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Plus size influencer refused help
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"A plus-size travel influencer has claimed she was discriminated against by an airport employee who refused to push her in a wheelchair because of her weight. Jaelynn Chaney, 27, recounted her experience with a wheelchair assistant on a jet bridge after a recent landing at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. Was this discrimination or would this be a case of laziness from the woman in question and what sort of example would this be setting for others? " All I can add is that if it was a smaller aircraft ( Boeing 737 ) , when they are attached to an air bridge the gradient is quite severe, so pushing an average weight person can be very difficult | |||
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"Need more information before making a decision. Was the wheelchair users weight such that it could have caused injury to the assistant if they pushed her? Was other assistance provided by airline? " I would say so yes... | |||
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"Need more information before making a decision. Was the wheelchair users weight such that it could have caused injury to the assistant if they pushed her? Was other assistance provided by airline? I would say so yes..." Then not discriminatory. | |||
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"Need more information before making a decision. Was the wheelchair users weight such that it could have caused injury to the assistant if they pushed her? Was other assistance provided by airline? " Yes most definitely could cause injury. The lady didn't contact the airline prior to arrange help, just expected it on the day. Mrs | |||
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"This is the same lady who demanded free seats for plus size Travellers and had seemingly built a "career" on her size. I think, if you have a platform like that you should encourage rather then trying to see how being bigger will benefit you. If you have hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome with the latter being a cruel horrible condition which causes the person to never feel full after eating, however, she does have a medical condition but I can't seem to find what it is, if she really has then you could take that into account " thats sad if she is, I know its highlighting the difficulties for passengers that have disabilities or weight problems which is a good thing. With regard to the wheelchair - think its already been said whether she had organised support or just shouted at the first person to 'oy help me please'. | |||
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"These so called influencers like to cause drama to increase viewers. It’s selfish of her to expect someone to push her wheelchair. Why doesn’t she hire someone to travel with her to ensure she can be pushed in the wheelchair? The airport can’t be the only place she needs wheeled around." She has someone follow her around with a camera to prove how she is being discriminated against. She walked down the aisle of the aircraft just fine. She walks around on holiday just fine. She just wanted to inconvenience someone. Her obesity is not a disability. She seems like a horrible human being. | |||
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"She struggles to walk due to her size and apparently uses oxygen. Everyone is very rude and disparaging about her and says "tough, these problems are her own fault for being very fat" so they are pleased she is not helped. A form of punishment. Now imagine your dear Granny. She has emphysema because she smoked 40 a day since she was 16. She used oxygen. She is off to Benidorm for a bit of R&R. She is refused assistance because her lung condition is self inflicted. Are you equally happy with that? Your friend Bob became paralysed due to a car accident, caused by him driving like a complete idiot and wrapping his car around a tree. He is scr@ped out from behind the wheel and cobbled back together at great expense to the NHS. He is provided with a range of mobility equipment by the NHS and requires a personal assistant wherever he goes. Bob's paralysis could be seen as self inflicted. Bob is denied boarding assistance at the airport, as you're off on a stag do, he's told he has to walk from the plane to his wheelchair (because they take your chair away from the cabin and you rely on others to get you off). The reason Bob is denied assistance is because he's a fucking idiot for driving like a tit 10yrs ago and the airport worker wants to punish him. I don't think I need to give any more examples. If we're going to deny assistance to individuals deemed to have caused their own disability or health condition, that's a very dangerous and slippery slope and I hope all the holier-than-thou people are ready for their own self inflicted misery to be piled up on them tenfold. " Truthfully yes I’d be equally happy with that but there is a difference between the serious health conditions and disabilities you mentioned which although brewing self inflicted are now stuck with, the woman in question can “cure” her ailments by simply putting down the fork | |||
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"Looking at her partner, he's just as big as her so that's 2 extra seats possibly more that they are asking for (for free) if airlines were to give them what they wanted. Can't imagine that being very profitable Having said that, fuck these airlines. Having an extra seat allocated for free should be the least of their worries with pieces falling off here and there. Seems modern day flight travel is somewhat very risky " The discussion thus far has not been about airline seats. It has been about airline assistance for people with mobility difficulties. The seat issue is a different one entirely. I'm waiting to be told I deserve to be denied boarding assistance because my disability is self inflicted, like the woman who is the subject of OP | |||
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"These so called influencers like to cause drama to increase viewers. It’s selfish of her to expect someone to push her wheelchair. Why doesn’t she hire someone to travel with her to ensure she can be pushed in the wheelchair? The airport can’t be the only place she needs wheeled around. She has someone follow her around with a camera to prove how she is being discriminated against. She walked down the aisle of the aircraft just fine. She walks around on holiday just fine. She just wanted to inconvenience someone. Her obesity is not a disability. She seems like a horrible human being." Maybe they could have pushed her then  | |||
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"Pre-booking assistance is required though. People don’t just turn up at the airport they way they do for a bus. Even the ramp on trains has to be booked in advance. Although I’m sure this could be more flexible, the transport within a train station is limited and does need to be arranged in advance. It doesn’t matter why someone needs assistance, consideration needs to be given to those supplying the assistance. There are only do many people and vehicles available to offer support. Also some consideration should be given as to how those needing support should be evacuated in the case of an emergency. " People needing support aren't assisted in an emergency usually. They seat us at a window seat generally, so that we don't get in the way of able bodied people evacuating. We will be left on the plane unless we can do something to get ourselves off. I know I will probably die if there's a serious emergency on a plane. I've told Mr KC he must get our daughter and himself off and leave me behind. | |||
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"Looking at her partner, he's just as big as her so that's 2 extra seats possibly more that they are asking for (for free) if airlines were to give them what they wanted. Can't imagine that being very profitable Having said that, fuck these airlines. Having an extra seat allocated for free should be the least of their worries with pieces falling off here and there. Seems modern day flight travel is somewhat very risky " The airline industry basically never makes money as a whole. It is debatable as to whether it has _ever_ made a net profit since the first flights took off. The only seats in a plane that are generally profitable are business class - first class and economy almost always lose money. People demanding extra seats from an industry that is inherently unprofitable? Good luck with that. | |||
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"She struggles to walk due to her size and apparently uses oxygen. Everyone is very rude and disparaging about her and says "tough, these problems are her own fault for being very fat" so they are pleased she is not helped. A form of punishment. Now imagine your dear Granny. She has emphysema because she smoked 40 a day since she was 16. She used oxygen. She is off to Benidorm for a bit of R&R. She is refused assistance because her lung condition is self inflicted. Are you equally happy with that? Your friend Bob became paralysed due to a car accident, caused by him driving like a complete idiot and wrapping his car around a tree. He is scr@ped out from behind the wheel and cobbled back together at great expense to the NHS. He is provided with a range of mobility equipment by the NHS and requires a personal assistant wherever he goes. Bob's paralysis could be seen as self inflicted. Bob is denied boarding assistance at the airport, as you're off on a stag do, he's told he has to walk from the plane to his wheelchair (because they take your chair away from the cabin and you rely on others to get you off). The reason Bob is denied assistance is because he's a fucking idiot for driving like a tit 10yrs ago and the airport worker wants to punish him. I don't think I need to give any more examples. If we're going to deny assistance to individuals deemed to have caused their own disability or health condition, that's a very dangerous and slippery slope and I hope all the holier-than-thou people are ready for their own self inflicted misery to be piled up on them tenfold. Truthfully yes I’d be equally happy with that but there is a difference between the serious health conditions and disabilities you mentioned which although brewing self inflicted are now stuck with, the woman in question can “cure” her ailments by simply putting down the fork" My granny or Bob aren't influencers making money out of their issues | |||
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"Need more information before making a decision. Was the wheelchair users weight such that it could have caused injury to the assistant if they pushed her? Was other assistance provided by airline? " 
I don't know the woman but some extra details here would help. | |||
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"Need more information before making a decision. Was the wheelchair users weight such that it could have caused injury to the assistant if they pushed her? Was other assistance provided by airline?
I don't know the woman but some extra details here would help. "I wonder if she may be using this to boost her influencer profile. | |||
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" My granny or Bob aren't influencers making money out of their issues" That is also completely irrelevant as to whether the lady was entitled to be assisted on/off a plane at an airport. Are there any other occupations you'd like to prevent getting assistance? Traffic wardens, perhaps? Or that rude guy in the corner shop? He's REALLY fucking annoying so it's a bloody good job they leave him without assistance of he need it! | |||
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"I can walk a few paces/on flat ground, with crutches (and a lot of pain). Does that mean I don't need my wheelchair or wheelchair related assistance on/off a plane? Her ability to shuffle down an aeroplane aisle bears no resemblance to her ability to walk up a steep air bridge or from the gate to the exit of the airport (often very far away). Hopefully you tell your elderly relatives to stop bloody whining about it being hard to walk all around town and you take away their wheelchair or mobility scooter? They walk around/shuffle around at home just fine, right? Wheelchair or mobility aid use is not all-or-nothing. It is valid to need to use a mobility aid in some circumstances and not others. This thread is validating ALL the things I think people are thinking when they see me. All of them. "  . | |||
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"I was on a flight to San Francisco and a person of size needed assistance as they had a leg brace on and they were genuinely the lushest person I saw on the whole plane. Happily waited till last, made jokes about the situation, lightened the mood and had 2 people help her until they could get her to the motorised golf cart instead of a long push in a wheelchair. Pre booked and problem free. Help is always available if you ask nicely / treat people nicely " Help should only be given to nice people? | |||
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"Airlines should be equipped with small electric tug tractors for big jobs like this so they can hook a rope on her and drag her on, you cannot reasonably expect an individual to push this amount of weight if they feel it may be too much for them. "   | |||
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"Airlines should be equipped with small electric tug tractors for big jobs like this so they can hook a rope on her and drag her on, you cannot reasonably expect an individual to push this amount of weight if they feel it may be too much for them. " Stop | |||
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" Help should only be given to nice people? " No, I'm not saying that but niceness goes a long way in bad / awkward situations | |||
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" My granny or Bob aren't influencers making money out of their issues That is also completely irrelevant as to whether the lady was entitled to be assisted on/off a plane at an airport. Are there any other occupations you'd like to prevent getting assistance? Traffic wardens, perhaps? Or that rude guy in the corner shop? He's REALLY fucking annoying so it's a bloody good job they leave him without assistance of he need it!" Loads | |||
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"Airlines should be equipped with small electric tug tractors for big jobs like this so they can hook a rope on her and drag her on, you cannot reasonably expect an individual to push this amount of weight if they feel it may be too much for them. " If you've been to an airport, you'll know they have motorised little vehicles to provide assistance, a bit like gold buggies. Is there any reason to speak about the lady like she's a piece of luggage to be lugged about? "so they can hook a rope on her and drag her on..." Lovely choice of language. Nice and dehumanising. | |||
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" Help should only be given to nice people? No, I'm not saying that but niceness goes a long way in bad / awkward situations " Disabled people are just like non disabled people. Some are lovely. Some are absolutely wankers. Unless behaviour is dangerous, non disabled people are not denied the ability to get on a plane if they're not lovely. There's a trope that disabled people should all be compliant, polite, demur, grateful. We're never allowed to get annoyed or irritated and god help us if we ever complain about the fact we cannot access things!! | |||
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"I can walk a few paces/on flat ground, with crutches (and a lot of pain). Does that mean I don't need my wheelchair or wheelchair related assistance on/off a plane? Her ability to shuffle down an aeroplane aisle bears no resemblance to her ability to walk up a steep air bridge or from the gate to the exit of the airport (often very far away). Hopefully you tell your elderly relatives to stop bloody whining about it being hard to walk all around town and you take away their wheelchair or mobility scooter? They walk around/shuffle around at home just fine, right? Wheelchair or mobility aid use is not all-or-nothing. It is valid to need to use a mobility aid in some circumstances and not others. This thread is validating ALL the things I think people are thinking when they see me. All of them. " Same here honestly. Ah well. | |||
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"It's probably as Americans like to cause a fuss generally and can sue for millions at the slightest mishap. I remember sitting in a hot US airport waiting for a delayed flight (it might have been 30mins), next thing there's raised voices, next thing everyone on the flight gets $50 or something. I was amazed that one person raising their voice can spread so quickly, to get part refund for everyone. She's probably not an influencer more has a following on social media and 'influencer' has been picked up on. If it was disabled woman left stranded, people might have different reaction. There's a report today about a guy who had a hernia op, a bag and part of his bowel was left in needing a second op. His job wasn't mentioned but if he was described as an influencer you'd think there was some kind of set up behind it (much as it'd be impossible in that scenario). " She seems very "influencer" status on her TT, 136k followers is quite a following. | |||
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"She also says that plus sized people should get a free extra seat. She sounds very entitled." Wheelchair users should have ramped access to every building. Yes, I'm entitled too. | |||
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"Having ready the article, my overriding thought is one of a sense of entitlement by the influencer. She is described as 6XL, admits that she can walk (but often uses a wheelchair) and describes having to go up the longest air bridge that she's ever seen. There is no mention or consideration by the influencer of the female assistant's physical capability ability to asist her, just a very negative account from her perspective only. My suggestions for a better outcome would be. The influencer contacts the airline in advance to explain and discuss the situation, which then gives the airline the opportunity to consider alternatives, e.g a lift down to ground level and a lift to the aircraft. Can the wheelchair be pushed by 2 assistants, or 2 assistants taking turns? Is there an assistant who has the capability of pushing her in a wheelchair? Does the airport need different facilities, e.g. a motorised wheelchair or other motorised option? A separate question and a can of worms to be opened is, does having someone on an aircraft with restricted mobility put other passengers at greater risk in the event of an emergency?" Yes definitely, if your exit route is obstructed then it's a risk. | |||
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"Having ready the article, my overriding thought is one of a sense of entitlement by the influencer. She is described as 6XL, admits that she can walk (but often uses a wheelchair) and describes having to go up the longest air bridge that she's ever seen. There is no mention or consideration by the influencer of the female assistant's physical capability ability to asist her, just a very negative account from her perspective only. My suggestions for a better outcome would be. The influencer contacts the airline in advance to explain and discuss the situation, which then gives the airline the opportunity to consider alternatives, e.g a lift down to ground level and a lift to the aircraft. Can the wheelchair be pushed by 2 assistants, or 2 assistants taking turns? Is there an assistant who has the capability of pushing her in a wheelchair? Does the airport need different facilities, e.g. a motorised wheelchair or other motorised option? A separate question and a can of worms to be opened is, does having someone on an aircraft with restricted mobility put other passengers at greater risk in the event of an emergency?" 1) She pre booked assistance. There's no option to go into vast detail about why you need assistance, you can just indicate if you need wheelchair assistance or if you need the platform lift to get you to the plane door etc. It's a tick box list with no option to enter separate info. 2) Regarding emergency evacuation, see my earlier comment. The assumption is mobility impaired people will be left behind to die and that is why we are usually seated in a window seat, so we're not in anyone's way. Don't worry, you are not going to die in a plane crash because a big fat wheelchair user gets under your feet. We will die by the window. We'll try and do it quietly too so it doesn't distress you too much. | |||
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"Having ready the article, my overriding thought is one of a sense of entitlement by the influencer. She is described as 6XL, admits that she can walk (but often uses a wheelchair) and describes having to go up the longest air bridge that she's ever seen. There is no mention or consideration by the influencer of the female assistant's physical capability ability to asist her, just a very negative account from her perspective only. My suggestions for a better outcome would be. The influencer contacts the airline in advance to explain and discuss the situation, which then gives the airline the opportunity to consider alternatives, e.g a lift down to ground level and a lift to the aircraft. Can the wheelchair be pushed by 2 assistants, or 2 assistants taking turns? Is there an assistant who has the capability of pushing her in a wheelchair? Does the airport need different facilities, e.g. a motorised wheelchair or other motorised option? A separate question and a can of worms to be opened is, does having someone on an aircraft with restricted mobility put other passengers at greater risk in the event of an emergency? Yes definitely, if your exit route is obstructed then it's a risk. " No. They just leave us to die in our window seats (note the lady was seated in a window seat). I'm sure that pleases you. | |||
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"I can walk a few paces/on flat ground, with crutches (and a lot of pain). Does that mean I don't need my wheelchair or wheelchair related assistance on/off a plane? Her ability to shuffle down an aeroplane aisle bears no resemblance to her ability to walk up a steep air bridge or from the gate to the exit of the airport (often very far away). Hopefully you tell your elderly relatives to stop bloody whining about it being hard to walk all around town and you take away their wheelchair or mobility scooter? They walk around/shuffle around at home just fine, right? Wheelchair or mobility aid use is not all-or-nothing. It is valid to need to use a mobility aid in some circumstances and not others. This thread is validating ALL the things I think people are thinking when they see me. All of them. "
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"Are we getting into the realms of "mobility impaired people shouldn't be in any place where their lack of mobility might get in the way of able people to evacuate?" Cos that's REALLY going in an unpleasant direction. " I recall being horrified at the evacuation procedure for mobility impaired people at my last place of work. Basically in the event of a fire wait at an evacuation point for someone to get (remember) you. If you were on an upper floor wait in the stairwell. | |||
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"It's probably as Americans like to cause a fuss generally and can sue for millions at the slightest mishap. I remember sitting in a hot US airport waiting for a delayed flight (it might have been 30mins), next thing there's raised voices, next thing everyone on the flight gets $50 or something. I was amazed that one person raising their voice can spread so quickly, to get part refund for everyone. She's probably not an influencer more has a following on social media and 'influencer' has been picked up on. If it was disabled woman left stranded, people might have different reaction. There's a report today about a guy who had a hernia op, a bag and part of his bowel was left in needing a second op. His job wasn't mentioned but if he was described as an influencer you'd think there was some kind of set up behind it (much as it'd be impossible in that scenario). She seems very "influencer" status on her TT, 136k followers is quite a following." I don't know if that's a big number or not but there is a little schadenfreude associated with influencers as so many set up "news events" to keep themselves influential such is their line of work - even if this was not. | |||
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"Are we getting into the realms of "mobility impaired people shouldn't be in any place where their lack of mobility might get in the way of able people to evacuate?" Cos that's REALLY going in an unpleasant direction. I recall being horrified at the evacuation procedure for mobility impaired people at my last place of work. Basically in the event of a fire wait at an evacuation point for someone to get (remember) you. If you were on an upper floor wait in the stairwell. "The apartment block I live in, people with mobility challenges, wheelchairs typically, in the event of a fire are on a "stay put" instruction. Given our block is wrapped in highly flammable cladding and there's not a single fire break between floors or around windows, lots of sleepless nights. I understand the reason behind the order. I can also imagine a partner having to leave behind a loved one, probably to burn to death. *back to the op...... | |||
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"Having ready the article, my overriding thought is one of a sense of entitlement by the influencer. She is described as 6XL, admits that she can walk (but often uses a wheelchair) and describes having to go up the longest air bridge that she's ever seen. There is no mention or consideration by the influencer of the female assistant's physical capability ability to asist her, just a very negative account from her perspective only. My suggestions for a better outcome would be. The influencer contacts the airline in advance to explain and discuss the situation, which then gives the airline the opportunity to consider alternatives, e.g a lift down to ground level and a lift to the aircraft. Can the wheelchair be pushed by 2 assistants, or 2 assistants taking turns? Is there an assistant who has the capability of pushing her in a wheelchair? Does the airport need different facilities, e.g. a motorised wheelchair or other motorised option? A separate question and a can of worms to be opened is, does having someone on an aircraft with restricted mobility put other passengers at greater risk in the event of an emergency? Yes definitely, if your exit route is obstructed then it's a risk. No. They just leave us to die in our window seats (note the lady was seated in a window seat). I'm sure that pleases you. " Don't tell me how to think. | |||
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"Are we getting into the realms of "mobility impaired people shouldn't be in any place where their lack of mobility might get in the way of able people to evacuate?" Cos that's REALLY going in an unpleasant direction. I recall being horrified at the evacuation procedure for mobility impaired people at my last place of work. Basically in the event of a fire wait at an evacuation point for someone to get (remember) you. If you were on an upper floor wait in the stairwell. "That's exactly the procedure at work. There's a bunch of people (voluntarily) trained to use the evac chair but before the bit where they strap me into a gurney and bounce me downstairs (putting themselves at risk too), I have to wait in what has been described as a refuge area in the past. I recently discovered it's actually just a lobby area. It's not a protected refuge. One of the trained people is Mr KC so I know he'll come and get me. Another is my best work mate and I know he will too. | |||
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I was, until January, in a wheelchair for long distances due to an injury.
Before I flew I had to get the disability team contacted, then queue for them. At Heathrow they are beyond a joke and told me they had no one to push me despite me saying I can’t do it myself…..
I’m not a big guy (I weight 13st) but I couldn’t walk distance due to my injuries.
If someone requires a wheelchair then it MUST be done prior….. just because you are a “plus sized influencer” is a joke….empower people to feel comfortable sure, BUT YOU CANT BE SELF ENTITLED!
-Magic | |||
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"20 years ago a plus size woman in a mobility scooter knocked my 7 year old daughter down in Disneyworld before ramming a pushchair with 2 other small kids in it belonging to another family and screaming at them to "ah shut up kid I'm watching the show!" My daughter wasn't hurt but when the father of the other kids confronted her she screamed back at him that she was a large lady and he needed to respect her and if he didn't she would get him removed from the park. 2 hours later both her and her husband who was also in a scooter were causing havoc in a restaurant demanding that people move from a table near the door and saying that staff needed to protect them more. A week later at the airport they were seen again berating staff for not having a vehicle to take them to their gate. When they were asked if they had pre booked one they said, "no why should we? We are busy people and you guys need to show us more respect!" A couple of years ago I watched a video of a woman doing something similar in Universal Studios but she was telling staff that her millions of followers would see how park staff were all shit and she would sue if they didn't do what they were supposed to do and "move those fucking kids" out of her way so she could get to the front of the queue. One male staff member offered to take her to the accessible entrance to the show and she replied that she wasn't disabled, she was just big and he was an idiot. As ridiculous as the video was my thoughts on it were coloured even more by that previous experience. Everyone who requires assistance should receive it but don't be a cunt to those who are trying to help or those around you." I am agreeing with your last line 100%. Protected isms and human rights should be upheld but making up stories, ranting, being accusative and telling others how to think, feel and speak doesn't come as a side dish with it. Be respectful and be mindful of your own dignity at all times. | |||
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"20 years ago a plus size woman in a mobility scooter knocked my 7 year old daughter down in Disneyworld before ramming a pushchair with 2 other small kids in it belonging to another family and screaming at them to "ah shut up kid I'm watching the show!" My daughter wasn't hurt but when the father of the other kids confronted her she screamed back at him that she was a large lady and he needed to respect her and if he didn't she would get him removed from the park. 2 hours later both her and her husband who was also in a scooter were causing havoc in a restaurant demanding that people move from a table near the door and saying that staff needed to protect them more. A week later at the airport they were seen again berating staff for not having a vehicle to take them to their gate. When they were asked if they had pre booked one they said, "no why should we? We are busy people and you guys need to show us more respect!" A couple of years ago I watched a video of a woman doing something similar in Universal Studios but she was telling staff that her millions of followers would see how park staff were all shit and she would sue if they didn't do what they were supposed to do and "move those fucking kids" out of her way so she could get to the front of the queue. One male staff member offered to take her to the accessible entrance to the show and she replied that she wasn't disabled, she was just big and he was an idiot. As ridiculous as the video was my thoughts on it were coloured even more by that previous experience. Everyone who requires assistance should receive it but don't be a cunt to those who are trying to help or those around you. I am agreeing with your last line 100%. Protected isms and human rights should be upheld but making up stories, ranting, being accusative and telling others how to think, feel and speak doesn't come as a side dish with it. Be respectful and be mindful of your own dignity at all times. " Well put | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... " They could have got more staff, this is nonsense. You have no idea why the woman is overweight so don't judge people. | |||
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"20 years ago a plus size woman in a mobility scooter knocked my 7 year old daughter down in Disneyworld before ramming a pushchair with 2 other small kids in it belonging to another family and screaming at them to "ah shut up kid I'm watching the show!" My daughter wasn't hurt but when the father of the other kids confronted her she screamed back at him that she was a large lady and he needed to respect her and if he didn't she would get him removed from the park. 2 hours later both her and her husband who was also in a scooter were causing havoc in a restaurant demanding that people move from a table near the door and saying that staff needed to protect them more. A week later at the airport they were seen again berating staff for not having a vehicle to take them to their gate. When they were asked if they had pre booked one they said, "no why should we? We are busy people and you guys need to show us more respect!" A couple of years ago I watched a video of a woman doing something similar in Universal Studios but she was telling staff that her millions of followers would see how park staff were all shit and she would sue if they didn't do what they were supposed to do and "move those fucking kids" out of her way so she could get to the front of the queue. One male staff member offered to take her to the accessible entrance to the show and she replied that she wasn't disabled, she was just big and he was an idiot. As ridiculous as the video was my thoughts on it were coloured even more by that previous experience. Everyone who requires assistance should receive it but don't be a cunt to those who are trying to help or those around you. I am agreeing with your last line 100%. Protected isms and human rights should be upheld but making up stories, ranting, being accusative and telling others how to think, feel and speak doesn't come as a side dish with it. Be respectful and be mindful of your own dignity at all times. " How about, to everyone in the world, "don't be a cunt"? Why do we think disabled people have to just be grateful and shut up? In all honesty, I don't really care what the specifics of the influencer lady's situation was. I'm more inflamed by the attitude to disability assistance in general by people on this thread. If I need to get somewhere and I've done my utmost to roll through all the extra hoops that being disabled force me to roll through, but I still can't get to where I need to be, I will complain. I'm not going to "be a cunt" but I'm also not going to sit quietly and miss my flight or train or be late to work. | |||
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"Influencer? What the fuck does that even mean? If she can't make her way onto and off a plane or move herself around without help, then like anyone else who needs help, she needs to prebook it, if it's available and an option. And if it's not an option, why travel and then expect it.? more than anything. Maybe look in the mirror and check what she's demanding others do on her behalf. " SHE PRE BOOKED!! She pre sodding well booked. They wouldn't have had a manual wheelchair waiting at the top of the air bridge with a member of staff otherwise, would they?! | |||
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"^^^Does one person being a twat 20yrs ago mean anything now?! Or does that mean all disabled people should be treated in a particular way because one person was unpleasant. Fuck me sideways. If we're "whatabouting" like that, can we please ban all middle aged white males from pubs because I've seen fucking loads of them being absolutely awful?" Please don't put words in my mouth because that isn't what I said. Where did I say that any disabled person should be treated badly? I didn't so please don't make things up to suit your agenda. I said that if you act a cunt you can't then complain about how others react around you or try and blame them for your bad attitude. It's not whataboutery when my daughter gets knocked down by an entitled woman who just happened to be in a mobility vehicle. You are attempting to tar me with the middle aged white man slur. Am I supposed to be annoyed over that when I don't drink and don't spend time in pubs? Why would you get annoyed over what I said? If you don't act like a cunt it's not really relevant. The examples I gave involved disability because they were relevant to this thread. I can give you lots more examples of entitlement and poor behaviour that don't involve disability but again those wouldn't be relevant to this thread. | |||
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"20 years ago a plus size woman in a mobility scooter knocked my 7 year old daughter down in Disneyworld before ramming a pushchair with 2 other small kids in it belonging to another family and screaming at them to "ah shut up kid I'm watching the show!" My daughter wasn't hurt but when the father of the other kids confronted her she screamed back at him that she was a large lady and he needed to respect her and if he didn't she would get him removed from the park. 2 hours later both her and her husband who was also in a scooter were causing havoc in a restaurant demanding that people move from a table near the door and saying that staff needed to protect them more. A week later at the airport they were seen again berating staff for not having a vehicle to take them to their gate. When they were asked if they had pre booked one they said, "no why should we? We are busy people and you guys need to show us more respect!" A couple of years ago I watched a video of a woman doing something similar in Universal Studios but she was telling staff that her millions of followers would see how park staff were all shit and she would sue if they didn't do what they were supposed to do and "move those fucking kids" out of her way so she could get to the front of the queue. One male staff member offered to take her to the accessible entrance to the show and she replied that she wasn't disabled, she was just big and he was an idiot. As ridiculous as the video was my thoughts on it were coloured even more by that previous experience. Everyone who requires assistance should receive it but don't be a cunt to those who are trying to help or those around you. I am agreeing with your last line 100%. Protected isms and human rights should be upheld but making up stories, ranting, being accusative and telling others how to think, feel and speak doesn't come as a side dish with it. Be respectful and be mindful of your own dignity at all times. How about, to everyone in the world, "don't be a cunt"? Why do we think disabled people have to just be grateful and shut up? In all honesty, I don't really care what the specifics of the influencer lady's situation was. I'm more inflamed by the attitude to disability assistance in general by people on this thread. If I need to get somewhere and I've done my utmost to roll through all the extra hoops that being disabled force me to roll through, but I still can't get to where I need to be, I will complain. I'm not going to "be a cunt" but I'm also not going to sit quietly and miss my flight or train or be late to work. " You always make very valid points Kinky and this being your lived experience , your views mean a lot to me on this matter. I always enjoy seeing you champion your cause which is your right but I feel today people are not talking about disability issues in general but of the particular 'facts' of the case of 'Chaney the influencer.' I'm going to re read the thread for 'attitude' to disability assistance in general tho - out of interest. | |||
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"20 years ago a plus size woman in a mobility scooter knocked my 7 year old daughter down in Disneyworld before ramming a pushchair with 2 other small kids in it belonging to another family and screaming at them to "ah shut up kid I'm watching the show!" My daughter wasn't hurt but when the father of the other kids confronted her she screamed back at him that she was a large lady and he needed to respect her and if he didn't she would get him removed from the park. 2 hours later both her and her husband who was also in a scooter were causing havoc in a restaurant demanding that people move from a table near the door and saying that staff needed to protect them more. A week later at the airport they were seen again berating staff for not having a vehicle to take them to their gate. When they were asked if they had pre booked one they said, "no why should we? We are busy people and you guys need to show us more respect!" A couple of years ago I watched a video of a woman doing something similar in Universal Studios but she was telling staff that her millions of followers would see how park staff were all shit and she would sue if they didn't do what they were supposed to do and "move those fucking kids" out of her way so she could get to the front of the queue. One male staff member offered to take her to the accessible entrance to the show and she replied that she wasn't disabled, she was just big and he was an idiot. As ridiculous as the video was my thoughts on it were coloured even more by that previous experience. Everyone who requires assistance should receive it but don't be a cunt to those who are trying to help or those around you. I am agreeing with your last line 100%. Protected isms and human rights should be upheld but making up stories, ranting, being accusative and telling others how to think, feel and speak doesn't come as a side dish with it. Be respectful and be mindful of your own dignity at all times. How about, to everyone in the world, "don't be a cunt"? Why do we think disabled people have to just be grateful and shut up? In all honesty, I don't really care what the specifics of the influencer lady's situation was. I'm more inflamed by the attitude to disability assistance in general by people on this thread. If I need to get somewhere and I've done my utmost to roll through all the extra hoops that being disabled force me to roll through, but I still can't get to where I need to be, I will complain. I'm not going to "be a cunt" but I'm also not going to sit quietly and miss my flight or train or be late to work. You always make very valid points Kinky and this being your lived experience , your views mean a lot to me on this matter. I always enjoy seeing you champion your cause which is your right but I feel today people are not talking about disability issues in general but of the particular 'facts' of the case of 'Chaney the influencer.' I'm going to re read the thread for 'attitude' to disability assistance in general tho - out of interest. " People saying she deserved to be treated as she reports because she's fat. And being fat is self inflicted. People saying she deserves to not receive assistance [assuming she didn't receive any] because she's just turned up and been self entitled and that she deserves no assistance if she didn't pre book. This despite the evidence that she must have pre booked if the airport had a manual chair waiting. People questioning if it's even okay to have mobility impaired people on planes because they'll get in the way of able bodied people. The general sense that there's a hierarchy of "deserving" disabled people and undeserving. Undeserving are the ones with perceived self inflicted disabilities and those who are deemed not to be grateful and nice and compliant enough. The assumptions that because the woman could shuffle down the plane aisle that she didn't even need a wheelchair at all and she should just walk because obviously she can. Etc. Those things, Granny. | |||
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"^^^Does one person being a twat 20yrs ago mean anything now?! Or does that mean all disabled people should be treated in a particular way because one person was unpleasant. Fuck me sideways. If we're "whatabouting" like that, can we please ban all middle aged white males from pubs because I've seen fucking loads of them being absolutely awful? Please don't put words in my mouth because that isn't what I said. Where did I say that any disabled person should be treated badly? I didn't so please don't make things up to suit your agenda. I said that if you act a cunt you can't then complain about how others react around you or try and blame them for your bad attitude. It's not whataboutery when my daughter gets knocked down by an entitled woman who just happened to be in a mobility vehicle. You are attempting to tar me with the middle aged white man slur. Am I supposed to be annoyed over that when I don't drink and don't spend time in pubs? Why would you get annoyed over what I said? If you don't act like a cunt it's not really relevant. The examples I gave involved disability because they were relevant to this thread. I can give you lots more examples of entitlement and poor behaviour that don't involve disability but again those wouldn't be relevant to this thread. " What was the relevance to this discussion of your daughter being run over by a mobility scooter 20yrs ago at Disney world? Actually I didn't pick middle aged white men because you are one (I don't know your age, I've never looked at your profile) but because they're the stereotype of people who kick off in pubs. | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? " What conditions need wheelchairs? She states she uses supplemental oxygen and cannot walk more than short distances. | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? What conditions need wheelchairs? She states she uses supplemental oxygen and cannot walk more than short distances. " You sound aggressive there. It was a simple question that I was asking about the woman being discussed. | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? " So I will ask the question a different way. Is it because she is obese that she needs a wheelchair? Does she have a medical condition that requires a wheelchair. My answer would be different depending on the answer | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? What conditions need wheelchairs? She states she uses supplemental oxygen and cannot walk more than short distances. You sound aggressive there. It was a simple question that I was asking about the woman being discussed. " I'm not aggressive in typing into my phone, no. The fact the women used supplemental oxygen, as stated in news reports about the situation, suggests she does have a medical condition. But we don't have access to her medical records, so we'll never know. It's quite annoying as a disabled person to have people ask about my medical condition or status, in public, and expecting me to answer. I am sure most people on here would object to discussing their medical history in the air bridge of an airport. | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? What conditions need wheelchairs? She states she uses supplemental oxygen and cannot walk more than short distances. You sound aggressive there. It was a simple question that I was asking about the woman being discussed. I'm not aggressive in typing into my phone, no. The fact the women used supplemental oxygen, as stated in news reports about the situation, suggests she does have a medical condition. But we don't have access to her medical records, so we'll never know. It's quite annoying as a disabled person to have people ask about my medical condition or status, in public, and expecting me to answer. I am sure most people on here would object to discussing their medical history in the air bridge of an airport. " We are not talking about you. Maybe log off it you are upset and think we should not be posting | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? What conditions need wheelchairs? She states she uses supplemental oxygen and cannot walk more than short distances. You sound aggressive there. It was a simple question that I was asking about the woman being discussed. I'm not aggressive in typing into my phone, no. The fact the women used supplemental oxygen, as stated in news reports about the situation, suggests she does have a medical condition. But we don't have access to her medical records, so we'll never know. It's quite annoying as a disabled person to have people ask about my medical condition or status, in public, and expecting me to answer. I am sure most people on here would object to discussing their medical history in the air bridge of an airport. We are not talking about you. Maybe log off it you are upset and think we should not be posting" It applies to anyone who states they are disabled. No-one has to explain to random curious people about their medical history. Not me, not the woman in the original story, no-one. She uses supplemental oxygen. One assumes she doesn't use it for fun, so that suggests she is indeed disabled. Why she is disabled and needs supplemental oxygen is irrelevant. | |||
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"Honestly, this thread is the first for a very long time that has genuinely upset me. It reinforces everything that people try to tell me is all in my head. " As an able bodied person I cannot truly understand how some of the ignorance on this thread will have impacted on you. As the mother of a child who needed a wheelchair for several months and the friend of a lady with a variable condition meaning she sometimes needs a wheelchair... this thread made me angry and sad. A disabled person is a person. They have as much right to access everything that I can, regardless of the reason for their need, personality or job. | |||
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"^^^Does one person being a twat 20yrs ago mean anything now?! Or does that mean all disabled people should be treated in a particular way because one person was unpleasant. Fuck me sideways. If we're "whatabouting" like that, can we please ban all middle aged white males from pubs because I've seen fucking loads of them being absolutely awful? Please don't put words in my mouth because that isn't what I said. Where did I say that any disabled person should be treated badly? I didn't so please don't make things up to suit your agenda. I said that if you act a cunt you can't then complain about how others react around you or try and blame them for your bad attitude. It's not whataboutery when my daughter gets knocked down by an entitled woman who just happened to be in a mobility vehicle. You are attempting to tar me with the middle aged white man slur. Am I supposed to be annoyed over that when I don't drink and don't spend time in pubs? Why would you get annoyed over what I said? If you don't act like a cunt it's not really relevant. The examples I gave involved disability because they were relevant to this thread. I can give you lots more examples of entitlement and poor behaviour that don't involve disability but again those wouldn't be relevant to this thread. What was the relevance to this discussion of your daughter being run over by a mobility scooter 20yrs ago at Disney world? Actually I didn't pick middle aged white men because you are one (I don't know your age, I've never looked at your profile) but because they're the stereotype of people who kick off in pubs. " The relevance was how the influencer video reminded me of a similar situation I had personal experience of. Neither involved actual difficulties they were having and both involved bad attitude. They created the situations they were in by in my daughter's case, using a vehicle as a battering ram to deliberately knock her over. I've been a carer from the age of 12 so I am fully aware of all the difficulties in regard to access for wheelchair users. I've gone through all those issues with numerous family members long before wheelchair ramps were installed in most public buildings and having to physically carry them up stairs in clinics and gp surgeries that didn't have a lift so none of my comments are about picking on less abled people. I don't respect anyone who isn't respectful to me or mine regardless of race, creed, colour, gender or physical ability. | |||
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"Right. I've said my piece. I'm off later to go horse riding. I will be expecting people to provide me assistance to get on and off the horse and to ensure my child gets on and off her pony safely too. Fear not. We've pre booked. And it's a fucking huge horse so it can cope with my fatness. *Wheelies out of here* "Enjoy Kinky. Let the wind blow through x | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? What conditions need wheelchairs? She states she uses supplemental oxygen and cannot walk more than short distances. You sound aggressive there. It was a simple question that I was asking about the woman being discussed. I'm not aggressive in typing into my phone, no. The fact the women used supplemental oxygen, as stated in news reports about the situation, suggests she does have a medical condition. But we don't have access to her medical records, so we'll never know. It's quite annoying as a disabled person to have people ask about my medical condition or status, in public, and expecting me to answer. I am sure most people on here would object to discussing their medical history in the air bridge of an airport. We are not talking about you. Maybe log off it you are upset and think we should not be posting It applies to anyone who states they are disabled. No-one has to explain to random curious people about their medical history. Not me, not the woman in the original story, no-one. She uses supplemental oxygen. One assumes she doesn't use it for fun, so that suggests she is indeed disabled. Why she is disabled and needs supplemental oxygen is irrelevant." You are reading into my post as you have done to many others on this thread. I didn't ask for her or your medical history. | |||
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"Right. I've said my piece. I'm off later to go horse riding. I will be expecting people to provide me assistance to get on and off the horse and to ensure my child gets on and off her pony safely too. Fear not. We've pre booked. And it's a fucking huge horse so it can cope with my fatness. *Wheelies out of here* "There in lies the problem. You have taken comments about her being fat and disabled as personal to you. | |||
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"Right! Now ageism. Should Grannies be allowed two Cheese n Onion crisps but only pay for one? " Greedy grannie | |||
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"Right! Now ageism. Should Grannies be allowed two Cheese n Onion crisps but only pay for one? Greedy grannie" You should have said that BEFORE I opened the second bag.....  | |||
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"She struggles to walk due to her size and apparently uses oxygen. Everyone is very rude and disparaging about her and says "tough, these problems are her own fault for being very fat" so they are pleased she is not helped. A form of punishment. Now imagine your dear Granny. She has emphysema because she smoked 40 a day since she was 16. She used oxygen. She is off to Benidorm for a bit of R&R. She is refused assistance because her lung condition is self inflicted. Are you equally happy with that? Your friend Bob became paralysed due to a car accident, caused by him driving like a complete idiot and wrapping his car around a tree. He is scr@ped out from behind the wheel and cobbled back together at great expense to the NHS. He is provided with a range of mobility equipment by the NHS and requires a personal assistant wherever he goes. Bob's paralysis could be seen as self inflicted. Bob is denied boarding assistance at the airport, as you're off on a stag do, he's told he has to walk from the plane to his wheelchair (because they take your chair away from the cabin and you rely on others to get you off). The reason Bob is denied assistance is because he's a fucking idiot for driving like a tit 10yrs ago and the airport worker wants to punish him. I don't think I need to give any more examples. If we're going to deny assistance to individuals deemed to have caused their own disability or health condition, that's a very dangerous and slippery slope and I hope all the holier-than-thou people are ready for their own self inflicted misery to be piled up on them tenfold. " I don't think everyone is saying she isn't entitled to help, I certainly wasn't. Most have said she should have arranged this prior I'd she requires assistance to arrange for reasonable adjustments to me made, it's not reasonable to expect someone to push such a weight with zero training. The airline could have put actions into place of only she bothered to request them. If I need assistance going somewhere I'd ask ahead I don't expect some random staff to do as I say with no prior discussion. Mrs | |||
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"Right! Now ageism. Should Grannies be allowed two Cheese n Onion crisps but only pay for one? Greedy grannie You should have said that BEFORE I opened the second bag..... "I tell you what, for the amount of crisps you get now in a bag you need two to make up the one we used to get ! | |||
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"I was on a flight to San Francisco and a person of size needed assistance as they had a leg brace on and they were genuinely the lushest person I saw on the whole plane. Happily waited till last, made jokes about the situation, lightened the mood and had 2 people help her until they could get her to the motorised golf cart instead of a long push in a wheelchair. Pre booked and problem free. Help is always available if you ask nicely / treat people nicely Help should only be given to nice people? " People are Less inclined to help people who are being horrible...sad but true | |||
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"Right! Now ageism. Should Grannies be allowed two Cheese n Onion crisps but only pay for one? " If you want more than one crisp, should buy a share bag. There might be two in there. | |||
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"So in answer to the question, I still have not found out if the woman needed help because of a medical issue or because she can't get about very well because she is obsese" It's down to her being obese and so is her using the oxygen. But she was also so distressed she managed to make a very dramatic tictok video. | |||
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"So in answer to the question, I still have not found out if the woman needed help because of a medical issue or because she can't get about very well because she is obsese. So my answer would be, if someone needed help to exit a plane and the person was too heavy for a helper to push then of course they are going to not be able to do it. In which case get a motorised buggy or more than one person to help if they can. However, if she is an influenzer because of her size or obese because she wants to be oor even big like I used to be because my will power was rubbish...then I am not sure why she thinks anyone else should help her to get around especially if they could hurt themselves in the process. Would H&S allow you to take risks with your own health? I have had weight issues all my life, up and down so many times you won't believe. When I was at my biggest I was spoken to differently, looked at differently and treated differently that was for sure...but it also made me a tad paranoid that everyone was doing the same thing when they were not. Reading Grannies post about what happened, it sounds like she may have assumed at what was being thought or said." I think people forget health and safety in the workplace, I've worked with vulnerable people big and small & there is a limit on what I'm authorised to do, if there was a man/woman on the floor I'm not allowed to lift him up, I am not allowed to touch..... Then there's the maximum weight limit to lift which this lady is over. All this could have been arranged with advanced warning with adjustments put into place but the lady in question didn't do this, didn't organise any assistance at all then ranted that no one is assisting her. I'm sorry but some people need to accept some responsibility - if she'd have contacted ahead of time I'm certain arrangements would have been made. I have made many adjustment requests and have had many made where I've taken extra machinery/extra people etc to enable help & assistance. Mrs | |||
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"So in answer to the question, I still have not found out if the woman needed help because of a medical issue or because she can't get about very well because she is obsese It's down to her being obese and so is her using the oxygen. But she was also so distressed she managed to make a very dramatic tictok video. " Agreed it was dramatic but got people talking. In answer to the question about what's wrong with her, she has PCOS (which I also have, like many other women) and taken straight from Google "She has metabolic disorder and breathing disorder that help make it very hard to lose weight and easy to gain it" | |||
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"Right. I've said my piece. I'm off later to go horse riding. I will be expecting people to provide me assistance to get on and off the horse and to ensure my child gets on and off her pony safely too. Fear not. We've pre booked. And it's a fucking huge horse so it can cope with my fatness. *Wheelies out of here*
There in lies the problem. You have taken comments about her being fat and disabled as personal to you.
"That’s not how I read any of their comments on the thread. I interpreted it as advocating for all people that needed assistance and not just personal to their accessibility needs. | |||
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"She struggles to walk due to her size and apparently uses oxygen. Everyone is very rude and disparaging about her and says "tough, these problems are her own fault for being very fat" so they are pleased she is not helped. A form of punishment. Now imagine your dear Granny. She has emphysema because she smoked 40 a day since she was 16. She used oxygen. She is off to Benidorm for a bit of R&R. She is refused assistance because her lung condition is self inflicted. Are you equally happy with that? Your friend Bob became paralysed due to a car accident, caused by him driving like a complete idiot and wrapping his car around a tree. He is scr@ped out from behind the wheel and cobbled back together at great expense to the NHS. He is provided with a range of mobility equipment by the NHS and requires a personal assistant wherever he goes. Bob's paralysis could be seen as self inflicted. Bob is denied boarding assistance at the airport, as you're off on a stag do, he's told he has to walk from the plane to his wheelchair (because they take your chair away from the cabin and you rely on others to get you off). The reason Bob is denied assistance is because he's a fucking idiot for driving like a tit 10yrs ago and the airport worker wants to punish him. I don't think I need to give any more examples. If we're going to deny assistance to individuals deemed to have caused their own disability or health condition, that's a very dangerous and slippery slope and I hope all the holier-than-thou people are ready for their own self inflicted misery to be piled up on them tenfold. " I bet Grammy paid a fortune in tax on all those ciggies…. And survived two world wars, unlike this lady who makes money from eating pies and posting it on tik-tok. Therr try is a big difference | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? So I will ask the question a different way. Is it because she is obese that she needs a wheelchair? Does she have a medical condition that requires a wheelchair. My answer would be different depending on the answer" I don’t understand why there would be a different response, if a person needs a wheelchair, they need a wheelchair. It doesn’t matter what the underlying reasons are. | |||
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"So in answer to the question, I still have not found out if the woman needed help because of a medical issue or because she can't get about very well because she is obsese It's down to her being obese and so is her using the oxygen. But she was also so distressed she managed to make a very dramatic tictok video. " I found something that mentions why she has oxygen( sorry about the link to this Newspaper) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13433065/Plus-size-travel-influencer-wants-free-extra-seats-fat-fliers-says-airport-worker-refused-push-jet-bridge-wheelchair-size-forced-walk-left-wheezing-oxygen.html | |||
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"Does she have a condition that needs a wheelchair? So I will ask the question a different way. Is it because she is obese that she needs a wheelchair? Does she have a medical condition that requires a wheelchair. My answer would be different depending on the answer I don’t understand why there would be a different response, if a person needs a wheelchair, they need a wheelchair. It doesn’t matter what the underlying reasons are. " It does to me. I have answered further up as to why ^^^ | |||
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"This is a question best answered by someone who does risk assessment " Or physics or simply good ol common sense. | |||
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"I’ve just watched a video of her boarding an empty plan, she walks and sits without assistance and even smiles at end Just another “influencer” looking for likes " Well yes. Is the world better for knowing about this? We can rest easy now, knowing someone is fighting our cause. | |||
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Anyway. That's my view. | |||
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"I don't think weight is a protected characteristic, so I wouldn't say it was discrimination. More an unfortunate set of circumstances meaning that the assistance available just wasn't adequate in this instance. How was it resolved?" They probably found the correct levels of assistance, and she got off the plane with no further hassle. But that doesn’t generate clicks and comments so it’s conveniently left out of the story. | |||
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"I don't think weight is a protected characteristic, so I wouldn't say it was discrimination. More an unfortunate set of circumstances meaning that the assistance available just wasn't adequate in this instance. How was it resolved?" The posts may have alluded to her weight, but the fact is she's disabled. That IS a protected. | |||
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"I don't think weight is a protected characteristic, so I wouldn't say it was discrimination. More an unfortunate set of circumstances meaning that the assistance available just wasn't adequate in this instance. How was it resolved? The posts may have alluded to her weight, but the fact is she's disabled. That IS a protected. "Where did you find that she has a disability and what us it that she has? | |||
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"I don't think weight is a protected characteristic, so I wouldn't say it was discrimination. More an unfortunate set of circumstances meaning that the assistance available just wasn't adequate in this instance. How was it resolved? The posts may have alluded to her weight, but the fact is she's disabled. That IS a protected.
Where did you find that she has a disability and what us it that she has?"I just googled her name and the word "what disability" and was the first thing that popped up | |||
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"I don't think weight is a protected characteristic, so I wouldn't say it was discrimination. More an unfortunate set of circumstances meaning that the assistance available just wasn't adequate in this instance. How was it resolved? The posts may have alluded to her weight, but the fact is she's disabled. That IS a protected.
Where did you find that she has a disability and what us it that she has?
I just googled her name and the word "what disability" and was the first thing that popped up"All I can find is polycistic ovaries which lots of people deal with and do not become obese or need a wheelchair. | |||
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"She's also states she has pulmonary hypertension " That would explain the need for oxygen | |||
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"Need more information before making a decision. Was the wheelchair users weight such that it could have caused injury to the assistant if they pushed her? Was other assistance provided by airline? Yes most definitely could cause injury. The lady didn't contact the airline prior to arrange help, just expected it on the day. Mrs " Agree - infact it could lead to a terrible outcome for all | |||
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"This reminds me of when I visited my grandmother in our small village, she dropped some serious wisdom on me. She said “Grandson, one day some people will waste their time reading your comment.” Today is that day " | |||
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"Ms Chaney is over 22 stone - it would need a pair of dray horses to pull her along, not a 7 stone airport porter." But she's an influencer.. We are all thankful she survived the horrendous experience. | |||
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"I just googled her and quickly realised she's one of 'them' apparently she started a petition a couple of years ago saying fat people shouldn't have to pay for two seats on the plane. Apparently its not her fault she can't fit in one seat, it's discrimination making her pay for a second seat. As soon as I read the word influencer I knew she was going to be a c***" She is also wanting hotel lifts and corridors to be wider for larger customers, as a larger person myself, I can't say I have ever come across a lift that I have ever felt that or corridor. Sure I've been in lifts and doughnut and I have taken most of the room up in (one that says "will fit 9 people) not sure how lol and we've both said it could get a little tight. That said I have lost three and a half stone since Feb and he recently started with me and has lost half a stone so far, so hopefully when we do get in a lift that says 9 people max, we will be able to say something different x | |||
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"I just googled her and quickly realised she's one of 'them' apparently she started a petition a couple of years ago saying fat people shouldn't have to pay for two seats on the plane. Apparently its not her fault she can't fit in one seat, it's discrimination making her pay for a second seat. As soon as I read the word influencer I knew she was going to be a c*** She is also wanting hotel lifts and corridors to be wider for larger customers, as a larger person myself, I can't say I have ever come across a lift that I have ever felt that or corridor. Sure I've been in lifts and doughnut and I have taken most of the room up in (one that says "will fit 9 people) not sure how lol and we've both said it could get a little tight. That said I have lost three and a half stone since Feb and he recently started with me and has lost half a stone so far, so hopefully when we do get in a lift that says 9 people max, we will be able to say something different x" She would have a strong case if it was the corridor in willy wonkas chocolate factory | |||
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"What was wrong with using two or three staff to push the wheelchair? " That’s the stuff they don’t tell you about……the outcomes. That might be what happened, but happy endings don’t generate followers and clicks do they? They can’t drum up outrage with happy endings. | |||
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"I just googled her and quickly realised she's one of 'them' apparently she started a petition a couple of years ago saying fat people shouldn't have to pay for two seats on the plane. Apparently its not her fault she can't fit in one seat, it's discrimination making her pay for a second seat. As soon as I read the word influencer I knew she was going to be a c*** She is also wanting hotel lifts and corridors to be wider for larger customers, as a larger person myself, I can't say I have ever come across a lift that I have ever felt that or corridor. Sure I've been in lifts and doughnut and I have taken most of the room up in (one that says "will fit 9 people) not sure how lol and we've both said it could get a little tight. That said I have lost three and a half stone since Feb and he recently started with me and has lost half a stone so far, so hopefully when we do get in a lift that says 9 people max, we will be able to say something different x" I have found lifts that my wheelchair cannot fit in. One in the building I was sent to for counselling appointments. I couldn't attend and have gone back on the waiting list. My wheelchair is a perfectly regular width manual chair, nothing special, it can be seen in our photos. Corridors can also be an issue, especially if not straight, it can be very difficult to manoeuvre. I got stuck in a hotel corridor in London (a modern one) as I tried to turn around. But I'm sure someone will be along to mock soon enough. | |||
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"Ms Chaney is over 22 stone - it would need a pair of dray horses to pull her along, not a 7 stone airport porter." Airports, especially big ones like Seattle, have mechanical vehicles that can transport people and luggage. They have golf buggy-type things. They could easily have provided something of that nature for her to move. But mocking her weight and being rude and unkind is much more fun, isn't it? | |||
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"I just googled her and quickly realised she's one of 'them' apparently she started a petition a couple of years ago saying fat people shouldn't have to pay for two seats on the plane. Apparently its not her fault she can't fit in one seat, it's discrimination making her pay for a second seat. As soon as I read the word influencer I knew she was going to be a c*** She is also wanting hotel lifts and corridors to be wider for larger customers, as a larger person myself, I can't say I have ever come across a lift that I have ever felt that or corridor. Sure I've been in lifts and doughnut and I have taken most of the room up in (one that says "will fit 9 people) not sure how lol and we've both said it could get a little tight. That said I have lost three and a half stone since Feb and he recently started with me and has lost half a stone so far, so hopefully when we do get in a lift that says 9 people max, we will be able to say something different x I have found lifts that my wheelchair cannot fit in. One in the building I was sent to for counselling appointments. I couldn't attend and have gone back on the waiting list. My wheelchair is a perfectly regular width manual chair, nothing special, it can be seen in our photos. Corridors can also be an issue, especially if not straight, it can be very difficult to manoeuvre. I got stuck in a hotel corridor in London (a modern one) as I tried to turn around. But I'm sure someone will be along to mock soon enough. " And now I understand, if the lady in question is using a wheelchair with these comments, I can understand her frustration then, I do sincerely apologise as I was very selfish in my view, not thinking about wheelchair users, you have definitely enlighten me x | |||
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"Unfortunately she's just a result of our obnoxious entitled society we have allowed to happen." | |||
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"Corridors can also be an issue, especially if not straight, it can be very difficult to manoeuvre. I got stuck in a hotel corridor in London (a modern one) as I tried to turn around. But I'm sure someone will be along to mock soon enough. " Women drivers | |||
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"We have a son who has disabilities and I find this woman highly offensive, unfortunately she's just a result of our obnoxious entitled society we have allowed to happen." "We have a son/friend with....." It's like on threads about racism saying "I've got a black friend, so...." It's kinda irrelevant. Whether the woman in the article is nice or nasty, she's human. She IS entitled to airport assistance if she requested it (she did) and she does not need to be mocked and called all sorts of names online. | |||
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"Corridors can also be an issue, especially if not straight, it can be very difficult to manoeuvre. I got stuck in a hotel corridor in London (a modern one) as I tried to turn around. But I'm sure someone will be along to mock soon enough. Women drivers "Oh please do go and do one back to your tractor. Please enjoy your feelings of superiority. | |||
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"Ms Chaney is over 22 stone - it would need a pair of dray horses to pull her along, not a 7 stone airport porter. Airports, especially big ones like Seattle, have mechanical vehicles that can transport people and luggage. They have golf buggy-type things. They could easily have provided something of that nature for her to move. But mocking her weight and being rude and unkind is much more fun, isn't it? " Sometimes it's kinder to tell people the truth. | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... " I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. | |||
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"Corridors can also be an issue, especially if not straight, it can be very difficult to manoeuvre. I got stuck in a hotel corridor in London (a modern one) as I tried to turn around. But I'm sure someone will be along to mock soon enough. Women drivers
Oh please do go and do one back to your tractor. Please enjoy your feelings of superiority. "I’ll enjoy them whilst I have them, as you say, you never know when you may loose them. | |||
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"We have a son who has disabilities and I find this woman highly offensive, unfortunately she's just a result of our obnoxious entitled society we have allowed to happen. "We have a son/friend with....." It's like on threads about racism saying "I've got a black friend, so...." It's kinda irrelevant. Whether the woman in the article is nice or nasty, she's human. She IS entitled to airport assistance if she requested it (she did) and she does not need to be mocked and called all sorts of names online. " Don't you dare tell me our son is irrelevant after what you have been saying. Shame you can't apply the same standards to yourself, being disabled doesn't give you the right to be rude. I'm out of this thread as it's clear people are not allowed to express any views these days. | |||
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"We have a son who has disabilities and I find this woman highly offensive, unfortunately she's just a result of our obnoxious entitled society we have allowed to happen. "We have a son/friend with....." It's like on threads about racism saying "I've got a black friend, so...." It's kinda irrelevant. Whether the woman in the article is nice or nasty, she's human. She IS entitled to airport assistance if she requested it (she did) and she does not need to be mocked and called all sorts of names online. Don't you dare tell me our son is irrelevant after what you have been saying. Shame you can't apply the same standards to yourself, being disabled doesn't give you the right to be rude. I'm out of this thread as it's clear people are not allowed to express any views these days." I didn't say your son is irrelevant. I said that fact you have a disabled son is irrelevant when what you're actually implying is that the woman in the story deserved to be treated poorly or refused assistance, because, in your words, she is "highly offensive, unfortunately she's just a result of our obnoxious entitled society we have allowed to happen." | |||
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"Ms Chaney is over 22 stone - it would need a pair of dray horses to pull her along, not a 7 stone airport porter. Airports, especially big ones like Seattle, have mechanical vehicles that can transport people and luggage. They have golf buggy-type things. They could easily have provided something of that nature for her to move. But mocking her weight and being rude and unkind is much more fun, isn't it? Sometimes it's kinder to tell people the truth. " So the only option in the year 2024, other than a manual wheelchair, is a "pair of dray horses"? I'll make a note of that for the future, when I can no longer self propel my manual chair | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. " Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? " Well they do have those buggy things I think..... | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? Well they do have those buggy things I think....." Exactly. But that appears to be beyond the ability of many on the thread to think of. "But how can anyone be expected to push [her fat ass]?" Answer: they don't have to. The marvels of modern technology are there to help. Little buggy type vehicles whizz through airports all the time, transporting disabled people and older people who might not be able to walk far. | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? Well they do have those buggy things I think..... Exactly. But that appears to be beyond the ability of many on the thread to think of. "But how can anyone be expected to push [her fat ass]?" Answer: they don't have to. The marvels of modern technology are there to help. Little buggy type vehicles whizz through airports all the time, transporting disabled people and older people who might not be able to walk far. " ... it's a sad reflection of society | |||
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"I don't know anything about her... not sure I care either... I think the whole " influencer" is bollocks and they need to grow up and get a proper job. I do agree with KC that mocking her weight is horrible, the airport could have handled it better , but like someone else said if she was that distressed and breathless how did she manage to film it?? ." It was influencer magic.? I wonder what she influences.? Only in a passing way as the concept of someone identifying as an influencer triggers me. Actually I think it's a good thing to have a discussion about those who need assistance and disabilities and how it's provided. But don't know enough about her. Is she disabled and needs a wheelchair to get on and off the plane. Was her wheelchair in the hold.? If not why not? If she is so large it is affecting her ability to take flights, it's her own responsibility to consider her additional needs. Is her disability that requires a wheelchair being too large to move safely on her own steam or is it something else. Was it a momentary event that required first aid and therefore needed moving in a wheelchair for her safety? I think it's also a good thing to recognise social media click bait and the toxic effect it has on many of us. | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? Well they do have those buggy things I think..... Exactly. But that appears to be beyond the ability of many on the thread to think of. "But how can anyone be expected to push [her fat ass]?" Answer: they don't have to. The marvels of modern technology are there to help. Little buggy type vehicles whizz through airports all the time, transporting disabled people and older people who might not be able to walk far. " They do indeed. Although whizzing is a bit of a stretch, at Gatwick the incessant beeping keeps you awake though. Don't think they can get onto the pontoon though? | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? Well they do have those buggy things I think..... Exactly. But that appears to be beyond the ability of many on the thread to think of. "But how can anyone be expected to push [her fat ass]?" Answer: they don't have to. The marvels of modern technology are there to help. Little buggy type vehicles whizz through airports all the time, transporting disabled people and older people who might not be able to walk far. " Then surely she could have arranged this, instead she's ranting on her socials that "a stewardess" wouldn't push her. I wouldn't either, I wouldn't be authorised despite working in a health situation there is weight limits on what I am and aren't allowed to do, this goes way beyond that. Things could have been put in place just like you suggest and she knows this too, it could have been arranged but wasn't. Mrs | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? Well they do have those buggy things I think..... Exactly. But that appears to be beyond the ability of many on the thread to think of. "But how can anyone be expected to push [her fat ass]?" Answer: they don't have to. The marvels of modern technology are there to help. Little buggy type vehicles whizz through airports all the time, transporting disabled people and older people who might not be able to walk far. They do indeed. Although whizzing is a bit of a stretch, at Gatwick the incessant beeping keeps you awake though. Don't think they can get onto the pontoon though? " Why would you be asleep in Gatwick airport? It's not a hotel. If you have the occasional misfortune to have a flight delayed or cancelled then, well. Charge it to the game. Airports are not quiet places and the "incessant beeping" of them is to try and ensure people are not run over/hit by them. | |||
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"To be honest looking at her if I was the airline staff I would be reluctant to push her in a wheelchair too ! Especially if the staff was of a much smaller stature ... there's the risk of injury for starters... and yes I do know I'm very overweight so it might seem hypocritical, but I think I'd be too embarrassed if I was that size to expect someone to push me I a wheelchair... I'm also very overweight and agree with this ^. Can anyone think of an alternative that a large international airport could use to transport someone who is over the maximum weight rating for their manual wheelchairs? Well they do have those buggy things I think..... Exactly. But that appears to be beyond the ability of many on the thread to think of. "But how can anyone be expected to push [her fat ass]?" Answer: they don't have to. The marvels of modern technology are there to help. Little buggy type vehicles whizz through airports all the time, transporting disabled people and older people who might not be able to walk far. Then surely she could have arranged this, instead she's ranting on her socials that "a stewardess" wouldn't push her. I wouldn't either, I wouldn't be authorised despite working in a health situation there is weight limits on what I am and aren't allowed to do, this goes way beyond that. Things could have been put in place just like you suggest and she knows this too, it could have been arranged but wasn't. Mrs " She states she requested assistance in the usual way. Something has clearly gone wrong in the assistance request communicated to Seattle. This happens all the time (assistance pre booked but doesn't happen at all or properly). I pre booked assistance three months ahead for a flight to Madrid with a connection in Amsterdam. I arrived so early for the flight that the assistance desk was not yet open so I was first in line to check in. I took myself through the airport because, despite being there first and in the early hours of the morning "they didn't really have enough staff so if I could manage, that would be great". This meant doing the security bit on my own and my bag is usually pulled aside because I carry equipment to fix my tyres. Anyway, I got through. As soon as the gate was called, I pushed through the airport like a fury and was first to the gate, before staff and other passengers. Eventually, boarding starts but no assistance people come. I'm asked to wait aside (usually should be boarded first). Everyone boards. I'm still waiting. People are talking into walkie talkies and muttering but no assistance comes. Eventually, ground staff tell me the flight might have to go without me. Remember, I'm catching a connection in Amsterdam so that would be me missing two flights purely because Manchester airport cannot provide pre booked assistance. Fortunately, Dutch people (KLM crew) are much more enlightened. The pilot comes out to find out what the delay is. He points out there's a space in a front row, in business class. I'm booked further back in economy. Between him and two crew, they manhandled me onto the flight and into a seat further forward. I got on. He also upgraded me at Amsterdam and I sat right at the front of the Madrid flight too, actually, but I digress. Was it my fault that assistance didn't come? All I needed was assistance to get to my seat and someone to then take my wheelchair into the hold. Nothing much. I pre booked. If the lady in the original story uses a electric mobility scooter (very likely), she will not be able to get her own one down to the plane door at either end because they have to disconnect the batteries and render them safe in the hold. She might have been able to scoot to the gate at her departure airport but her scooter would then be taken and she'd be transferred to the plane door via the airport equipment. They would bring her own scooter back to baggage reclaim, which is often very far from the plane door. It is likely she needed airport assistance to get to baggage reclaim and reclaim her own equipment. Which she pre booked. Do you know why I didn't go and shame Manchester airport via local press, in a similar way to Jaelynn Chaney? Because I was convinced doing so would open me up to the same reaction that we've seen here. And I was right. | |||
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