Question:
Will I fit in the plane seat??
I had WLS about a year ago (VBG) and went from almost 400 pounds to 290,and still going. But my concern is that I am leaving for Las Vegas in less than 3 weeks and am nervous about the seats on the plane. Anyone have any info or experience with this? Any comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you. — [Anonymous] (posted on February 21, 2002)
February 21, 2002
I fit in the plane seats at 270. It was tight and uncomfortable, and I
couldn't put the arms down, but I fit. Looking forward to not having that
problem the next time I fly!
— BlueGray
February 21, 2002
No one thinks anything about folks with young kids or in wheelchairs
getting special treatment on airplanes. When you by your ticket and at the
flight gate note your weight and make sure you have a seat with an armrest
which raises up and that you are discreetly supplied with a seatbelt
extender. People might try to blow you off but be persistant and you can
have all these arrangements seen to in advance. Furthermore, many planes
have special seats that are slightly wider or have a bit more leg room.
You can actually get a diagram of the plane you're flying on, on the
internet and decide which seat would be the most comfortable--and then
persistently lobby to get it. Bon Voyage!
— L. M.
February 21, 2002
You will fit. I know the worry you are experiencing, but I promise you will
be fine. I weigh a good bit more than you do and I fly ok. Im a bit
uncomfortable but I ask the attendant for an extender as soon as I enter
the plane and they are pretty discrete about giving it to you. Also, raise
you arm rest. If the flight isnt full, you can ask for another seat maybe
even in 1st class. Good luck. I think you will do great.
— [Anonymous]
February 21, 2002
This is funny! I thought I was the only one that worried about this.
During a recent flight, I made sure that I booked my flight on a bigger
plan, a 777. I kept thinking that seats would be bigger! Well, they
weren't, but I still managed to squeeze all 260 lbs in the seat. The worst
part was asking for the extender, thankfully they were discreet about it!
You'll do just fine, it maybe a bit uncomfortable, but you will fit!!
— Rosario T.
February 21, 2002
Oh, don't worry, you will be fine. I am about 60 pounds heavier than you,
and I just flew in an airplane last week for the first time. I was deathly
afraid I wouldn't fit in the seats, but it went really well. It was a
little snug with the armrests down, but when I realized at least one of
them usually goes up, it was smooth flying from there. I have a hard time
walking far distances and in the airport, there is a lot of walking to do.
I don't know whether you can walk far without any problems, but I told the
flight attendent and even the baggage check-in lady at one airport that I
needed a wheelchair to get to the boarding gate and they accommodated me at
each airport I went to. They are used to it and people do that all of the
time. It was no big deal.
— Kelly M.
February 21, 2002
So much will depend on how tall you are and where you carry your weight. I
am a woman, 5'9" tall and fit into the airplane seats (barely) without
an extender at about 260 lbs. Of course, I do carry most of my weight in
my middle ... so if you're lucky enough to carry more in your chest area or
legs and less in your tummy, you may well fit at 290 lbs. Good luck. And
remember, those extenders aren't anything to be embarrassed about! Tons of
people have to request them, and you're on your way down in weight for
sure, so don't let it bug ya.
— Terissa R.
February 21, 2002
Yes, dear! You will fit into a plane set. I am currently 273lbs and I
flew last year sometime. I won't say it is the most comfortable set in the
plane, unless of course you are sitting in first class sets. Yeah, you
should be alright hopefully you won't have to long to sit uncomfortable.
Good luck with your trip and try to stay comfortable!
— Althea A.
February 21, 2002
When you get to the gate you're flying out of, ask the gate attendant if
they can put you in a bulkhead seat or an exit row. These have more
legroom, which can help. Also, ask if the plane is full. If not ask them
to put you in a seat with no one next to you. That also helps. I went to
Hawaii a year and a half ago and on the way back, they were able to put me
in business plus, or something like that. Another tip which just occurred
to me. Fly first thing in the morning and late at night. These flights
are usually not as full as some of the others.
— garw
February 21, 2002
Hi. Be careful about booking bulkhead or exit row seats... they often have
armrests that don't raise up. That's because they have those little tray
tables that pull up from the armrest and fold out across your lap (yeah,
right... !) Here's a link that has info about the different airlines and
their seat widths: http://www.grandstyle.com/roomycoa.htm
Good luck! JK, RN
— Joya K.
February 22, 2002
You'll fit snugly, yet will most likely need a seatbelt extender on most
airlines. When I was 266 lbs. at 5 ft. 4in I had to use them. I would
usually catch the flight attendant as I was going down the aisle and ask
them to bring me one so I didn't have to annouce it to the whole plane.
Good Luck!
— Molly S.
February 22, 2002
I think I was 250 the last time I flew which was in 1995 and I was very
uncomfortable in the seats. But we all carry weight in different areas...
unfortunately mine was in the butt and thighs which made the airline seats
very uncomfortable. I did'nt know about the seat belt extentions but I did
get it buckled... and tried not to breathe. lol
— Danmark
February 22, 2002
If you are flying on Southwest, I would get to the airport early so I could
be one of the first people on the plane. I would go for an inside or aisle
seat near the back (never the middle seat, even it's belt is smaller!). I
always wear a loose shirt so I can pretend my seatbelt is fastened because
sometimes it won't. I think they have seatbelt extenders but I never asked.
Have Fun!!
— Michelle F.
February 22, 2002
If you are flying on Southwest, I would get to the airport early so I could
be one of the first people on the plane. I would go for an inside or aisle
seat near the back (never the middle seat, even it's belt is smaller!). I
always wear a loose shirt so I can pretend my seatbelt is fastened because
sometimes it won't. I think they have seatbelt extenders but I never asked.
Have Fun!!
— Michelle F.
February 22, 2002
I just flew from PA to CA (and I am still in CA!). I am 5'6 and I weigh
268 pounds. It was a little uncomfortable, but I did manage to fit in the
seatbelt without an extender. Sit in the aisle that way you can hang over
a little. I think you will be fine though. Have fun in Vegas!!!
— emilyfink
February 22, 2002
I am 5'6" 260 lbs. and flew to Florida just fine. I carry weight in
the abdomen area, but sat in the seat snuggly. And yes, do sit in the aisle
or window seat. There's more hangout room. You'll be just fine. 7*7*7
$$$$$$$$$$$$$
— Elizabeth P.
March 1, 2002
346 lbs / 5'4 1/2" tall - flew in December because I absolutely HAD
to. I had a little card filled out that asked the steward/stewardess to
please bring me the seat belt extension after they finished their
demonstration on safety. They are very discreet & polite and are use
to the request. I made sure my skinny daughter was sitting next to me and
things went just fine. You should do exceptional at your weight if I can
do it at mine. No worries.
— [Anonymous]
April 4, 2002
Many flights to Vegas are late night and the planes aren't always full.
I'm closer to your start weight and have flown many places. I've found the
flight attendants to be very helpful and discreet with seatbelt extenders.
Ask for an aisle seat...more comfortable. Southwest is a great airline to
fly especially if you have any difficulties with mobility. My mom is both
overweight and uses a cane. They have always allowed her and my father to
board first. This also allows them the opportunity to choose their seats.
For drinks and meals, I'm unable to put down my tray table so I travel with
a vanity case instead of a purse. After take-off, I put it on my lap and
whatever mealtrays fit nicely on top. On many flights, flight attendants
will keep an eye out for areas with 2 seats together and will ask if you'd
like to move. This has occurred on several occasions without my asking.
It also helps to travel with friends and family who don't mind the armrests
being raised. Have fun and get lucky!!!
— Carol B.
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