Question:
Will I fit in the seat on an airplane???

Ok this question has only been asked twice and could not see anything about my airline. I am flying American Airlines. I do not want to ask for a seat belt extender in front of my husband I would just DIE. I know I will fit in the seat but the seat belt I fly out for surgery on WED...HELP losing my mind    — Angie H. (posted on April 7, 2003)

April 7, 2003
Hi there! I feel your pain. I flew american last December, and it was basically a humiliating experience, because I made it that way for myself! Any airplane seat is very small, and the seatbelt is not very big either. I did ask for a seatbelt extender because there was no way I could get the ends near each other, let alone buckled. I was travelling alone, so I didn't have anyone with me. It was quite embarassing asking for an extender, BUT I think you will find as I did that the airplane staff are VERY nice and VERY discrete. I was so afraid they were going to get on the intercom and say "Will passenger 16F come get your seatbelt extender!!" That definitely didn't happen. They were very nice about it, and they have that happen all the time! You wouldn't be the first or last person to request one. I would suggest that you get in your seat and try the seatbelt. If it fits, great! If it is too snug or doesn't fit and you don't want to ask in front of your husband, excuse yourself to the restroom and find a flight attendant. Ask them for an extender and wait for them to give it to you so you can carry it back to your seat yourself instead of having them come hand it to you. Or, maybe even consider talking to your husband about it before you leave for the airport. Maybe explain to him your anxiety over how small the seats are, and then say something casual like "If that seatbelt is too snug, I'm going to just ask for a seatbelt extender -- I don't want my insides squished for the entire flight!". If he thinks you are casual about it, it won't be a big deal. Although I suspect he loves you and probably won't care if you need an extension -- just tell him you want to be comfortable! Hope this helps! :)
   — beeda

April 7, 2003
Forgot one thing... If you do have to request an extension, don't feel bad, just comfort yourself by knowing that this will be not only the LAST time you have to ask for one, but the LAST time you will feel bad about a lot of things that hinder us when we are MO! Good luck with your surgery!
   — beeda

April 7, 2003
Discretely ask the staff for one . Chances are your husband knows you will need one. After all, he has seen all of you and loves you very much to be so supportive as going with you.
   — Delores S.

April 7, 2003
If your worried . . . get up and ask the attendant quietly . . before you sit down then your husband won't need to be embarrassed. I think you can be up to a 24-26 size before you need to ask for one . . . Good Luck!
   — Michele D.

April 7, 2003
Hi, Angie. I fly all the time and need an extender, too. Yes, it's embarrassing. Here's what you do. Somehow stall while walking onto the plane so your husband goes first ("you go first, I can't see the seat numbers...") when you see the flight attendant who greets you, be friendly and ask quietly for an extender THEN! She'll give it to you then or bring it to you later, (they're all VERY discreet with passing the extender), the only reason she may not be able to give it to you right away is, she may need it for the demonstration. Don't worry, they don't forget, they know what size people need the extender, they fly all day, you know. Important part: When disembarking TAKE THE EXTENDER WITH YOU, so you won't need to ask AGAIN on the return. Just slip it in your purse. I know, I know. I've done this literally many many many times. As soon as the flight lands...start fussing with the belt slowly and discreetly, maybe while he's looking out the window or whatever. You'll get it in your handbag/purse no problem. Good luck! And don't feel ashamed if he finds out....YOU'RE HAVING OBESITY SURGERY : ) and he knows it!! : ) Best wishes.
   — msmaryk

April 7, 2003
You can also call the airline and ask for an empty seat next to you if possible (e.g., you in the aisle and your husband by the window). If the plane isn't completely full they can probably accommodate you. Just explain that you're a big gal and everybody would be happier if you aren't jammed in three across.
   — sjwilde

April 7, 2003
Hi, one of the hardest things I did preop was admit to my husband how much I weighed. I cried and he hugged me and after it was over I felt such a relief. I don't know why we think that our loved ones don't realize how big we are. He was shocked when I told him though and although I weighed 300 lbs he guessed I weighed 180......duh? Back to your question. This is not such a big deal once you have discussed it with your hubby. He will love you anyway! Then on the plane after you are in your seat, just quietly ask for an extender from the attendant. Trust me, it is so much easier than pretending that the seat belt fits and fearing a crash like I did all the way to New Orleans. It is wierd because sometimes the seat belts fit easily and other times no way. Just try it as soon as you get into the seat and then ask for an extender if necessary. I know it is hard. I even "borrowed" one on a flight and took it with me then returned it on the return flight so I wouldn't have to ask for another one. Found out on the return flight I didn't need it anyway. Worried the whole trip that I had "stolen" something. Oh, the things we put ourselves through when honesty is so much easier. Oh, I did leave the extender in the pocket and hope I never have to ask for one again. God bless you, honey. It will be ok.
   — Mylou52

April 7, 2003
I'm a flight attendant for American (had the surgery last year and am down almost 70lbs) and I have yet to see anyone that couldn't at least fit into the seat (and i've been doing this for 28 years)...also please don't fret about asking for a seatbelt extension!! All flight attendants are very discreet about handing to the person that needs it...no one will notice!!
   — toni F.