Nervous about flying...

Hello all, I am sort of embarrassed that this is my first post on the forums, but here goes.

I want to take a trip in January to North Carolina to visit my best friend and his sister. I am a size 26 ... Will I fit in the seat? It has been 3 years since I was last on a plane, and I was a smaller size then, so I am really nervous now. I know I may be asking for a belt extender if I need one, but I will be traveling alone, so I can't put the armrest up if there is someone next to me.

Reassurance needed, please!

You will be fine with the seat belt. No extention needed. Don't worry.

I just flew on the 21st and both flights the armrest was up between me and the person next to me. It was that way when I got on the plane. I figured if they wanted it down they could put it down. If you are worried maybe get on early and put the armrest up and leave it up to the person next to you to put it down. I bet they won't .

Thanks for responding so quickly! :)

I am trying so hard not to worry about it, but I read that Southwest has started making overweight passengers purchase two seats ... I'm not flying Southwest, probably will fly Northwest, actually, but I don't know if any other airlines are doing that. My friend who is about the same size as I am, maybe a little bigger, flew to Tennessee earlier this year and said she was sooo uncomfortable and that the people she was sitting next to were rude to her because she was having to squeeze in, so that is what made me nervous.

I don't know if first class is an option, but there will be extra room there.  But I guess if purchasing two seats is too much, then so will be first class. However, I say treat yourself to first class if possible.   My mom is a size 26 and flew with me to Italy.  She had to put the armrest up and it was uncomfortable for both of us. Be sure you get an aisle seat and maybe try to sit next to a child. It probably also depends on the size of the plane and the airline whether you can fit in the seat.

Of course you'll fit in the seat. If you need an extender it's not a big deal - just quietly ask the flight attendant for one and they'll give it to you (you can ask as you get on board.) You have as much right to fly as anyone else, so don't let the fear of 'what someone might think' get to you.

an extender is definitely the way to go. i needed one at a size 26. i have/had pretty big hips, so i had to have a seat where the arm rests went up. if you're hippy, you'll probably need the same. if so, then DON"T take an aisle seat or an emergency exit seat. those arms don't go up. even if you have a rowmate, most people are ok w/ you putting the arm rest up.

Thanks so much for the reassurance. :)

I checked first class seats and they are about $500 more than I am willing to spend ... As it is the only reason I get to go is because I found a round trip flight for about $220, so that's why I was worried about not fitting, because if I had to buy two seats in coach, I wouldn't be able to afford the trip. I'm still pretty nervous, just kind of hoping that the flights aren't full, because if it turned out I was too big, I wouldn't want to invade a rowmate's space, you know?

Thank you again! I'm also going to measure so I can see exactly where I'm at and know what to expect. :)

Well I just booked my flight. American Airlines, on an MD-80, because according to seatguru.com they have larger seats than Northwest's aircraft.

Still, I am worried. I checked the seating chart to try and change my seat, and saw that the seats that were "available" were middle and window seats with immovable armrests. Could that be right?! I don't think I have ever been on a plane that had fixed armrests in every row, especially in those seats. It is also conflicting with the information on seatguru.com about this particular aircraft, because the seats that I was assigned are described on there as "standard," albeit bothersome because of the proximity to the engines, coach seats. When I think "standard" I don't think fixed armrests. I don't mind asking discreetly for an extender, at all, if I need one, I am just worried about not fitting in the seat if the armrest wont go up. I am having a minor freak-out. Yikes. :unsure:

I just came back from a trip with my first time flying i was worried about the same thing...it had me stressed out bad...but no less it fit me to my amazement only thing was in the smaller plane it did not...i hid it though from the flight attendent.....and she didnt ask questions...im a little bigger then you so no worries relax and wait it excited anticipation=]