Air Travel

In August I will be taking my first ever plane ride.  Instead of feeling excited I am scared ****less that I won't fit in the seat.  Any advice ?  Thoughts?  Suggestions?

I've been there before.  I actually was able to find out the size of the seats online so that I could tell if I would need an extension.  If that was the case, which has happened before, I would ask a flight attendant quietly as I boarded the flight.  They would give it to me discreetly so that I was never embarrassed.  I hope everything goes well with your flight.

are you preop or postop ?  AUgust is a long ways away.  If you are about to have surgery or just had surgery, you will likely fit no problem.   Maybe we could give you an idea if you give us an idea of your height/weight. 

I googled it and the average width of airline seats is 17-19 inches between the armrests. You may want to find a seat with a similar width and see how you fit. Are you flying with anyone else? When I was MO I did not fly unless I were with my kids because I knew I would spill onto their seat an not a stranger. Most flights are pretty full these days so having a spare seat next to you is not likely.

I would definitely look up the seat width beforehand and see if you can fit in that space. If you are having surgery soon, then maybe it wouldn't be a problem depending on your start weight.

I have only been on a plane one time and it was a little over 2 years ago at my heaviest - 444 lbs. I didn't bother thinking I could fit in one seat and just automatically bought two tickets. Because that is my only experience with flying, I too already have anxiety about getting on a plane again in April to go to FL. I'm hoping to be close to goal by then, so of course I would fit in a seat, but I still have that irrational anxiety... crazy isn't it?

It also depends on the airline price.  My general choice has smaller seats than the standard which makes it tough.  Once I made the mistake of asking for the front seats (more leg room), but the arms on those seats can not be moved.  I fit in but it was very painful on my legs.

My twin sister made the same mistake once, they tried to move her to another seat but the woman next to her was commenting loudly about how she shouldn't have to be stuck next to such a large woman.

I know this doesn't sound encouraging, however, they moved my sister to first class and apologized for how the woman acted.  

Keep in mind these were both with Air Transat.  I have not had any issues with United/Air Canada/British air etc.

 

Hello Karasmom,
I am to wondering if you have been able to have your surgery yet. In 2010 you posted that it could take 7 to 10 years on a wait list. That is a terribly long time to wait! Are you going to have your 9 or is she 10 year old with you. If you have her sitting next to you that should help out. Asking for the seat belt extender is very easy to take care of and most are really nice about being inconspicuous or nice about giving this to you. Do you have any special needs as to being able to board first? I am with the others that have tried to post help... with out a guidance to your weight and height.... it is hard to know as we all carry our weight so differently. I flew for the first time(after losing weight) at about 300 lbs and I am 5'7... I fit in the seat and did have a seat belt extender however my husband sat next to me. It was a great flight! I had flown when I was over 600 lbs and had purchased two seats. They were very nice and gave me seat belt extenders prior to everyone else boarding the flight. I was able to board early do to mobility and needing special help.
I then flew when I was around I believe 275 lbs and the seat belt did not need an extension and the tray fit comfortably down for me to use! (talk about a huge milestone)!!

Anyhow, doing your research are the first steps. All of the little tips can help out to.

Wishing the best and hoping that you enjoy yourself as the time arrives!! Please update your blog or let us know where you are at in your process! I am hoping to hear that you are not still on some list!! Where do you live... is it insurance or why so long of a wait?

hugs and happy holidays,

I fly ALL THE TIME and have few issues as long as i follow my rules  ive been as high as 495, currently 362 i think.  

 

Fly southwest air whenever possible. They have the best / cheapest flights for big people for reasons below.

Buy 2 seats at once.  It sucks, but that isnt a discussion you want to have on the plane. If there is one sinlgle empty seat on that plane they will happily refund your second seat! In 10 years of flying and hundreds of flights ive never had a refund refused.

Fly odd hours. If you take a 7 am monday flight anywhere dont be shocked to see a full plane of grumpy people and no refunds

Never sit in an exit row or near a bulkhead. Exit rows are not allowed per law, and bulkhead seats dont havE Mmovable armRests. 

Get on the plane first.  On southwest, ask for a "blue sleeve" for your boarding pass. You now get to ignore boarDingOrder and hop on after the disabled. excellent!

Sit forward of the wing and within sight of the attendantS.  less noise and people arevless likely to be jerks with an audience

Make friends with attendants  if you make life easy for them theyll return the favor tenfold

Quietly, politely, and with r esolve ask for an extender the second you Step on the plane  doing this demonstrates You are a professional and get the drill. They may not have one on hand but more than likely they will and youll be set

Dont drink or Eat unless absolutely necessary . the bathrooms on planes stink, are gross,nand are tiny. Best avoided.

Be prepared  if you get motion sick, bring a patch. have gum handy and share Ccopiously.  i got a bag full of booze on a plane once because i had enough gum to get all 10 kids to popntheir ears and quit crying. 

Remember they are people too,and they dont want a scene any more than you. A really great tactic is to find the crew lead. This iS usually an older person, more smartly dressed, and leading thee others not on the flight deck.  Introduce yourself, shake hands, look them in the eye.  These people all too often are coNfused as waiters. That sighn of respect will make you memorable in a good Way.

Have fun and remember this is a safe way to travel

Bring entertainme

nt A that sKymall magazine is gonna last about 3 minutes. A book, a taBlet, have something to keep yourself occupied, and have it in your hand as you board. A great book in an overhead bin is useless and annoying when you have to get it out. 

 

I have flown at my highest weight.Which was 322.I quietly asked the flight attendant for an extension.I figured if I asked and I didn't need it that would be okay.Before I would panic before getting on the plane.Then I figured I do not know any of these people will I ever see them again.I figured screw them if I needed and extension.Most flight attendants are very nice.I had one say really loud to me as I was going back to my seat and he said make sure you return it.I was like f-u and left it in my seat.I may have muttered something very not nice as I passed him getting off the plane.Don't feel shame about your weight.That will make you feel even worse about yourself.And August is 7 months away who knows what can happen between now and then.Don't worry now.

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply.  We had a death in the family and then I got caught up in the pre Christmas rush.

my current weight is 395 and I am about 5 foot 2.  I have done research online for both of the carriers we will be using and both of them show seat widths between 17-19 inches so I am pretty sure I will not fit .  Thankfully I will be flying with my bean pole 10 year old who at 50 inches tall weighs only 55 pounds so I am confident that we will fit in the two seats together.  

 

I am am still waiting for my name to come up on the waiting list so I will still be pre op when we fly.  Once the holidays are over I plan on getting back on track with healthy eating.  I am hoping to lose at least 50 lbs between now and July 31 when we fly out.  

 

My my anxiety isn't so much that I will be embarrassed on the flight but rather that my daughter will be embarrassed by me.  SIGH