Obese and Flying

I'm 6'3 and currently 340. I flew a month ago at about 350 lbs and could get the seat belt on. I was cramped but mainly because of long legs. If your shape is as you describe, you shouldn't need two seats. The "passenger of size" policies relate to the ability to get the arm rest down not to whether or not the buckle needs an extension. If you carry in your stomach it shouldn't affect the ability to lower the armrest since that has more to do with width like carrying in your hips and sides.

That being said, I wouldn't wait for the flight to get motivated. The fact that you are apprehensive about your size and the ability to function in a job task, should be motivation to do something. Flying isn't fun when you are big. Even though I fit in the seat okay (not great but okay), I still hate using the bathroom on a plane. I also hate trying to get on and off a plane carrying things. It's just more awkward than if I lost 50 pounds or even 15 pounds.

I'm 5'4" and weighed in the mid 270s the last time I flew back in the spring. Fit comfortably. No seat belt extender needed. No spilling onto my neighbor.

At my size, one of the things I hate is the uncertainty of eyeballing things and trying to decide whether or not I'll fit. For that reason, I discovered that most airlines have a "fine print" policy stating how they deal with "customers of size" (which is a ridiculous term because everyone has size even if it's a small size). If it makes you more comfortable, you can look up their policy which may include seat dimensions, etc. so that you could make arrangements through the airline ahead of time instead of being embarrassed in front of your coworkers.

Here is Southwest's statement for example: http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/extra-seat/index-pol.html

I am 6'0" 320lbs and I fly regularly. Some airlines it is a tight squeeze, but I do not need the extender. If you do, just ask the flight attendant.

I would check into what type of plane you'll be on. We flew to Jamaica in April and had a connecting flight both going and coming. The plane for the connecting flight was small, 2 seats on each side, all the way down...what I call a semi-puddle jumper. I am 5'6" and was about 153 lbs at the time, and those flights were tight even for me. However, our international flight was on a much larger plane and it was much more comfortable, with 3 fairly large seats on each side. We booked through a travel site, so we had no idea what type of plane we would be on until we got to the airport. I started this journey at 213 lbs, so when we took the trip I was very glad I had lost most of my weight. I hope this helps!!

i think you will be okay! i weighed like 240ish the last time i flew, and i was able to get the seatbelt on pretty easy, and i have a big ol' tummy. i would call ahead and ask, because every plane is different!

I am 5'8. last time I flew I was about 275. You should be ok. I will say request a seatbelt extender as you board the plane. They have a finite number of them, best to make sure you have one.

When I fly with my mother she needs to have one and we just ask so soon as we get on the plane it is a little embarrassing for her but it was overall ok. I sit next to her because I will not complain about her body crowding over. I found that to be the most problematic is when I am not the one sitting next to her, I don't know your body so I don't know if that will be a problem plus my mother is larger than you are. I think it will be fine though. Have a nice trip!

I am 5'8. last time I flew I was about 275. You should be ok. I will say request a seatbelt extender as you board the plane. They have a finite number of them, best to make sure you have one.

I agree with this. go ahead and ask ahead of time, so you don't try to buckle and can't. I wish you well and try not to worry

This can be a touchy subject.

I flight a lot on business. I'm 5'9" and my maximum weight was 274-ish. At that weight, I fit in the sit but pressed against the arm rests when flying the smaller, regional jets and had to pull my arms in front of me in order to not invade the other passenger's space. I was one of the few businessmen who preferred to sit next to children because I didn't might the noise (most were well behaved anyways) and it gave me a little more arm room. Anytime I had to sit next to another large person, it was a very uncomfortable proposition for us both. I've never had to ask for a seat belt extension.

There are a handful of travelers that get very snarky about their personal space. Check out the recent news about diverted flights from reclined seats for some good examples. I've read (but can't confirm) that larger passengers have been asked to change seats or were kicked off a flight due to complaints from their neighbors. Never had that experience personally.

I try my best to get an aisle seat so I can spill out/stretch out a little. Moreover, I tend to get a seat towards the back of the plane. It's a little noisier and you'll be getting off last - but I think it increases the odds of having an open seat next to you.

The worst part of flying while heavy for me was carrying my stuff. Like @CaitlinW19 said, try not to stress. You'll probably be fine. I've seen people much larger than you describe flying in coach without an extra seat.

Last thought... I don't know how far Nashville is from you, but you could always consider driving if it's within 4-5 hours on the road. 4-6 hours driving distance is about a wash time-wise when it comes to flying due to having to check in, fetch luggage from baggage claim, catch a cab, etc.

Sam