x/post: 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.

 The highest weight I flew was 267lbs and was just an inch shy of needing an extender. It was on Delta, which IMO has the smallest seats. I think that Southwest has slightly more generous seating.

 I had to travel for my surgery too. I flew Alaska Air at 280 lbs and just made it into one seat with no seat belt extender for my pre op appointments. I think I read in a past post that you can go to the air lines web page and see the dimensions of their seats, just to get a broad idea.
For my surgery we drove 7 hours from Fairbanks to Anchorage, AK. I stayed in Anchorage for a week post op and the trip home was fine. I wasn't sure how it would be because it's through the mountains, but I had no problems.  I just don't know how it would be on a bike! 
Either way you decide to go you might want to have a companion go along with you.

 I flew last year at 300 pounds. I think it was on United. I asked for an extender and there was no problem or visible attitude about that. I had an aisle seat and felt as if I were in a sarcophagus for 10 hours, but it worked. On the shorter leg of the trip some alien-designed aircraft had seats that I swear were 10 inches wide. That hurt, but it was only an hour. There was never any question about my having to buy two seats.

If your weight is all in your hips and seat, you might not fit in a smaller airplane. You could check with the specific airline ahead of time, but--only a guess!--that might give them more opportunity to tell you to buy two seats. If you can afford two seats, it would sure be a more comfortable flight.

Bon Voyage!

I flew at my highest, 324, and my weight was primarily in my hips/butt.  I fit on SW with an extender...not comfortably, but I fit.

I've heard rumor that the seatbelts on the aisle seats are longer........and actually witnessed this on SW planes when I flew with a friend last year to Vegas.  She sat on aisle seat, me middle and DH by window.  Our seatbelts on each flight were clearly shorter than hers.

IF you are in a position to buy two seats, I'd consider it.  Then, you don't have to worry about someone complaining in the seat next to you, and you'll be most comfortable which will be important on the way home after surgery.

Just remember this!!   This will be the LAST TIME you have to worry about this!! 

Still, to this day, when I get in line to board a plane I have that sick feeling in my stomach that I always had when I was obese.....and the questions.........will I fit?  will I need an extender?  will they treat me badly?   I've been this size now for over 2 years and this is the one thing that still "sticks" with me from the former obese days.............

I know that it may cost a bit more, but could you possibly purchase 1st class? You would probably be a lot more comfortable on your trip home.

Thank you all very much for your input and advice. I carry my weight in my abdomen. My jeans are usually loose in the hips and tight across the belly. My flight will be about 1 hour. I will look at first class and 2 seats options. Again...thank you.

You should be fine.  I flew a lot last year at between 310-330 with an extender. 

Choose an aisle seat as with some airlines you can lift the arm rest.  Also, try to choose a seat where the middle seat is empty.  It may fill in before you fly but if not then you will get estra space.

After surgery, you may want to upgrade to 1st class since you will be uncomfortable.

If reserving 2 seats on Greyhound is easier for you then do that.  Just make sure you have all your supplements and liquids with you since the bus may not stop when you need it to.

I'm flying to Dallas in December.  I've never flown before, partly because I was too chicken, but also because of the fear of not fitting in the seats.  HOPEFULLY, by December I wont have a problem with seats, just trying to tackle that fear of flying.. Good luck and enjoy your trip!!!!

I fly quite a lot, and I'm currently 291.  I carry some (but not all) of my weight in my belly.  I have never needed to purchase two seats, and I have only once or twice ever needed a seat belt extender.  My suggestions would be to make sure you get an aisle seat and to make sure you are not seated in the bulkhead or exit rows.  In my experience those seats have immovable arm rests, and those can be quite uncomfortable on the hips.  I have recently started flying first class more often to be more comfortable.

Good luck and, as others have said, it's it great that you won't need to worry about this anymore?!  :)