I’ve been spending a fair amount of time jetting around these past couple of months. And there’s more to come, of course. I’m one of those people who actually loves flying. I mean, I love going to the airport and hanging out waiting for my flight and the excitement of figuring out where to go next.
There are always going to be thing that make us cranky, you know, but the overall experience? I’m a fan.
But, well, I’m also a death fat. 300+ pounds of 5′4″ woman with a pink rolling suitcase and a sweater in case the plane gets too cold. And the plane? It always gets too cold.
So I wanted to compile some tips on flying as a death fat.
1. Get to the airport early. I think this is a good travel tip for everyone, actually. When you’re early, you don’t have to freak out about how long the line is at security, how long the walk is to your gate, how long the line is in the bathroom because you really just freaking need to pee. One hour is the recommended minimum time for domestic flights – and you’ll use that hour, especially in a large airport. I need almost every minute of it when I’m flying out of Orlando. My flight out of Madison, Wisconsin? I could probably have shortened that time (it’s the cutest little airport ever, I tell you) from a practical standpoint but I’d have felt rushed and awful. International flights – I really do believe in the three hour rule. Even if you wind up just sitting there, take the time to move around. You’re going to be on the plane for a loooooooong time.
2. And, hey, use the bathroom before you board. Seriously, it seems like not a big deal at all but there is a certain amount of embarrassed frustration that comes along with disturbing your seatmates (if you don’t have an aisle seat) to make your way to an airplane bathroom in which you aren’t going to be comfortable. Airplane restrooms are designed for efficiency, not comfort, so the discomfort may very well have nothing to do with you or your size but, you know, why inflict that on yourself? Also, As a 28/30/32 on bottom, I can fit in the restrooms with no problems. But when it comes time for clean-up, if things aren’t arranged just right, it came be a little bit of a production to, well, bluntly, wipe. Larger death fats should ask to use the restrooms in first class – they are sometimes a little larger but not always. Airplane restrooms must meet certain accessibility requirements and that can be handy for us but, really, in this case if it’s possible, follow the old parental classic and go before you leave.
Obviously this has limited applicability if you are on really long flights or if you simply need to use the restroom more often than I do. In that case, keep in mind that the restroom is there for your convenience and there is more than one. Take the time that you need. You do not have to rush. I’m not saying take a book in there and wait out the whole of the flight but so much discomfort seems to arise from hurrying through a task that would be easier if a little more time was allotted. Seat placement can also make getting to the restroom a little easier.
3. Early check-in can help you get better seats. Choose an aisle or a window seat. If you aren’t going to be getting up at all, a window seat (especially if you know the plane has adjustable arm rests on the wall-side of the seat) can give you valuable extra inches. Unfortunately, if the windows are misaligned, some seats actually have LESS space. Use a service like Seat Guru to get information ahead of time. Knowing is half the battle, right? Even though it sometimes means I have to get up for the convenience of my seatmates, I actually prefer an aisle seat. This gives me a little leaning room AND it keeps me from feeling caged in. Also, there’s a little more leg room. I cannot handle feeling trapped and unable to move. The primary disadvantage of the aisle seat is that, if you aren’t paying attention, you can get whacked on the arm (I’ve never had it happen with painful force but I’m sure it could) with the beverage cart if the flight attendant isn’t paying attention, too. Know your own preferences and habits for this one.
4. Bring something to do. Reading, knitting, listening to music, wev. I only knit if the seat beside me is empty because I need elbow room. Otherwise, I read and/or listen to my iPod. It passes the time more quickly and that’s a good thing. Also, it creates a little bit of a barrier between you and your seatmate. Honestly, I’ve had awesome conversations on planes before. But you don’t want to depend on it.
5. In general, accept that this isn’t going to be the most comfy method of travel. For anyone. It’s flying in a too cold, metal can. With engine noise and pressure changes and turbulence. This isn’t a situation that is comfy for anyone, really. In addition, the seats tend to be between 17 and 18 inches wide. Y’all, that’s not much room. I can still fit, because I am just as round as I am wide, but if you’re shaped differently, your discomfort levels are going to rachet up because those arm rests are pretty unforgiving. Put them up, if possible.
6. Bring your own seat belt extender. I was on a commuter jet from Detroit to Madison, flying NorthWest Airlines (NWA is their abbreviation which always makes me think of the rap artists) and found out that, dude, they don’t HAVE seat belt extenders. The extenders are built into two of the seats on the plane so if you aren’t in one of those seats and you need one, you’re kind of screwed. Of course the flight attendants are willing to arrange a seat swap but if you’re tired and uncomfortable already, that’s needless difficulty. Carry your own seat belt extender and avoid the whole damn issue.
7. Bring a sweater. I carry a cardigan with me at all times. I use it more as a blanket on planes because the air just gets cold. Having a sweater means I will be warm enough to sleep – which I have no problem doing on planes – or at least to doze off and relax.
8. Dress comfortably but smartly. So. I was getting dressed for the airport the other day, slicking on the red lipstick, and thinking about those women who travel in their pajamas. Or in school sweat suits. Or, you know, whatever. As a death fat, I could do the same thing but dressing up a little bit makes my life a whole hell of a lot easier. Let me explain.
There are a whole lot of default assumptions that go along with fat: smelly, messy, unruly, uncontrolled, etc. When passengers complain about fat people, I think they are complaining about these stereotypes more than they are complaining about actual people. While I’m not generally into stereotype busting as the sole means of activism, I do it here because it makes my travel life about a hundred times easier. When I’m dressed in an Outfit, people treat me differently. They take me seriously, as a human being and as a customer. And as a fellow passenger. I tend toward all-black – some flowy jersey pants and a cool shirt or something. Bright lipstick (but no other makeup). A smile. Suddenly, I am a pulled-together, experienced traveller!
You know what it is? It’s acting like you belong. Even if you don’t feel it. People respond to that.
9. Be nice to people. Seriously, on this trip, being nice and letting them move my seat so a family could sit together (even though it could have stuck me in a middle seat somewhere) got me a free upgrade and a much more comfortable seat and flying experience. Of course, that sort of thing doesn’t generally happen, but it gets people on your side. This does, of course, sound really manipulative which is kind of gross. But it’s also practical. You don’t have to go out of your way to chat people up. But smile at the flight attendants – they’ve probably dealt with some extremely crappy passengers. Be pleasant to your fellow passengers. It makes a difference in your flight experience.
10. If you can afford it, upgrade. I hate suggesting this, I seriously do. But I am at the limits of what a standard economy class seat will comfortable fit. If you are larger, you will be faced with MORE discomfort. And that sucks. Hugely. You can ask gate agents specifically to see if there’s a way to sit next to an empty seat and you can ask to fly during less full times to help make that happen. Ask to be seated next to children. All of this stuff will work and give you a little more room but it doesn’t necessarily increase your comfort. As much as I think United is a bunch of jerkfaces, I have to commend them on the Economy Plus class which is about $50 a leg more expensive than regular economy. I won’t be flying it often but if I’m in a high stress situation AND I have the money for it? I will go for it. Because the thing that ultimately makes flying while fat so freaking difficult is that you have to do so much WORK to make yourself even marginally comfortable.
It’s not great. I won’t lie to you. When there’s the “this flight is full” announcement, I have perfectly legitimate fear that I will be singled out because of my size and bumped from the flight. I think smaller fats might worry about this, too, but it’s a very real thing that bigger fats have to anticipate and know how to juggle. Man, I hate giving some of this advice. The necessity for it makes me even more angry at the airlines that we can’t simply show up and trust that we will be treated with, you know, basic dignity and human respect.
But I don’t think that anger and fear should prevent us from traveling, especially when I know people who experience negative consequences at their jobs if they can’t travel. It IS possible to be a death fat on a plane. Forewarned is forearmed.
While I have never been bumped from a flight (yet), I do have some suggestions, researched rather than experienced. If a gate agent (or check in agent) is telling you that you will be bumped due to size, ask to speak to their supervisor. Ask if an airport representative can be there as well. Stay as calm as possible. Be familiar with the policy of the airline – and avoid, if possible, airlines that have established policies for bumping fat people. Depending on what is going to work FOR YOU, tell them that you can either take the next flight to be cooperative or that you cannot as you are traveling for business (as long as this is true) and need to arrive at your destination at a specific time. Bring it back to their failure to accommodate you as a customer. As if they can upgrade your seat for free since they are the ones who oversold the flight. As if you will be reimbursed for your trouble.
And remember that, honestly, this is why America has lawyers. This is an issue of discrimination. If you find a reputable lawyer who specialized in civil justice cases, you probably won’t even need funding up front.
Keeping the possibility of litigation in the back of your mind does not really make for a relaxing vacation, though. Figure out a strategy and then, as much as possible, don’t think about it. The odds are that you are going to have a perfectly average flight. You’ll be one of a bunch of flyers whose bodies just don’t fit the space and everyone will grumble and shift because even if they fit, the seats are not exactly comfy. You’ll come out ahead because you’ll be prepared for the regular pitfalls of travel. And then you’ll have a great time at your destination. Flying is temporary, after all. It gets you where you need to go.
Go and have fun. I know I will (in NYC, June 5th at Re/Dress – more info later!).
31 Comments
Thank you so much for this. I’ve flown quite a bit, but not in a year or so and all the hype around “omgfattieswillmaketheplanefalloutofthesky” has made me paranoid about ever doing it again. (Especially since I am about 30 pounds heavier now than the last time I flew.) This is a very reassuring post.
You bet, car. I think having a frame of reference for this stuff can be really helpful.
I approached this last batch of travel really deliberately and the biggest thing that hit me was that, dude, no one is 17 inches all the way up. Even if your ass fits in the seat, there’s going to be a certain amount of arms having to figure out where to go and legs getting in the way (particularly because dudes DO so often sprawl). It really does suck for pretty much everyone, regardless of weight. Somehow, tangible evidence of that made me feel a lot better.
I have enormous hips. I don’t fly often, mostly due to economic restraints, but I’ve come to the conclusion that the next time I do, I’ll have to buy two seats no matter what airline I fly. It sucks, but so does enormous physical pain, not only for myself but for my seatmates. Due to the ridiculously small seats, I really do take up a seat and a half. It pisses me off. But that’s the reality for this death fat. If only I could move some of my hips to my boobs…..
Thanks, Marianne. I’m often very nervous about flying, but this post — as well as a recent trip on SWA — makes me feel a lot better. As a hippy 26/28, keeping the armrest down is a challenge. Also, as a wide-framed 6′ 0″ individual, keeping my upper body out of the next seat’s space is almost a greater challenge. However, I was never once singled out or even given a weird look.
I agree with the “comfortable yet pulled together” outfit. It sucks to have to myth-bust when all one wants to do is be comfortable as possible getting from point A to point B, but I think it stands to reason that in this case a little myth-busting will increase comfort ultimately, since it can make ward off those fat = disgusting stereotypes.
Seat Guru is awesome, by the way! I’m just checking it out for the first time. I’m feeling better about my international flight (coming in two weeks — gulp!) because I’ve determined the sit width will be 18″. Since I know I (very barely) fit into a SWA 17″ seat, I’m feeling confident I can come out of my international flight unbruised, and possibly not even ticking off my seatmate.
I so agree with these. There are only a few I’m going to call out, but these are all good, really.
Dress comfortably but smartly.
Totally agree on the impression clothing makes. I would add to also think about practicalities. Shoes that are comfortable for walking, clothing that moves with you when you’re twisting to get through a too-narrow row. Flying from from Seattle to Florida in November ? Put shorts the carryon to change into.
If you can afford it, upgrade.
A couple years ago I noticed that Alaska’s first class is only a little more than 2 coach seats. Baby, I flew first class. This means I fly less and it costs more when I fly, but it does help.
The necessity for it makes me even more angry at the airlines that we can’t simply show up and trust that we will be treated with, you know, basic dignity and human respect.
That would require the airlines to quit cramming in as many seats as possible. Larger seats would mean fewer seats, just as more legroom would require fewer rows.
A) These are really specific specifics–yay, you! So many “helpful tips” people offer just don’t give enough detail.
B) You seem taller than 5′4″. Good posture? Big personality? I would have guesstimated you at 5′6″. SO MUCH FOR THAT GET-RICH-QUICK “GUESS YOUR HEIGHT’ FAIRGROUND SCHEME!
C) I definitely have inbetweenie privilege and apple-shaped privilege when it comes to girth on airlines, but apparently 5′9″ is Entirely Too Tall for airplane designers, so I really feel for my fellow talls who are of more generous proportions, especially in the hip and ass departments.
Living400pounds, as much as I hate to recommend United, you might research their Economy Plus as a cost-saving thing, too. Not quite as generous as first class, but not nearly as expensive.
JupiterPluvius – Maybe big hair? *grin* And, yeah, taller anyone on airplanes? Not enough room for them. There’s also not usually mention of it but if you use a seat belt extender some airlines won’t let you sit in an exit row for the extra foot room (which they are now charging extra for anyway, grr) so that’s right out for taller fatter people, too. It’s bogus.
And, yeah, I figure erring on the side of too much info might at least be helpful!
A great refresher course for those fats who haven’t flown in a while, especially since airlines are cutting so many flights and overbooking those that remain. I’ve got a cross-country trip in a couple of weeks, and I’m dreading the discomfort, but keep reminding myself that it’s temporary, and that sleeping on the plane is a Very Good Thing(tm).
I’m sure this is mentioned elsewhere, but just in case, my favorite tip is: if you aren’t in a huge rush, sit as far back in the plane as you can. And if you’re traveling with someone, book the aisle and window seats.
Planes are generally loaded front to back, aisle and window seats before middle seats. The rear middle seats are among the last to be assigned, so if the plane is not full, that middle seat in the back is the most likely to be the one left open.
If the flight is full and you’re traveling with someone, I’ve NEVER had someone refuse to trade their middle seat for either the aisle or window seat. And in the worst case, you’re no worse off than if you’d reserved the two seats next to each other in the first place.
All great tips, and as someone who makes round trip flights at least twice a year, sometimes more, I follow a lot of these tips already (except the seatbelt extender one, because I always fly United, and have never once been on a plane without one, even on the tinier planes). However, in my case, I really, truly HATE flying, because travelling in general causes a great deal of anxiety, and with all the red tape that you go through with flying, the effect is tenfold.
I would have to argue, though in my experience, Economy Plus (which I upgraded to once, before it cost $50 to do so) is really no better than a regular seat, and actually, a waste of money. I’m pretty much the same size as you, Marianne, only taller, and the more legroom in economy plus was negligible, and there wasn’t a noticable difference in the seat width.
Great post! As someone pretty similar in shape to you and a three-trips-a-year flier, these are all things I’ve found successful and true.
To add—I fly NWA (not the commuter planes, so maybe that was what you meant specifically?) and they have always had a seat extender handy.
That is so funny, Integgy – I find I have to have a seat belt extender in regular Economy but no need for one in Economy plus. INTERESTING.
And, yes, sauvage1983, it’s the commuter jets – the flight attendant said it was because people just kept taking them. But it was a pain because I’d spilt a bottle of water in my purse and my own seat belt extender was cold and soggy. *laugh*
I wear flip flops when I fly, no matter what time of year it is. It makes it a bit easier to get through security when you can easily remove your shoes.
This is like the best advice ever! I used to fly a lot and hadn’t even thought of buying my own extender, but now I will for sure! Everything you said is sensible (some common -if not rare- sense) and fairly easy. I will even ask at check-in if I can get a seat with an empty one next to it, sometimes they can do it sometimes not but it’s worth it to me. I prefer the aisle as well for the same reasons.
Being a death fattie myself, I get it! It’s tough, but I think the #1 thing is to smile and be cheerful. It sounds stupid, but I’ve found that when you need to finagle or request things it’s best to do it with a giant smile and a cheery disposition…honey over vinegar, right?
Thanks for this! I fly very, very rarely but I’m tired of getting travel anxiety when I even think about booking a trip. I’m going to a conference in DC in July and I decided to drive (from Chicago) in part because I just did not want to deal with airline fuckery.
I will say that last year I flew on Midwest and my size 26, PCOS-appley body fit, just barely, into a regular seatbelt, which was a major relief. I had borrowed a seatbelt extender from a friend but I didn’t have to use it.
I was flying with someone I knew so that made me feel better, too. I didn’t mind squishing on her
Thank you for posting this! The last time I flew was about a year ago, and I got sick of wrestling with the extender-less seat belt on the first plane and asked for an extender on my connecting flight and OMG HOLY SHIT I COULD BUCKLE UP WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT. I was too embarrassed to ask for an extender because I could *technically* buckle the seat belt, but I had to fight and shift around and struggle and it was really crappy.
It’s especially good to know that NWA doesn’t have belt extenders (uh, wtf, Northwest?) because they’re the only airline that goes in and out of my town. Just curious, where did you get your extender?
At least the planes don’t have super-small seats anymore. I remember what a pain USAir was about 20 years ago when they flew 707s. I found those seats very uncomfortable (I’m about an 18-20 depending). Haven’t had any problem with airplane seats in a long time.
I agree with “dress smart” to a point. Comfortable shoes are absolutely key, and that usually means sneakers. I think of it this way – imagine you have to exit a plane as quickly as possible. Do you really want to be in high heels or barefoot?
Great post. I’m a 24-26, depending; haven’t weighed myself in years, but am certainly big enough to get the unhappy glare from seatmates who think I’m gonna spill over into their space. I always ask for the extender as I’m getting on the plane. I fly tons, mostly for work, mostly longhaul or w/in Europe, and a few times a year w/in North America.
Number 8 is really excellent advice: I do the flowy black, nice scarf, professional but relaxed thing when flying because I usually am travelling for business. It’s just enough to say I’m a grown-up, I belong here. I think it’s true for anyone who wants to get through flying w/ a minimum of hassle, but unfortunately extra-true for us fats.
But there’s another good, practical reason to dress up rather than down. I’ve had my checked luggage get lost on a trip where I had several presentations and job interviews, and it took a week to find me again. The airline just kept saying ‘go buy replacements and we’ll reimburse them.’ Yeah, because it is so easy for those of us at the top end of the plus spectrum to just dash out into a strange city and pick up professional, well-fitting attire over lunch. Because I was wearing aforementioned black and flowy plus nice accessories and decent shoes, I was able to manage in all my important moments, looking just a litle casual but still smart. If I’d been wearing jeans or sweatpants or a flippy casual skirt when I got on the plane, the rest of the trip would have been a disaster.
So to your great list, I’d add: not only smart comfy casual for the flight, but decent shoes, plus at least a change of (nice) top and undies in the carry-on. Esp if you’re flying internationally, and this goes quadruple if you’re going to a country where plus size clothes are hard to find or where you don’t speak the language.
These are helpful for narrow toilets:
http://www.amplestuff.com/ample-sponges.aspx
I buy two coach seats, because I’ve been on planes where first class isn’t wide enough, and the arms don’t go up in first class. Having two seats makes a really big difference in my stress level.
I used to ask an agent to be seated next to an empty seat, but the flights I take are usually really full these days so that no longer works.
When I get on the plane I ask the flight attendant standing at the front for a seatbelt extender.
Wearing earplugs has also made a huge difference in my stress level on flights.
These are all really wonderful recomendations, I just wish someone had mentioned them to me a few years ago when I flew from Pittsburgh Int’l to London-Gatwick. *sigh* Ah well, there will be other international flights (knock on wood). However, I do second the comfy shoes bit. Also, I recomend comfy shoes you can wear socks in that are slip on types. I know that seems sort of hard to find but I was very glad I had a great pair of comfy canvas non-tie shoes. those maryjane style Skechers (though pricey) are also great for this.
It’s good advice to wear easy to remove shoes for flying in general now. They ask you to remove your shoes for the x-ray machine, cause of the British guy who tried to smuggle bombs in his shoes on an airplane. I mean, chances are very rare it can happen again, but better to be safe than very very sorry.
I say this on just about every air travel thread that pops up on the fatosphere, because I think it bears repeating. If you’re in a window seat on a tiny commuter plane, feel under the arm rest against the wall, near the back, for a small square button. It’s tiny, and can be tricky to press, but it will let you raise the armrest and buy you a good four or five inches of extra space. Ideally you can book a seat on the side of the plane that only has single seats, raise both armrests this way, and be as comfortable as possible.
Yes to all of these wonderful tips.
To tip #8 I like to add that jeans and airplane toilets are not a good match. Better to wear elastic waist pants.
#9 is sooo very important. People are much more responsive to raising the armrest when asked with a genuine smile. And airline staff will usually bend over backwards to accomodate a request when the passenger is curteous.
I choose my seat when making my reservation online. I always choose an aisle seat in the very rear of the plane. The seats in the rear are usually the last to be filled and they are close to the toilet.
Cannot agree more with your advice to be nice to airport staff! I actually almost got bumped from an oversold flight (on the way home for Thanksgiving) and was picked over four other passengers just because I’d been chatty with the guy at the gate.
Also if you ever get the change to fly on an Embraer E70 Jet, go for it! I was on one about a month ago for the second half of my connection. Super comfy. All of the seats are a little wider than average, and it was one of the few planes where I didn’t need a seatbelt extender (in fact, I had an inch or two to spare).
I just flew from Seattle to New York and Back, both ways were American Airlines on a 757. Upgrades were not an option unless I wanted to pay an extra (get this…) $900! I’m a 5 feet even, size 18/20, and the seats were barely wide enough. I actually find that since I’m an apple, I am always worrying about tipping something when I put the tray down. The seatbelt was big enough, but wouldn’t have been for someone hippy or a size larger.
And get this. It’s a 5 hour, 45 minute flight. They HIGHLY recommend you buy food before you board, because there are snacks and sandwiches available “for purchase”, but there’s not enough for everyone. And let me tell you, if you’re a vegetarian, you’re stuck with cheese and crackers as your choice. Oh, for THREE DOLLARS. The sandwiches were six dollars, and meat was the only options. THat really pisses me off. I’d rather pay a higher airfare and keep my bloodsugar from going through the basement. Oooo, but you get a free beverage. Grr.
Excellent post and great tips. I’m a frequent flyer and, unfortunately, had to learn most of this the hard way. I am shocked that NWA said they didn’t have seat belt extenders. The extenders are the same things that they use to demo how to buckle your seat belt during the pre-flight safety talk. I would seriously check with FAA on that one.
TropicalChrome made the point that I was going to make, and I think it’s an excellent one – sit near the back, because those are the last seats assigned, so you’re more likely to have extra space.
I usually check in online, so I can see what other seats have already been taken and pick my own seat. If it’s a plane with three seats together, I look for one at the back where the window seat is already taken (but not the middle) and then I always take the aisle – I’ve never ended up with someone in the middle seat. It’s great!
Hi there,
I’m a Flight Attendant for a regional carrier (50-70 seat commuter jets) and I wanted to say what a great post! I also wanted to add some additional advice:
1) The FAA a few years back decided seatbelt extenders are “tripping hazzards” and therefor if you need one you can’t sit in the exit row. As I am not a small girl myself, I personally think this sucks and is a crock, however I am required by law to move anyone who needs a seatbelt extender out of the exit row.
2) I have never ever heard of an airline telling someone they cannot board because they are too large in an oversold situation (and I used to fly teeny tiny prop planes w/ only 30 seats where weight really really matters). The way most airlines decide who is going to get a seat and who isn’t is based on check in time. The earlier you got there the less likely you would be to get stuck on a later flight.
3) Regarding armrests: on some planes both the inside and outside armrests are moveable. If you can’t figure out how to move them, ask the flight attendant. The aisle armrests are required to be down and locked in position for takeoff and landing, as they are part of the structural integrity of the seat and part of the seat restraint system, however they can be moved back up after take off.
4) If you’re scared because you haven’t flown in a while (or never) tell the flight attendant. I am there to help you, put you at ease. I can tell you want sounds are normal and what the plane is doing. Believe me I’ve seen it before, I have seen the biggest meanest looking men break out in a cold sweat when the landing gear comes down!
5) Enjoy the cloud watching
It’s truly one of my greatest pleasures in life!
I am a frequent traveler. I’ve noticed on several different carriers that seatbelt lengths are inconsistent. I just had this happen to me on Southwest, on a flight from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale. I picked the first window seat in the first row, and commenced to struggling to fasten the seatbelt.
The problem was, the short part of the belt didn’t clear the armrest in length. Finally, I gave up and asked the flight attendant for an extender. I was so pissed! I had no problem on the flight up, and here I was on the way back, not able to fasten the seat belt. Before I asked the flight attendant, I checked the seat belt next to me, and it cleared the armrest by at least three inches.
I told the flt attendant about it, and she argued with me about just being too big for the belt. I made her come over and compare the two belts from the two seats. She finally got it.
I used the entension, but still had a problem fastening it…because the short side doesn’t clear the armrest! I had to switch the extender, and then I could buckle it. It was a stupid and avoidable situation had the airline been consistent.
I was the first person off the plane. I turned to the flt attendant and told her, you really should put in a work order to fix that belt. It’s not right- anyone would have a struggle fastening the seat belt.
What really pissed me off about it is, Southwest is one of the most vocal advocates of bumping or charging double for large passengers. If I had another choice to fly directly to Orlando rather than take Southwest, I would have done it.
As I mentioned, I have seen this problem on other carriers, but I think Southwest is the worst offender.
I’ll be flying at the end of this month for the first time in 15 years! I’m scared to death due to the death fat but this has calmed me down a LOT. Thank you so much! xoxoxo
My best advice would be to NEVER NEVER NEVER fly Continental Air.
I’m 5′10 1/2 with wide hips, size 26-28. I just took a trip to Alaska with my husband. It was a total of 10 hours air time each way. 6 hours to Seattle and then 4 hours to Anchorage. The 6 hour flight on Continental was excruciating dn left with a bruised thigh from the window-seat armrest. The coach class seats were tiny, tiny, tiny…the smallest of all the airlines, I found out too late…and the leg room is just as cramped. It was impossible to get comfortable. We both agreed that we should have purchased an extra seat to keep between us. We would have been much happier. The 4-hour flight on Alaska Air was a dream by comparison. They were only an inch or two wider, but what a difference! And much more legroom. The difference was amazing. I’m using Seat Guru before booking any future flights for sure. And if I had been traveleing solo, I definately would have purchased and extra seat for both my piece of mind and comfort and the comfort of the person sitting next to me.
One of the best things I have ever done was buy my own seatbelt extenders, as you mention in #6. This has given me great peace of mind since I don’t have to draw attention to myself by asking the flight attendant for one.
All of your tips are great! Thanks!
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[...] Two Inches: Flying SWA Fat Thanks to Marianne at The Rotund for her recent post – Death Fats With Wings: 10 Tips For Flying at 300 Pounds [...]
[...] fellow blogger Marianne Kirby has written an excellent refresher course on travel tips for the Big Girl. Be sure to read the [...]
[...] Probably the best thing I’ve ever read on the subject is from The Rotund. It’s called Death Fats With Wings: 10 Tips For Flying at 300 Pounds. There are some very helpful tips there for travelers of all sizes, but especially those of us who [...]