Nervous about fitting in airplane seat

So I am finally (woo hoo) going to have my surgery on 08/10/12. I live in Las Vegas and need to get to the San Diego Airport to meet the shuttle. I was totaly just going to fly. But I am wondering about the airline seats. The last time I flew was about 7 years and 80 lbs ago. I was about 220, did not need belt extender. Will I fit now?? Will I have to buy 2 seats?? My other option is to take Greyhound or drive my bike. But that would involve driving home right after surgery. Any thoughts??? Southwest or Spirit Airlines is what I would go with. Thanks in advance for your input.

 I don't know how tall you are, or how you carry your weight, but last time I flew I was 300 lbs, wearing size 24 (on delta) and did not need an extender - definitely didn't need two seats. I also flew around 380 lbs on SW (size 26/28) and while I was uncomfortable, I didnt need two seats, and only needed an extender on one leg of my flight. Hope that helps. 

It certainly helps..thank you. Most of my weight is in my abdomen. And I am about 5'6". I fit in movie theater seats, tour buses, etc. But I would be mortified if I couldn't fit in the airplane seat. Yikes!!! Happy Day!!

I don't recommend driving home right after surgery. You may still be feeling the effects of anethesia, and it's just not safe.

I do know that Southwest has a "customer of size" policy. If they deem you to be a "customer of size", you will be required to buy two seats. I'm not sure about Spirit.

I find that on some planes, I need an extender, and on others, I don't. It really depends. I've never bought two seats though.

Good luck!

It REALLY depends on the type of aircraft.  Las Vegas to San Diego is a short haul.  Southwest flies 737's only and you will be fine.  However, Spirit may be another question If they fly CRJs or turboprops those seats can be significantly smaller and the seat belts are significantly shorter.  On CRJs for example, they actually move people around the plane to balance the load prior to takeoff.  You can go onto the reservation system and find out the exact aircraft you will be flying on any given flight number.  I believe Spirit may only use Airbus which would be fine. 

Make sure the clinic is meeting you at the border or sends a ride for you from San Diego.  Tijuana is dangerous. 

Best of luck!

Thank you for your response. I will be going on Southwest. Of course another option is to pay for 2 seats. I will just ask for an extender. The website for sw stated that the "arm rest" is the defining line. If I don't spill over to the next seat I am good.
And yes...the clinic will send a ride for us. They book numerous patients in 1 day. We all meet at the jetblue terminal. Scary...excited, nervous..

I've had to do a fair amount of flying in the past few years, including at my top weight of 303. I'm JUST about 5'3".

Here's the deal. Choose your seat ahead. The middle seat is tighter than either the window or aisle. Ask for a belt extender as you get on the plane rather than waiting until you're in your seat. I have NEVER had so much as an unkind look when I've asked.

Hold your head high and use the extender. You are not the first or last person who needs one, and soon you'll have lost enough weight that you won't.

I just flew for the first time in a hundred pounds last month. I'm 5'8" and about 325 lbs right now. I had a total of four flights, all on Southwest, and was so worried about being mortified I almost stressed myself into a panic attack. It turned out to really not be a big deal. As I boarded the plane I asked the flight attendant for a seatbelf extender and that was that. They were very nice and discreet about it. I would definitely recommend anything other than a middle seat but otherwise you should be fine. And just think, next time it won't even be an issue. :)