Airplane Seats

I am about to go on a vacation for the first time in forever.  I am very concerned about fitting in the airplane seats.  Has anyone ever encountered any problems with this? 

I probably weighed about 210 (I'm 5'3") the last time I took a flight and had no problems.  Are flying on your own or with friends/family?  If flying with a group of people, see how you can most comfortably arrange the seating (placing a 5 year-old between 2 adults would maximize your room). 

Especially if flying solo, when you check in, request the seat in the emergency exit row.  While it won't increase butt space, it will give more leg room which can increase comfort.  Call the airline ahead of time to see if they think you'll need a seatbelt extender (not knowing your size, I'm not sure if you will or not). 

Have a WONDERFUL vacation and don't let this concern keep you from having a GREAT time!

I think I was about 270-ish the last time I was on a plane.  I didn't need a seat extender on the way to vacation but I did on my way back.  I guess I either had too much fun (not really possible) or too much something to make me bloated.

Kthompson's suggestions are very good ones to consider. 

Was it the same sort of plane on the way back valsgoal?  That surprises me that you didn't need one one way and did the other.  I am about your size.  I am traveling with a friend and I have an isle seat, and I picked a seat that is "handicap accessible" which just means the arm rest raises.  So hopefully it won't be a problem.  But it's just a concern of mine.  I'd hate to start the trip off on a negative note. 

By the way, congratulations on your loss valsgoal!!  You look fabulous!!  And good luck to reaching your goal kthompson.  Hopefully with hard work and this site we will be right behind her.

Yup, same airline, same plane model.  It was just shy of fitting on my way back.  I think it was partly due to the alcohol I had consumed on my vacation.  I sat next to my dh so being next to a stranger wasn't an issue.  That is a good idea about the armrest raising.  I did raise the armrest to get the belt to buckle and then lowered it when I was strapped in.  I also had on thicker clothes on the way back because I was coming back into a colder climate.  That could've  contributed to my problem. 

Did you just ask the attendant for an extender then?  Is that embarrassing or is it pretty low key?

Original Post by colourful:

I am traveling with a friend and I have an isle seat, and I picked a seat that is "handicap accessible" which just means the arm rest raises. So hopefully it won't be a problem. But it's just a concern of mine. I'd hate to start the trip off on a negative note.

It will be much easier just by the fact that you have a move-able arm rest.  Keep in mind if you're sitting on the aisle, you're more likely to be bumped by drink carts, people using the restroom, and so on.  Your friend knows your size and is obviously planning on sharing a plane seat with you so don't hesitate to tell her your concerns.  Let her know you want to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible for the flight.  If it's a good friend, they are likely to respect your candor. 

I, too, am confident colourful that we'll be right behind (no pun intended) with our weight loss goals!!

Safe travels!

I asked for it.  I was as low key as possible but was forgotten about.  I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt on that.  I had to ask a second flight attendant and that one was much more discreet.  I do have to admit I was embarrased about it.  I would say if you think you'll need one to try to ask before you sit down or when you see the first attendant getting on the plane.  If you find you don't need it then even better...just leave it on the seat when you exit or hand it to them later.  I wish I would've thought of that back then.

Thanks!  Hey...we're the same age, same area!!  Believe me, it is doable!

Original Post by valsgoal:

If you find you don't need it then even better...just leave it on the seat when you exit or hand it to them later.

Or leave it in the pocket in the seat in front of you.  This way no one would notice you with it beyond your traveling companion.  I REALLY like the idea of asking for it on your way to be seated.  With all the hussle and bussle of everyone, it's likely no one would pay any attention to you.

So, where's your fun destination?  How long is the anticipated flight?

When I get on the airplane, I just ask the flight attendant for a seat belt extender .... no big deal at all. I weigh 276 pounds currently, and thought that the seats were pretty decent, space-wise and comfort-wise. (And I've flown weighing 100 pounds more!)

You should note, though, that new FAA regulations state that if you require a seat belt extender, you are not to sit in Exit Row seating.

Have a good vacation.

If you are traveling this week, chances are the flights will be fairly light.  Right after Labor Day, there is a period, where the flights aren't full.  Knowing that, I am not sure what airline you are flying, but most of them when you check in, you can pick your seat.  You can look for where there is an empty seat next to you.  Or you can ask the customer service agent at the gate if there are any empty rows.  

Also, I don't know how long your flight is, you can go to Seatguru.com.  Knowing the exact aircraft you will be flying (which you can find on the airline's website) this site will tell you what seats to avoid and what seats are the best.  Translation - what seat will be the roomiest and most comfortable.  

But your best chance is to have an empty seat next to you.  As far as the extender, the FA's will be happy to accomodate you discreetly, and Mollymouse is right.  If you need an extender you can't sit in the exit row.  This is due to entanglement issues and therefore slow the progress of a quick evacuation if need be.  

Enjoy your trip!  You'll have a blast!

I work for an airline so here's some inside info:

Depending on the airline, you can call and ask ahead of time for the size of their seatbelts and ask if you need an extender.  We are able to mark it on the file ahead of time so it's waiting for you but not sure if all airlines do that.  You can also ask what the width of the seats are and if there are any seats that are wider then others and request those.

Unfortunately, this is NOT a light travelling time - this is the end of summer.  Everyone is either coming from from vacation, or trying to get last min vacation in.  However, depending on where you're going, going out might be lighter then coming back.  Ask your airline how full your flight is and if you can select seats in advance or not.

Sitting closer to the back of the plane usually gives you the most room.  Most people want to sit closer to the front, so they don't have to wait for everyone else to get off before they do when you land.  If the plane is only half booked, sitting at the back will most likely get you a seat with nobody next to you.

Worst case senerio, if you ask for the width of the seats and you absolutely can't sit in them, you can request an extra seat.  Some airlines will give it to you for free, or maybe half price, and some will charge you full fare.

Best thing to do....call your airline and tell them your problem.  Trust me, we've heard it all and nobody will make a fuss or make you feel embarrassed.

I was 250lbs at my heaviest and I was uncomfortable in a seat with the arm rest down, but I could handle it.  If I could put the armrest up, I had no issues, and wasn't spilling into my neighbor's seat.  When you call - ask about the armrests aswell.

Hope that helps and have a great vacation!!

Thanks for all the replies everyone!!  I am not flying at a slow time, it is November to a beach.  The plane will be full, or close to it, both ways.  I think I should be okay since I can raise the arm rest, but I think I will need a seat belt extender.  What about purchasing my own, I see these for sale online.  Is this an option anyone has done or heard of?  I'm just wondering if it would bring less attention than having to ask someone for one.

I wouldn't go for that personally, doesn't seem safe. I have flown a lot as a plus-size woman, and I can tell you asking for the seat-belt extender is not big deal unless you make it one. No one cares but you. It's not like asking suddenly makes you fat - you are whatever size you are regardless.

I generally ask for it as I am getting on the plane and when you step on, there is an attendant who looks at your boarding pass and directs you to your seat. I would ask that person, and if it is handy they just hand ot to me right then, or if it is not handy they tell me they will bring it to my seat. Only once did I have to ask for it when I was already sitting, and once my over-zealous boyfriend ran off to fetch me one cuz we thought the person I asked had forgotten, and I ended up getting brought TWO byt the different attendants, so that was a little more obvious and embarassing but even that was not a big deal to anyone but me. I just got used to it over time, and felt pretty silly that it had ever bothered me. There are other things to be more concerned with...

The seat size was always a concern. I flew when I was 340 lbs (on 5'8" frame) and that was a pretty tight squeeze, and no fun having to cram in there for a 9 hour flight! I always sat beside my skinny boyfriend when we travelled together, so didn't have to worry about spilling over to the next seat, but travelling alone I would definately be concerned about that. I tried different strategies. One was sitting in a window seat, there was sometimes i space between the seat and the wall so I would just lean that way. Sometimes there was no space, not even an inch, so that was bad. I tried sitting in an aisle seat, which worked better, you can just lean into the aisle, but expect to have to make room for people walking by periodically and the food cart.

All in all, it's totally doable, especially if you can sit next to an empty seat or someone you know. Don't be freaked out, just go with the flow!