Plus-size TikToker blames Chicago O’Hare airport staff for ignoring her after she got stuck in revolving door

A plus-size TikTok influencer has publicly criticized airport staff at Chicago O'Hare International Airport after she got stuck in a revolving door. Jae-lynn Chaney, an influencer from Washington with 136,000 followers, shared her “distressing” experience on social media. 

“Recently, I had a distressing experience at Chicago O’Hare airport,” Chaney recounted online. “As a plus size ambulatory wheelchair user, I faced a significant challenge when trying to get to the baggage claim.” 

“The only option is to go through a revolving door. Press the button to slow it down for people with disabilities, but as we entered, we got stuck,” she explained.  

Chaney described that she began to panic because she is “claustrophobic.” She went on to claim that as she frantically motioned for the staff to help, they just stared at her. 

“This is my second terrible experience at O’Hare during just one trip.” 

“The lack of assistance was not only frustrating, but dehumanizing, highlighting the necessity for airport staff to treat travelers of all sizes and abilities with the respect and care they deserve,” Chaney concluded. 

Following Chaney’s post on TikTok, several users commented against her complaints.  

“The world isn’t going to revolve around ur obesity. You have a lot of self pity,” said one user. 

“Obesity is NOT a disability. You have brought this all on yourself. STOP,” said another. 

Chaney, who wears a size 6XL, has previously gained attention after a photo of her on an airplane, where she took up more space than her assigned seat, went viral. She has routinely been vocal about her demands for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines to provide large passengers with seats next to them for free to ensure comfort during flights. 

In her advocacy for this proposal, including her admittance that this would make ticket prices rise for passengers who are not overweight, Chaney claimed that she had met with policymakers, such as a US senator. 

“Lately, I have been reaching out to stakeholders who can help us make progress and make change in the travel industry,” Chaney said last year, according to the Daily Mail. “This has included meeting with the team of a prominent Senator in the United States.”