What airline did you use?

After researching and going back and forth for several years, I've finally committed and have a surgery date for next month.  Now it's time to book my plane tickets.  I am more terrified of being embarrassed on the plane than for any other part of this process.  For those of you who flew, did you have better luck flying 1st class or with any particular airline over another?  Most especially those with a higher BIM >50, I would love to hear your experiences.  Thank you.  

I was at a BMI of 46 and flew yearly.  I also flew to San Diego for my surgery in Tijuana.  My advice would be to buy 2 seats, if you can afford it and sit in the aisle seat.  If you can afford first class, that would be even better.  I could never afford these things and always had to squeeze in next to my husband.  He of course, didn't mind.

Thank you for your response.  I used to fly all of the time before becoming so large.  I have avoided it for the last 8 years for this exact reason.  Thankfully, I can afford to go first class for this trip but it's a sacrifice I'm making for myself since I'm having to travel alone.  I just really don't want to be embarrassed or uncomfortable, especially on such a long flight back, after the surgery.  

I understand completely and wish you luck on your weight loss journey.  Which doctor are you using in Mexico?

I'm using Dr. Quinones.

I used Dr. Fernando Garcia.  Best of luck to you!

I had Dr. Garica last week for surgery. He is awesome!! :)

I flew Delta last month to Texas. Luckily I was offered a fairly cheap upgrade to first class so I took it. I have a BMI of 54 and was actually able to buckle the seat belt without an extender. The extra money was worth it to me.

Keisha

The airline I highly recommend is Spirit.  They are new and a "bare seat" airline, that is rapidly overtaking Southwest.  Their prices are very low and you can add their "big front seat" on a flight for as little as $12.  Last month I flew from Cleveland to Orlando.  My round trip was $199 including taxes and fees.

I put it on a new Spirit Airline credit card and received $100 back after spending $500 on the card.  Then I also joined the travel club they offered when I purchased the ticket, got an additional $50 rebate for that and cancelled within 30 days so I did not pay anything for the travel club.  My round trip ticket ending up costing me $49 out of pocket.

They are a new airline and their planes are also new and very nice.  They are fighting hard to get to the top and their customer service is outstanding.  Sign up for their emails and check their deals that they will send you each week.

Hello. I just got off the plane to San Diego for my surgery in Tijuana about 3 hours ago. My BMI is close to 50. I needed a seat belt extender. I quickly asked the flight attendants on both flights (had a layover)for a seat belt extender. They both brought it to me quietly and as discreetly as possible. It's easy to hook on, you can do it yourself, and no one is the wiser. It really isn't a big scene and you won't be embarrassed. The flight was comfortable and I was happy I didn't buy the two seats I thought about buying. Look at this as an option because paying for two seats isn't necessary if the only requirement is you are able to buckle up! I flew US airways and American.