Too fat to fly?

Routerninja
Routerninja Posts: 201
in Motivation and Support
Ok, so I have a trip coming up in January to the Bahamas with my fiancee. I have flown once before, and I was a bit larger then, and did not need the seat belt extenders, but this was also 1999. I know airlines have become more stringent on their seating and sizes, so I am worried that I will be forced to purchase an extra seat or not be allowed to fly.. Anyone have any experience with Airtran's 737's with regard to their seats?

I currently have about a 54 inch waist and am 6'8" with very broad shoulders, so regardless of the seat, I know my height will make it worse. Trying to drop as much as possible before the trip so I am being super strict on my eating and gym schedule to try and get below 450 by the time to trip comes around.

At least it's not Southwest Air, and I didn't make Jersey Girl, so I think I won't get kicked off, but I am slightly concerned.

Replies

  • 1longroad
    1longroad Posts: 642 Member
    Many people travel with seat belt extenders all the time!! I do not air travel very often, but I am sure others will be by who do. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have no problems what so ever!!! Congratulations on your engagement and your trip sounds wonderful!!
  • UtahDon
    UtahDon Posts: 7 Member
    I use seatguru.com whenever I fly. I also book my own flights, and look for flights that give me the widest seat possible. Getting on a large jet with an extra inch of seat width makes a lot of difference.

    I do use a seat belt extender, I can buckle most belts uncomfortably (under my gut) but the extender makes it a lot more comfortable. I have stolen, er, failed to return an extender from all the airlines I fly regularly so I never have to ask for one.

    I always go up to the attendants at the gate and ask for a seat with an empty beside it. They look at me and understand, it only works about one time in 10 but its worth asking.

    I also sit at the back of the plane, it's more likely I'll get an empty beside me.

    I'm near your size in height and weight, and never paid for an extra seat. I've had some uncomfortable flights though.
  • huntndox
    huntndox Posts: 33 Member
    I think you are speaking about Southwest due to that terrible TV series they did. However, you can get an extra seat on Southwest for FREE. Go the to website and search out Customers of Size. How it works, is you book two seats, with the second one designated as an extra seat. Then, after your trip you call them and ask for the $$ to be refunded for the extra seat. They do so immediately. You can also not book the extra seat, and go to the desk at the gate, and tell them you need an extra seat. Either way, you get a ticket to put on that extra seat that says it is reserved, and just for your use. Works wonderfully, makes it more comfortable for you and for the person on the other side of that extra seat. I have always felt bad for the person sitting next to me. No more. Now, I am comfortable as are others. :happy:

    I am not sure about the policy for other airlines, but I would check it out, either on the website, or call them and ask.
  • 4Pookiecat
    4Pookiecat Posts: 20 Member
    My husband used to have a 54 inch waist. He has flown lots and never had a problem. just ask for an extender. They are happy to give it to you. I believe the rule is that if you can put the arm rests down, you are fine. Yes, it is crammed but as long as the arm rest is down, you are good to go. Also, when you check in, try to get a seat open next to you. If your future wife sits on one side and you get an aisle or window, on the other you will be fine too. Don't worry. Have a good time.
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,945 Member
    When I check in online, my hubby and I usually book an aisle and window seat near the back. Because the middle seat in a bank of 3 is not popular, more often than not, we have an empty seat between us.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    A trip to the bahamas sounds totally wonderful and IMO worth buying the extra seat in advance just for your comfort as a tall man. That way they don't get to insult or humiliate you and your trip just goes smoothly. You are quite tall and might just ask for the extra ticket on those grounds and then the other part may just be overlooked and a non issue. I know it's expensive but your self esteem, enjoyment of a once in a lifetime vacay, and comfort are worth it. IT's supposed to be fun right? Just factor it in as the cost of being me. I had to learn to think this way when my back was so problematic that I would have to make insance concessions for it just to be able to participate in life AT ALL. Eventually it was fixed but in the meantime I just had to start looking at it as...I'm a little different right now, and I'm gonna take the bull by the horns and make my own way. In a graceful and respectful way but in a way that honors me and my needs nonetheless. People can't put you down unless you let them. Don't let them.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    I think you are speaking about Southwest due to that terrible TV series they did. However, you can get an extra seat on Southwest for FREE. Go the to website and search out Customers of Size. How it works, is you book two seats, with the second one designated as an extra seat. Then, after your trip you call them and ask for the $$ to be refunded for the extra seat. They do so immediately. You can also not book the extra seat, and go to the desk at the gate, and tell them you need an extra seat. Either way, you get a ticket to put on that extra seat that says it is reserved, and just for your use. Works wonderfully, makes it more comfortable for you and for the person on the other side of that extra seat. I have always felt bad for the person sitting next to me. No more. Now, I am comfortable as are others. :happy:

    I am not sure about the policy for other airlines, but I would check it out, either on the website, or call them and ask.

    WOW! I had no idea. THis is so awesome. Thats what makes this site so great.....ppl who would know, do know and can feel free to share and help one another and it's just awesome. I love it. I :heart: this site and it's members like you who feel free open and confident to share your experience. Hope the OP is encouraged and enjoys his special vacay!

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