Question:
Help! I want to take a vacation!QuEstion about airline seats?

Hello Everyone! I have a question? I want to take a vacation in August but I haven't been on a plane in 3 years. 3 years ago I was 60lbs lighter and I remember the seat belt was tight. I am 5'9 and 300lbs does anyone no If I will fit in the seatbelt without an extender. I will be really embarrased and I would rather not go. I know it probably sounds silly but I don't want my husband to think I am that fat he really doesn't notice I guess love is Blind. Any Advice or similar situation? Love You All and God Bless You!!!    — kumuat (posted on July 6, 2003)


July 6, 2003
I was 5'10" and 292 lbs and I fit in the seat with seatbelt to spare. I do not think you will have a problem. Also I noticed different airlines have different sized seats. I went on American Airlines and their seats were pretty big while my connecting on Air Lingus was a little tight but I still fit.
   — horserider0146

July 6, 2003
I think you'll fit in - and I say this based upon my own experience at the same weight. It will be tight though and not comfortable. Airlines do not provide any assistance to accommodate larger people.
   — Susan B.

July 6, 2003
I flew on American Airlines and United Airlines a few weeks ago. I weighed 311, I am 5' 6, and I am in a size 24. I did not need an extender at all, and I sat in the middle of two others, and did not feel overly cramped nor did I feel like I was cramping them. I was able to put the arms down on both sides. absolutely no probs!! Have fun!
   — thekatinthehat

July 6, 2003
Hi! I just flew United Airlines. I am 280 and 5'4'. I needed a seat belt extender on United Express and was very embarrased. It was a smaller plane. But on the second leg of the trip, I was on a bigger plane and did not need an extender. Go to the airport early and ask for exit row seat. Usually there is only two seats in that row and you can put the arm rest up between you and your husband. Also, American Airlines has the largest seats of any airlines. Godd Luck and have fun. Nan
   — Nan W.

July 6, 2003
I think it depends on the airline. About 2 1/2 years ago I flew to Oklahoma City on Continental Airlines. I was 5'4 and about 290 then. I definitely needed the extender. In fact not only did I need the extender but I could barely fit into the seat. Sorry:( It might also depend on body frame too. You are a little taller than Iam so your weight might be distributed a little differently so maybe you might not have as rough a time as I did. But you know, some airlines make those seats so small that you almost have to be a stickfigure to fit into them. Hope everything goes ok. Good Luck!
   — Kris T.

July 6, 2003
We traveled on Southwest Airlines in May and I fit in the seatbelt. I am 5'9" and 277 lbs. I think it might matter how you are shaped as my top portion of my body is much bigger than the lower but I do have a large stomach. I waiting for my surgery date and I won't worry about that problem anymore (Hope Hope Hope). Have fun on your trip.
   — DISPSUPER

July 6, 2003
Try to take a flight thats not full with 3 across seating. Reserve the window and aisle seat leaving the center one empty. The airline fills such middle seats last if the plane gets full. Then you fold the arm rests up and can spread out. We ALWAYS did this before WLS and still do, even thin its much more comfy. Some airlines like Air Tran have bigger seats. Ask a travel agent, they might charge you a few bucks for booking your flight but they have a world of knowledge on stuff like this. ENJOY YOUR TRIP!
   — bob-haller

July 7, 2003
Every airline is different and so are all of us. To be on the safe side, assume you will need one. When I used to fly at 266 and 5 ft. 4 in. I would quietly ask for one as I went into the plane when the flight attendants are standing there saying hello. This way is more discrete, you just whisper that you will need one, they either hand it to you or bring it later. It is no one else's business that way! I must say one time, at the height of my embarassment, that I was unable to get the seat belt to work, and did not ask for an extender...how crazy was that? I flew without a seat belt due to embarassment? I know people always ask about the seat belts, but what was much more troublesome was the darn seat trays! If, which is rare, you got a meal, my tray could not fit all the way down due to my size, so I would have to eat just with the food on my lap or with it not all the way down. Yuk! Best Wishes and have a great trip! Remember, as he loves you blindly (as my hubby does/did),he of course wants you to fly safely!
   — Molly S.

July 7, 2003
I'm 5'2"/332 and I love to travel. The suggestion to ask the attendent quietly when you enter the plane is the best. Then, if you don't need it, you can always say, "thank you anyway" when they bring it. I can squeeze into most seats but the comfort is not there. They're also not confortable for my shoulders. Thanks to American Airlines, I have been traveling with my personal extender (okay, I borrowed it!) for about 15 years. It really saves me from those embarrassing moments. Good luck with your flight and do what's comfortable for you! Sandra
   — Sandra A.




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