What its like to be that fat person sitting next to you on the plane.

I remember on a flight back from Vegas, sitting in the middle seat with two slim men on each side of me. I was at least 360 at the time and was mortified. The guy on my left was silent and stared out the window and the gentleman on my right got up and chatted with the flight attendant the majority of the trip. I knew it was so he didn't have to sit next to me but I wasn't offended. I was grateful that it allowed me and the guy to my left more space. He never made a face at me or voiced his uncomfortableness to me, he just did what he could to make it a more comfortable trip. 

I'll be happy when I don't have to worry about that anymore. 

The last time I flew while MO, I flew American...they have planes with a single seat on one side of the plane. I booked those type of seat whenever possible. That way I avoided having a seat mate. 

The last time I flew was Aug 2014. It was awesome. I had read on here someone had actually been able to cross their legs while riding in a coach seat. I totally stole the idea and crossed my legs while in flight...talk about a NSV! I was thrilled! 

I was able to cross my legs AND put the tray table down! also- when I put my seatbelt on, i pulled that sucker as tight as it would go, just for show... lol

A couple of years ago my exh and I were in Anchorage waiting to board the plane to head back home....and Alaska Air had overbooked the plane and there were a lot of families not able to sit together with their kids ect...my exh and I were not sitting together due to the booking for that flight.  The AA flight people working the desk approached us and asked if we wanted to sit together on the plane....to which of corse we said sure.  She came back about 5 minute later informing me that due to my size next time I would have to purchase an extra seat and that it was their policy that the armrests had to go down and I would have to stay buckled....basically she yelled this at me, or called me out depending on your point of view, infront of the VERY full terminal.  I responded back that I was able to fit in the seats and buckle my seat belt....she walked away and I was FUMING mad!!  Once we boarded the plane,...I pulled out my hidden extension that I always kept in my purse and buckled up....a different flight attendant came to me and shouted that I needed to be buckled up and she was trying to make me take her seat belt extension.  When I advised her I did not need it....SHE informed me again of the AA policy of wearing a seat belt and advised me that I would need to show her I had my seat belt on and it was buckled before they would take off.....I showed her and she kinda of stomped off in a huff.  I was so incredibly angry/pissed and humilitated on top of it.  I did file a complaint and it was resolved but to treat people like that....and to not even do it privately but infront of everyone,....most of whom on the plane I knew and had professional associations with.....it was a horrible expirence.  Flash forward 2 years and my last trip to and from Anchorage....I was no longer the lady hiding a seat belt extender in my purse and buckled my seatbelt!  It was a rewarding moment and I hope 1 I will not forget.  People forget that even MO people have feelings too....as much as I am able to put on a brave or I don't care what you think of me face....I do care and it does hurt.

I used to hide a seat belt extension in my purse, too. 

I hate that feeling of having a flight... Fortunately with my job, we fly first/business.

When my wife and I go, I'm able to book an aisle seat and she gets stuck in the middle. I still try to lean more into the aisle than onto her area... Still sucks.

I travel frequently for my job. In addition,since I work in rural towns, the planes and seating are smaller. I remember one winter, on my return flight home, this man and his infant daughter came to sit next to me. The flight attendant came and said to him "I'll find you a better seat, since there's no room for you here!" I remember feeling so embarrass! ( She sat him next to a smaller woman, two seats behind me) I usually will fly First/Business with a normal carrier, but on the small planes, I learn to get to the line quickly, so I can find a single seat. Even though I've lost 70lbs, I haven't flown since my surgery and I'm dreading my flight this weekend....

You and I are the same height and weight.  I think you'll be surprised how much easier it is to fit into an airline seat now.  Good luck 

Thank you for that! I might sleep a lot easier knowing that it's not going to be such a chore! So much mental adjustment!!

I started buying extra seats on Southwest after being humiliated one time. It actually turned out not being bad because they let you board with the first group, and they refund your money if the flight isn't full. Usually I got it refunded and it was nice not to have to sit next to anyone.When my son was younger I didn't worry so much because I basically shared his seat.