size travelers. The petition, which has garnered over 39,000 signatures, outlines several policies to ensure that plus-size passengers are treated with dignity and provided with adequate accommodations. These policies include providing additional accessible seats and offering reimbursement for passengers who need extra space.
Chaney also shared a recent personal milestone on TikTok, where she traveled without her portable oxygen concentrator for the first time in four years. She explained that she had been using the device since 2019 after a hospital stay for suspected stroke, which was later diagnosed as pulmonary hypertension. Traveling without the concentrator was a significant achievement for her, and she documented the experience to inspire others.
Throughout her advocacy, Chaney has faced both support and criticism. While many followers express empathy and solidarity, others challenge her calls for systemic changes in the travel industry. Despite the mixed reactions, Chaney remains steadfast in her mission to create a more inclusive environment for plus-size travelers.
In addition to her activism, Chaney’s TikTok content explores various aspects of her life, including her polyamorous relationships. She has collaborated with numerous companies, ranging from Google to McDonald’s, using her platform to promote body positivity and inclusivity.
Chaney’s recent experience at SeaTac Airport underscores the ongoing challenges that plus-size travelers face and highlights the importance of continued advocacy for their rights. By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in the travel industry.