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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