Question:
Am I too big?

Okay I wasn't worried about this until I just read someone else who is A LOT smaller than I am asking about fitting in an airplane seat. I am flying from Philly to NC on Wed and then back the following Monday. I am 5'6 and 346lbs. I also have big hips. What do I do??    — Rebekah A. (posted on November 24, 2002)


November 24, 2002
I started out at 5 feet 8 inches, and 362LBS. I am one pear shaped girl! Anyway, I could ride in the seat, but my husband always sat next to me with the arm rest in the upright position. Also, I could buckle the seatbelt, but the last time I traveled (before WLS) I just gave up and asked for an extender. This just made things easier. I ask the flight attendant to hand it to me discreetly, and she did. I hope this helps. :0)
   — sheron H.

November 24, 2002
I can't say whether you will be too big to fit into the seat but I know you will be uncomfortable especially if the flight is crowded. The last time I road in an airplane I was about 250 and 5'3" and I felt pretty tight. There was an article I either read somewhere or saw on some news show that an airline made an overweight lady purchase 2 seats. That would be very embarrassing. I think the lady was sueing the airline for descrimination. Another idea is to see if you can upgrade to first class. Good Luck
   — Angela A.

November 24, 2002
Its been a while since I rode an airplane but I did take a bus from Jacksonville, Fl to Atlanta. I was 5'2" and about 290. I sat next to a boy about 13 and he was spread out pretty good. I am sure he hated to see me sit down next to him but it was the only seat available. I rode for 8 hrs with half my butt cheek hanging in the isle trying to keep form crowding him.
   — Tawnda C.

November 24, 2002
I am 364 or was and I travel for my company all the time. What do you mean by what do you have to do. The only thing you will need is a seat belt extention. Just ask the hostess when you get on. I know some airlines try and charge you for two seats but this has never happend to me.
   — Tracey H.

November 24, 2002
When I flew at 5'8" 300 pounds, it was...okay. Last fall, I flew at 385 pounds (still 5'8", obviously) and I WAS too big. It was shocking. I'd gained 85 pounds in less than 2 years and hadn't flown in that time, so I didn't even think about it. The only thing that "saved" me was it was less than 2 weeks after the 9/11 attacks, and all planes were still less than half full, so I never had to sit next to anyone. If i had, it would have been full thigh, full waist, full everything contact. Gosh, you are flying at the busiest time of the year on the busiest days, too. Well, I would pray, and smile alot. It will probably work out, unless you are next to another MO person. In that case, I would look for someone thin and amiable and I would ask if he/she would consider switching seats with me.(I would actually do that, though I'm sure many people would feel too shy.) Have you flown at this weight before? You said, "I wasn't worried..." so maybe you have, and everything went OK. If it was me, and this wasn't Grandma's (possibly) last Thanksgiving, or baby Tiffany's first Thanksgiving, etc., I wouldn't go on Wednesday. It is the biggest flying day of the year, and that plane will be packed, with every seat taken, including the middle. If you flew on Thanksgiving day, you might be late for supper, or miss it all together, but you would have some space, and still get the weekend with your family/friends. Best of luck - Kim
   — Kim A.

November 24, 2002
I am the original poster of this question and wanted to thank everyone for their responses. I called US AIR and they said that they will do everything possible to make my flight an enjoyable one. The flight itself is only an hour so it shouldn't be too bad. Also I am flying with my aunt and uncle and we are getting to the airport extra early to see if we can get seats together. When I talked to US AIR today they still had 25 seats available so it looks good. Also if needs be I can upgrade to first class if it is available. We will find out on Wednesday. Thanks again for everyone's comments. I appreciate all the help. I am no longer worried. Hugs and God bless!
   — Rebekah A.

November 24, 2002
Honestly, you will be cramped. But if you get to sit next to a relative - you can put the arm rest up - you will feel better. If the flight has extra seats - you are in luck!
   — Marianne K.

November 26, 2002
A couple of years ago I was 375+++ and I'm 5'6. It was a tight fit. I am really hippy to say the least. I was fortunate enough to be the first one in the seat and I raised all the armrests. I had 2 little skinny people next to me one put the armrest back down the other didn't. If both did I probably would have asked to move. I'm not one to be uncomfortable. But don't worry it'll all work out. I can't wait until I can just go places without worrying if my behind will fit into the chairs:)! It will be a happy day.
   — Kimmie C.

November 26, 2002
well, two weeks ago I flew Delta. I found it to be a tight fit. I had nightmares about the same thing. Except I was traveling for business with my boss. I was praying on my hands and knees that I wouldn't be pulled out of line or asked to pay a double seat charge, because my boss was paying, how embarassing that would be. She sat next to me too. I managed to fit but, was trying to hide my seatbelt, because I didn't want to be embarased to ask for an extension. However before take off the stuartess handed me an extender and I almost died. My boss saw her give me that and she just looked. The more reasons why I can not wait till I have this surgery. After the flight landed I went to the bathroom and cried my eye balls out. I should not feel sad or depressed I did this to myself.....When It's my turn for surgery I'm going to lose this weight and nothing is going to stop me, watch out here I come.(some day, they moved my consultation appointment up to two months and two weeks from today. boohoo You will fit, but uncomfortably. Hopefully you'll know the person that's sitting with you or you will, by the end of the flight. God Speed
   — Jay F.




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