In a story that has struck a chord with thousands across the country, travel influencer and accessibility advocate Jaelynn Chaney has come forward with serious concerns about how travelers with mobility needs—especially those who are plus-size—are treated in public transportation spaces. Chaney, who has built a large and supportive following online by chronicling her travel experiences and raising awareness around body inclusivity, is now taking aim at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), alleging discrimination after a deeply distressing incident that she says left her physically compromised and emotionally shaken.
The situation unfolded during a recent trip when Chaney, who wears size 6XL and requires specific mobility accommodations, said she was denied the wheelchair assistance she had requested ahead of time. In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Chaney emotionally recounted the ordeal, describing how an airport staff member allegedly refused to provide assistance after seeing her size. The video, shared across multiple platforms, resonated with many viewers who expressed shock, sadness, and support for Chaney’s courage in speaking up.
According to Chaney, the denial of service forced her to walk a long jet bridge without any access to supplemental oxygen—something she requires to manage her health condition. She described feeling lightheaded and vulnerable as her oxygen levels began to drop dangerously low. “I almost passed out,” she explained in the video. “I could barely breathe. It was humiliating and terrifying.” The clip has since garnered thousands of shares and comments, highlighting the emotional and physical toll such an experience can have on someone with accessibility needs.
To bring more visibility to the issue, Chaney organized a peaceful demonstration at SeaTac, holding a sign that read “Wheelchair Access for All.” The sign and the message behind it called attention to a broader and ongoing problem: the lack of adequate infrastructure, training, and empathy in many public spaces when it comes to accommodating travelers of all body types and health conditions. Her protest was not just about her own experience—it was a stand for everyone who has ever felt excluded, dismissed, or mistreated because of their size or physical needs.
“This is about more than just one incident,” Chaney explained to reporters who attended the protest. “This is about systemic barriers that prevent people of size and people with disabilities from traveling safely and with dignity.”
Chaney has long been a vocal advocate for what she refers to as “customers of size,” a term used to represent individuals who require additional space, care, or accommodations while using public services like air travel. Her advocacy work has included an ongoing online petition that calls on major airlines to take meaningful action. The petition outlines several demands, including the provision of additional seats at no extra cost for plus-size travelers, improved accessibility measures, and comprehensive sensitivity training for airline staff and airport personnel. So far, the petition has garnered over 39,600 signatures, with thousands of supporters sharing their own stories of discomfort, embarrassment, and exclusion while flying.
For many of her supporters, Chaney’s experience at SeaTac is not an isolated case but rather part of a much larger pattern. Numerous commenters on her viral video shared their own accounts of being made to feel unwelcome or invisible while traveling. Some described being stared at, spoken to rudely, or forced to endure uncomfortable and unsafe conditions simply because of their size or mobility needs. These stories have created a growing online community of individuals pushing for more compassionate and equitable treatment in the travel industry.
While SeaTac Airport has not released a detailed public statement regarding the incident as of this writing, the story has ignited renewed discussions around travel accessibility in the United States. Advocates say that while airports and airlines are bound by regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), enforcement and implementation of these policies can be inconsistent. In many cases, the lack of clear protocols and proper training can leave travelers feeling abandoned or unsafe.
Chaney hopes that her story will inspire both airport authorities and airline companies to take a closer look at how their policies affect people of all sizes and abilities. “We are all paying customers,” she stated in a follow-up post. “We all deserve the right to travel comfortably, safely, and with the dignity that every human being is entitled to. No one should be denied assistance because of their size. No one should be forced to suffer in silence.”
In the wake of the protest, several disability rights organizations and plus-size advocates have voiced their support for Chaney, echoing the need for immediate changes in the way mobility and body diversity are addressed in travel spaces. Many are calling for comprehensive reviews of current accessibility standards, including better availability of equipment, timely and respectful assistance, and ongoing education for frontline workers.
Jaelynn Chaney’s voice joins a growing chorus demanding change—not just for individuals with disabilities or those who are plus-size, but for a more inclusive society as a whole. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the work still needed to ensure that all travelers, regardless of size or ability, are treated with fairness and respect.
As her movement gains momentum, Chaney remains committed to her mission of advocacy and awareness. Through her social media platforms, public demonstrations, and continued dialogue with stakeholders in the travel industry, she aims to pave the way for a future where accessibility is not seen as a privilege, but a fundamental right for all.
