Flying while Fat – Superfat Tips for International Air Travel
Posted on January 06, 2012 by Stacy Bias | 4,171 views | 42 Comments
Updated 4/29/12 – added experience with United (formerly Continental) Boeing 777-200ER Flat Bed
Useful Statistics:
I can clearly only speak for fatties of my similar shape/size or smaller – so as to aid you in knowing in advance if this blog post has any relevance to your life, here is my general body situation. I am 5’8″ (172.5cm) and weigh around 342lbs (24.4 stone). I’m sort of shaped like an oval. Round shoulders, bigger at the top than the bottom, with narrower hips and legs. My pant size varies between a UK26-28. My shirt size varies between UK28-30. I am not one for form-fitting clothing so, if you are, size that down a notch. Note that UK sizing is slightly inconsistent with US sizing. I’ve heard that US sizes are one size larger but I find the whole thing confusing. I can’t find my tape measure but my last recorded ’roundest bit’ measurement was 63″ – including the largest circumference of my belly and butt. Again, the narrower hips aid me a bit in fitting in to plane seats, though the larger upper body means contorting a bit to avoid constantly being banged on the arm by toilet-bound passengers and drink carts. Also, I am relatively able-bodied which means I’m not able to speak first-hand for those whose mobility may differ.
First, Don’t be Mislead: Flying Sucks:
There’s no way around that fact. It sucks for everyone, not just the fatties. Even First Class flying sucks. It just sucks a little less and you get a little tiny hot towel that no one actually understands. This blog post does not promise to make flying not suck. There are no secrets you don’t know that open magical doorways to private airplane compartments with overstuffed couches and big screen TVs replaying episodes of Roseanne. But I am hoping that sharing my personal experiences and the resultant tips & hints will help give a realistic portrayal of flying that both acknowledges the whole sucking part while still presenting it as possible, tolerable and, I hope, worth it for the ways in which it opens up myriad possibilities for new life experiences.
My Story:
I’m not exactly sure (year-wise) when I stopped flying. I just know that, at some point, the anticipatory anxiety of air travel began to eclipse any/all perceived benefits of pushing through it. Being a quadruple leo does me a lot of good as an activist but, personally, it means I tend to care far too much about what other people think. Getting over that will probably be a lifetime endeavor for me and it certainly played a large role in keeping me grounded. The fear of people staring, saying cruel things, sighing or making a fuss when I sat next to them or, worse, being asked to leave a flight or purchase two seats — all of this felt insurmountable to me. My world became only as large as my free time and car travel allowed.
Then, A few years ago, I decided to try again. I was working hard and had a little extra money — enough to buy a first class, domestic ticket. I flew from Portland, OR to New York for the annual NOLOSE conference. It sucked, but I made it. Encouraged, I tried again the next year, this time with a coach ticket on Jet Blue, which I’d heard good things about from fellow fatties. I lived! Then, two years ago, I fell in love with my best friend who had, of course, up and moved back to London. Imagine my fatty chagrin. International air travel?!? ME?!? But I steeled myself, determined to not let fear dictate the terms of my love-life. Fueled by lust and giddy with romance, I closed my eyes and jumped. I did the fatty unthinkable – I booked a single, standard coach seat on an International flight. It was all I could afford. I decided to just get to the airport and let the cards fall where they may.
Imagine my surprise when I actually fit in the seat. And no one said a thing. Granted, the guy next to me was a bit of a jerk. He actually took up more room than I did in an effort to “put me in my place”. Luckily I was so doe-eyed about my first trip to England and seeing that Girl o’mine that I didn’t have it in me to give a crap. I just rolled my eyes, popped a Tylenol-PM and went to sleep. When I woke up, I was in England! And my whole life changed. I’ve clocked more fatty air miles in the last 2 years than in the rest of my entire life combined. And while it’s never what I’d call enjoyable, it’s possible. Doable. and Tolerable. (for me.)
General Stuff:
Boarding: If you’re at the back of the plane, opt for the pre-boarding. They don’t really argue at the gate and the boarding call is general: “For our passengers with children or those who require extra time boarding the plane.” Opting for early boarding will save you unintentionally hip-checking a hundred people as you pass down the aisle and will also give you time to ask the Stewards for a seatbelt extension without holding up the line. Granted, asking at the onset may mean they forget with all the hustle. If that happens, don’t fret. Just catch their eye and raise a finger and they’ll likely remember.
Pre-boarding will also allow you to raise the armrest next to you before your fellow passengers arrive. Most folks will be too polite to ask you to put it down and that might afford you another inch or so of hip room.
If you’re toward the front of the plane and in an aisle seat, consider boarding later. This will mean you’re not tucking in your arms while others are lumbering through with their luggage.
Check at the Gate:
You never know who has cancelled last-minute or if people have shifted around on the plane. Explain your situation and ask if there are any seats available next to an empty seat. If they can accommodate you, they will. And if you somehow end up in a middle seat, ask them to check with any passenger traveling alone in an aisle or window seat to see if they will change places with you. It’s a long-shot, but it never hurts to ask. While you’re at it, ask if there are any empty seats in business or first class. The worst you’ll hear is no.
If you do end up with a middle seat and no alternatives, wait until you are on the plane and ask the passenger next to you to switch. Explain that everyone will be happier if you can lean into the aisle or against the window. Most folks will be too polite to say no.
Windows Vs. Aisles
There’s good and bad to both and what you choose is really up to your personal preference. Window seats are great if you’ve got a camel bladder like I do. I can hold it with the best of ‘em. The only risk to window seats is that, depending on the placement of the window, you may have more or less shoulder room. This is just a 50/50 risk, plain n’ simple. The curve of a well-placed window is great for leaning, but the hard wall between the curves can make for awkward sleeping. Still, it’s nice to not have to jump up every time someone has to use the bathroom. I got stuck on a plane once with an increasingly manic rugby coach who kept jumping up to snort cocaine in the bathroom. I finally just made him switch seats with me and we were both much happier.
Aisle seats are great for folks who want the option to lean into the aisle. It does make for some arm-bumping if you’re bigger in the upper body like me, but it’s a reasonable trade-off if you don’t mind interrupted snoozing.
Airplane Bathrooms:
Totally not fun. I’m bendy, thankfully, so I can manage with some acrobatic maneuvering but I avoid drinking water for a couple of hours before any flight and I only drink soda while traveling. Not the healthiest option for hydration’s sake so be careful of you are prone to dehydration and be sure to drink a LOT of water after any flight. Some International flights have accessible bathrooms which tend to be marginally larger. Ask the stewards as you are boarding if there are any on the plane. Best advice: PEE BEFORE YOU GET ON THE PLANE.
Fly with a Lover or Friend:
If you can wrangle it, traveling with a lover or a friend is SO MUCH NICER. My partner happens to be smaller than I am and that has some benefits when traveling. She also likes it when I squish up next to her and that’s awful nice, too. Traveling with other rad fatties is nice as well. You don’t have to argue about the armrest going up. It’s just a given! The distraction and comfort of traveling with someone you like is really wonderful and a huge stress-reliever.
Move Around:
Feel free to stand up when the fasten seatbelt signs are off. There’s generally a bit of standing room at the back and/or front of the plane near the restrooms, especially on International flights. Being wedged into an airplane seat sucks and it’s terrible for your circulation. Standing for even just a few minutes at a time, even just stretching in the aisle next to your seat, offers some welcome relief and helps thwart the potential for flight-induced thrombosis. If standing isn’t an option, be sure you stretch your legs out where possible.
Let’s start small — Puddle Jumpers:
In 2006 a fellow fatty and I hopped a plane from Portland to Vegas. It was one of those tiny little propeller planes with two seats to either side of the aisle. Whooboy, that sucked. We liked each other a whole lot and that, combined with the merciful brevity of the flight, was really the only saving grace. We basically just wedged together, took turns being each other’s armrests, and cracked sardine jokes for the duration. But we got there. And that’s the important thing.
Tips & Hints for Small Planes
I avoid these like hipsters avoid self-actualization. If I can drive, take a train, bus or ferry, I will opt for that instead. If I can fly with a smaller friend, I will. But pretty much it’s an emphatic NO wherever possible. If you find yourself with no other options, buy two seats if you’re my size or larger.
Also, bear in mind that, for even smaller planes such as those which fly folks across to the Aran Islands from the Irish mainland, you may be required to physically step on a scale in order to aid in load balancing. For the most part, they weigh everyone. They also weigh luggage/cargo. Do not take this personally. You’re just part of the equation. You weigh what you weigh and there’s no right or wrong to it.
Domestic Coach:
Yep. Still sucks. I’ve flown to NYC and back at least twice a year for the last several and I have to profess my undying adoration of Jet Blue. If they fly the route you’re booking, USE THEM. I have to admit that I’ve not flown domestic coach by myself on any airline other than Jet Blue in the last several years, so this post will be a little biased, as it were. That said, my anxiety about domestic air travel (at least on Jet Blue) has dropped to about a 3 on the 1-10 scale. And it *was* a 10. So that’s saying something.
I have recently flown United from Houston (IAH) to Portland (PDX) and back on United. The plane was United Airlines Boeing 737-900 (739) (Originally Continental). It was not the most comfortable nor the least comfortable flight I’ve been on. I did fit. The armrests did go down. The tray tables did not work for me. One one leg of this trip, the seatbelts actually worked for me without an extender, but I was a bit overstimulated-slash-exhausted on this journey so I’m afraid I can’t remember whether it was the International or the Domestic flight. If I fly this route again, I’ll update with the information. I tried to gauge my comfort level on this flight to see if I would be fine with doing it alone and my leaning would still be to go with Jet Blue if possible, but United would be my second choice. Scroll down for the International leg of this journey.
Tips & Hints:
If you can afford it, and if the airline you’re traveling with offers it, bump up to the Extra Leg Room option. Last check, it was between $30 and $60/leg. The benefits of this are both a relief from the claustrophobia of having your face 2 inches from the seat in front of you and the fact that it offers a much higher likelihood of the tray table coming all the way down. It’s little things like that that make all the difference in a flight.
My best friend for air travel in general is SeatGuru.Com. If you can’t take Jet Blue, you can use this to research the dimensions of the plane you’ll be flying on and choose a seat that might be better for you than others. They have a constantly updated listing of all models of airplane flown by most airlines. If you’re not sure what airplane model you’ll be taking, you can always call the airline to ask.
Sometimes you can bump up to Extra Leg Room as you’re checking in for a flight at a discounted rate. Don’t wait if you can afford to book it up front, but it never hurts to ask.
Domestic First Class
If you’re lucky enough to be able to afford this, do it. I’ve only managed it once, but it was the most relaxed flight of my life. It’s not entirely without its drawbacks but the extra room (especially upper body room) is wonderful.
Tips & Hints:
The first downside of domestic first class is the immovable armrests. They are wider than those in coach because they contain the tray tables and also serve as a drink holder between seats. They don’t lift up and that can cut into the available inches in the seat. Also, because the tray tables are in the armrests themselves rather than on the backs of the seats in front of you, it’s iffy as to whether or not they will extend enough to be usable. Check SeatGuru thoroughly to be sure you’ll have enough butt room.
The other downside to first class is the level of entitlement held by your fellow passengers. These folks are the most likely to be huffy, largely owing to the ridiculous amount of money they paid for their tickets and the resulting smugness. (Or, more likely, the smugness was what caused them to fork out the dough for the nicer seat in the first place.) Don’t take it personally. You paid the same amount to be there and, even if you didn’t, they aren’t entitled to any more pleasant a flight than anyone else on that plane. Take up the space you paid for and drink in their huffiness like the sweet nectar of long-overdue justice.
International Coach:
I’ve only flown International coach alone twice. I won’t lie. It sucked. The first time more than the last. I referenced the jerk I sat next to earlier in the article so I won’t waste time with him again. The second flight was better. I sat next to a nice woman. She let me raise the armrest and I popped another Tylenol PM and zonked out for the majority of the trip. I flew Virgin Atlantic at the suggestion of fellow fat travelers and was pleased for the most part. In coach, the tray tables on some planes come folded in half. This meant that, while I couldn’t extend it entirely, I did have half of a tray table to work with which allowed me to precariously balance my dinner tray and to have a drink without being forced to hold it.
Tips & Hints:
As referenced earlier, try to board early and lift up the armrest. Because I was flying to an english-speaking country, I didn’t have a language barrier to contend with. This may prove more complex for those traveling to places with different languages or customs regarding personal space. Perhaps others will share related experiences in the comments?
On Virgin Atlantic flights, the controller for the TV screen is inside the arm rest, resting against your outer thigh. This is annoying. I generally remove the controller and balance it across my lap for the duration to avoid having to shift in my seat. The plug-in for headphones is also on the inside of the arm rest, which is equally annoying as it pokes into your leg. Seek out headphones with the flattest possible plug and bring your own. The ones provided by the airlines are pointy and inflexible.
Virgin Atlantic also offers an Extra Leg Room option, but you cannot book it online. You have to book it at the time of check-in. I cannot recommend this enough if you can splurge for it. It’s generally around £50/leg. I actually like the economy with Extra Leg Room better than Premium Economy (which is the equivalent of domestic Business Class.) It’s the most like the Jet Blue experience I’ve found. You don’t have the extra upper body room but the thinner and movable arm rests mean more butt room and the extra space means you can use your tray table. Get to the airport EARLY to book this.
My most recent trip (April of 2012) was from London to Portland and I traveled with my Partner on United Airlines (formerly Continental.) The first leg was from London (LHR) to Houston (IAH). The plane we traveled on Internationally was the Boeing 777-200ER Flat Bed and I have to say that I was pretty surprised by how comfortable it was. There was quite a lot of legroom, on par or just below par with the Extra Leg Room seats on Jet Blue domestic. Not only this, but the tray table had a bit of curvature to it (belly-shaped indent at the front of the tray) which actually allowed the full tray to come down. The armrests did come down fine for me, though thankfully I was traveling with my partner and didn’t require them. I had the window seat on this journey and may choose the aisle instead since it’s a 3-person row rather than two and so I stayed in my seat more than I might have were someone not required to move for me every time I wanted to stand. The bathrooms were standard for International flights, a bit larger than on the domestic but still requiring some acrobatics. Scroll up for my experience of the domestic leg on United.
Domestic Premium Economy
This represents the bulk of my International flying experience. I flew enough to have a lot of extra miles which made upgrading much more feasible for me. The benefits of Premium Economy are a slightly more attentive staff, a higher likelihood of an empty seat next to you (because of the higher price), and more upper body room.
Tips & Hints:
Like domestic First Class, the armrests are immovable. This was deeply frustrating when I happened to have an entire row to myself but couldn’t raise the armrests to enjoy it. There’s slightly more hip room but it’s not quite enough to justify the cost. I will opt for it (if I can afford it) over coach if there is nothing available in Extra Leg Room – but it’s not my favorite. Because the tray tables are in the armrests, they’re not ideal. They work for me, but just barely.
Again, talk to the folks at the gate, or even the stewards once you’re on the plane, if you find yourself situated uncomfortably. I’ve found the staff of Virgin Atlantic to be helpful. They’ve never actually bumped me up to first class but they did once shift me to a two-seat row with no one next to me–and that was heaven (comparatively).
International First Class
HA! I wish.
Inter-European Coach
Much like domestic Coach. Sardined into a plane. I’ve only flown this with a partner but the same rules apply here as those for domestic coach. There are a lot of ‘economy’ airlines like EasyJet and RyanAir. These airlines will nickel and dime you to death and I’ve heard rumblings of similar treatment of fatties as the infamous Southwest Airlines. I haven’t had any personal experience with them yet but will report in should I chance it. I flew British Airways with my partner and it was quite comfortable. Again, a short-haul and no usable tray table – but doable!
TRAIN TRAVEL: EuroRail
Love it. Even coach is fantastically roomy (comparatively) and the bathrooms are really reasonable. I’ve heard wonderful things about First Class but haven’t seen it yet. Definitely a wonderful way to travel if you have the time.
So that’s that. I feel certain I’ve left out a hundred little details and I am completely willing to answer any questions I can. Just leave them in the comments. Please also feel free to share your own experiences with airlines not listed here or simply regarding travel in general.
So listen — I know airline travel is hard. But I want to encourage those of you whose lived experience is similar enough to mine for this to resonate to consider taking the risk. In the last 2 years I have been to San Francisco/Oakland, New York (several times), Italy (Rome, Naples, Florence and Pisa), England (London, Brighton, Avebury, etc,), Ireland and Belgium. I have clattered down railways in the shadow of Vesuvius on the way to explore Pompeii. I have eaten Gelato beneath the Leaning Tower of Pisa with live opera streaming through the night air. I have climbed to the top of the Tower of London and seen the final resting place of Anne Boleyn. I have watched a beautiful light show projected on the glorious buildings of the Grand Platz in Brussels, Belgium. I’ve hiked the hill to the Long Barrow and rested my head against the ancient stones of the Avebury Henge. I have, weary and sunburned, taken in the landscape from the top of the Roman Colosseum. I even flipped the bird at the Vatican! Last, but not least, I up and moved to London, England.
AND – I did all of this at 375lbs. I’m a little smaller now than I was when I started (not intentional, just happened) but I still clock in 300+. I never thought travel like this was an option for me. Turns out I was wrong.
I realize that travel is expensive and that not everyone has the option to do this. I totally don’t want to come off as all bootstrappy. I chose this a priority for myself and it required a ridiculous and completely unsustainable amount of working to pull it off – often at the expense of maintaining friendships and having a more generally well-rounded life. I realize it may not be as enticing or accessible for everyone. Still – there may be a happy middle ground. A series of small adventures, or one really big one. And I want to remind you that, wherever you go, however often, however far from home –You are fierce and deserving. You are strong and worthy. And what other people think doesn’t matter. What matters is your life and what you want to do with it. Put on your blinders, drug yourself with Tylenol-PM if you have to, save up and buy two seats if it makes you more comfortable, and to hell with anyone who has an opinion about any of it. If you want to — Go. Do. Be in the world. And then come tell me all about it!
42 Responses to Flying while Fat – Superfat Tips for International Air Travel
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Thanks for this. I have pretty much stopped flying in the last couple of years, and have been trying to work up the courage for air travel again,
I don’t really have the money to travel right now, but I’d like to believe that when I do have the money, I’ll be able to. I’ve felt so trapped by what people might think/say about me both on the plane and in places I’ve never been…I feel stupid and weak for letting that affect me, but it does. This helps, though, so thanks again.
Elizabeth – Please don’t feel badly about travel anxiety. It’s a perfectly natural response to a really uncomfortable situation. Even armed with all this information and travel experience, I still spend a lot of time fretting before flights. That probably won’t ever completely go away. The difference is my motivation to push through and do it anyway and that takes time and the right impetus. I hope you’re able to try traveling soon!
A tip for flying the tiny puddle jumper planes: If you’re in a window seat, feel under the armrest against the side of the plane for a small square button near the back of the armrest. That will allow you to lift it and gain at least three or four inches of extra space. Ahhhhh….
Ooh, good information O.C.! I wasn’t aware of that!
Thank you for writing this!
I will be hopping on an international flight soon & need all the confidence I can gather after a bad experience last time. I booked United’s Economy Plus, which I did on the return flight last time. No, I cannot afford to pay a lot for a plane ticket, but the tiny bit of extra room was a lifesaver last time, therefore a priority for me this time. I highly recommend to any fatties that need extra space. It’s about $80 each flight.
I like how you emphasize that yes, flying while fat can be uncomfortable & emotionally painful, but it isn’t worth avoiding it & missing out on all the great experiences that travel brings.
Hi Amber! I had a really good experience on United Economy Plus that I forgot to include in this blog post. (It was the flight I took from Portland to London when I moved so I was distracted by freaking out about leaving home.) It is expensive, for sure. I hate that being comfortable requires tacking on such high fees but am grateful that it exists. Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Stacy this is SUCH a great post. It’s one of the most thorough posts I’ve seen on fat travel ever.
I travel all the time for work (sometimes in teeny planes which are the absolute worst) and fun and it has just been on my last few flights that I’ve had issues like will the seat belt fit? I don’t and won’t let it stop me from travel (hell I have to for work) but as I get fatter I am starting to think more and more about plane seats in a way than I never have before. Thank you for it.
Hi Bloomie! I’m glad you’re not letting it stop you and I bet you have some great tips to share yourself being such a frequent traveler! I’m sorry to hear that it’s becoming harder for you. I thoroughly commiserate. I’m looking at that 5,000 mile, 24 hour travel day at least twice a year to visit friends and family, in addition to hopefully LOTS of inter-european travel to see all the places that are so accessible from London. Air travel doesn’t look to be something that will lessen in its frequency for me – so, gritting my teeth and bearing it. Good to have folks to talk about it with!
All very good info. As a regular traveler who has frequently flown the Delta “sardine can routes” I can definitely empathize. It does very much depend on body size not just weight and height though. While over 300lbs and wearing a 30/32, I have very narrow hips and haven’t had trouble fitting into even narrow seats with a seat belt extender for my very big tummy. I do definitely prefer train and even bus seats over airline seats however. Amtrak Cascades economy seats feels truly luxurious compared to air travel.
Hi Angela! Yep – I prefer train travel where possible as well, but it is a huge trade-off on time and isn’t an option for a lot of people who only have short bits of time off and/or who are going places trains don’t go. Wouldn’t it be nice if air travel was that comfortable? *sigh*
I fly semi-regularly and so I purchased my own seat belt extended via Ebay. Very handy purchase!
One thing I hate is that you must have arm rests down when taking off and landing. And also that the fold down tables never lay flat (or anything near flat) because of my belly.
ahh, serendipity! This post came to me just at the right time. I haven’t flown in about 2 years because I’ve put on about 40+ pounds and knew that I barely fit when I was smaller. I’m majorly a pear shape, with wide hips and butt, so I worry about air travel and have typically avoided it. But I just found out a couple weeks ago that I was accepted to present at a fat studies conference in Boston. It felt so wrong to let my fat body and the fear of air travel prevent me from going to the conference. My father is nice enough that he is letting me use his air miles to upgrade to first class, so I will hopefully have an extra bit of room, but the anxiety is still there. I’ll definitely be coming back to this post for some reassurance before I actually go. Thanks for this guide! I didn’t know about the first class armrest situation, so the heads up will alleviate my panic!
I fly a lot domestic for my job and just wanted to add my two cents that Alaska Airlines is really great about seating arrangements and upgrades for me. I flew from Portland, OR to Los Angeles, CA weekly for five months straight and got to know the ticket agents and stewards on the regular flights, and I was always accommodated kindly and was even upgraded to First Class a couple of times for being adorable. My best friend lives in Oakland so I’ve been on quite a few of their puddle jumpers, and the stewards always make sure if there is an empty seat, it’s next to me. I also have been on Greyhound quite a bit lately and their seats are wonderful. All armrests go down and the seats recline nicely, and there is usually a couple strips of elastic on the seat in front of you to put a bottled drink. Greyhound bathrooms are much more roomy than airlines, but not as clean. I would recommend holding it until the next stop. Who knew there was a bathroom dirtier than an eastern Oregon truck stop?
Thanks for that info! I’m going to update the blog post with stuff that folks have added on facebook and in comments, so I’ll include this in there. :)
I’ve never had to have the armrests down for take-off or landing, and I’ve flown quite a bit. That’s interesting. Tray-tables, yes, of course, but not the armrests.
I bought my own seatbelt extender long ago from amplestuff.com and it was a great investment. It’s fascinating how I need it on some planes and totally do not need it on others. Same trip, same body, but totally different seatbelt sizes in the plane.
Well rounded mama. Maybe it is an Australian thing (about the arm rests) but I flew at the start of December and they definitely made me put the arm rests down.
I hate travelling soo soo much…I have avoided it also for ‘fear’ of squashing another passenger….I will travel if im with someone….and it really annoys me that I get so distressed that I would rather not travel on a plane, which means that I miss out on seeing all those amazing sights and experiences like the ones you’ve experienced…….but I am someone who pushes through fear barriers and I really really want to go to London this year…..the one thing I am super worried about is the bathroom situation……It is a 24 hour flight from NZ to London and even though I am also a camel…im pretty sure i will need to go to the bathroom….I have never in my life stepped foot into one, so that is something that really frightens me….what if i cant fit…..so I will continue to push through my fear barriers and hopefully will be on a plane in the not too distant future! Thanks for your post, I totally related to it soo much….
Melissa – If you want to email me directly we can swap measurements (It might take me a minute to figure mine out ‘cuz I have no idea where my tape measure is and the one I have here is METRIC!) but I can tell you that I’ve never not fit in an airplane bathroom. It’s not awesome and, for the sake of full disclosure, I have to do a little bit of fat acrobatics to wipe. (Put one foot on the toilet – it works.) It’s annoying and inconvenient but possibly doable. I’m happy to help you alleviate some concern in advance if possible. And if coming to London works out for you this year (or any other) let me know and I’ll buy you a post-emotional-hurdle cocktail! xx – Stacy
WICKED! I would adore a post hurdle cocktail! lol…..I will PM you on FB my email addy and will post measurements….Metricis all good, thats what we use here in NZ…im about a size 24, which is kind of meaningless because all brands, and countries are different…..but thanks for your help, it would be great to meet you if I get to come over…. :))
At a size 24, you should be fine – especially on international flights. They tend to have accessible bathrooms and if it’s truly an issue, you can use the First Class bathrooms which are larger. :) Don’t fret! You’ll be fine!
I’ve had to travel for work, and was one time confronted *on the plane* by airline personnel telling me I had to buy 2 seats for that flight even though I hadn’t for the flight 3 days prior. Once I was on a 2 hour layover, eating lunch at the gate when another airline staffer thought it important enough to interrupt my lunch to tell me I would need to buy 2 seats.
I’ve developed terrible anxiety about air travel, and combined with gender identity issues (being wrong bathroomed in 2 different airports in Texas, over 2 different trips), air travel is horrific for me.
Thanks for these tips, and sharing your experiences.
Ugh, Seighin. I’m so sorry that you’ve had to deal with that. Stories like yours simultaneously make me see little white dots of rage, fill my heart with grief and also shove my virtual fist into the air with a resounding HELL YEAH for all the strength that is inherent in walking through the world the way so many of us do. I can definitely only speak for my experience as a person whose gender presentation happens to fall fairly (outwardly) in conformity with those (again, subjective and arbitrary) socially-accepted norms. Over the last few days I’ve heard terrible stories from several different folks (most notably a friend who was racially profiled and had someone say to her that they were “concerned that she had a bomb on her person” as well as having to deal with every single item she had with her being swabbed before she was allowed on the plane) and I’m even more convinced that air travel is absolutely a focal point for all kinds of ridiculous discrimination. I would love to see someone put together a more comprehensive resource — something that collects voices from everywhere and offers myriad tips and hints to sidestep and/or simply prepare oneself for all kinds of oppressive forces that present themselves in travel (and/or life in general!) Mayhaps one day!
I just read this part of the blog. Stacy…you are the best! I love love LOVE all of this info :-) I am so happy I found your site. I am 318 pounds and I need every bit of this information. You have just made me feel completely confident and happy about my trip now knowing the ins and outs. I cant thank you enough, bless you!
xoxo Robin
I’m so glad to hear it, Robin! Hope you’re headed somewhere exciting!! And I hope that you have wonderful, safe and hassle-free travels!
I travel a lot within North American weighing in well over 400 lbs! It is is hard and I am so happy to read about the challenges and determinations of others. (And how often does a random link you’ve clicked on the internet make you feel that way?!) I’ve had an upgrade to first class once or twice but mostly I stick it out in coach. Once, a huffy businessman refused to sit next to me for a 50 minute flight. What an entitled piece of garbage. Did you know that in Canada fat people can have a free second seat — but only if they go through a ridiculous and excessive medical and administrative process every two years. Part of it involves sitting on a big piece of paper and having a doctor trace your butt with a pencil. This tracing is then sent to the airline companies for analysis. Anyways, enough of that. Way to go people!
Oooh, also, a tip: next time you fly, just keep the seat extender. I’ve had the same one for years and have never had to deal with asking/waiting/not receiving again.
That’s good to know re: the Canadian free second seat rule! Sounds like an annoying process but also really helpful for those who couldn’t afford to purchase a seat if needed! Thanks, DadaCass!
How very timely. I’m planning a trip from San Francisco to Bangkok – wondering if anyone has fatty tips for trans-Pacific routes? Airlines to favor/avoid?
Can I add a bit of a tip – don’t ever go for the emergency exit rows… the lure of more leg room often comes at a cost of less hip room b/c the seats are rigid on the sides…. I was ‘upgraded’ to one of these seats coming to Canada from Amsterdam and I had bruises on my hips for days after. NOT FUN. Problem is that I was set-up with a proper seat, but they moved me without asking. That whole scene at the Amsterdamn airport was a nightmare — but my tip is to stick to your guns.
I’ve travelled all over – North America to Fiji to NZ to Oz, to LA and back to Canada; Canada to NYC lots of times, also over to Germany and the UK. My tip is to arrive as early as possible and check-in IN PERSON – don’t check-in online if you can. Often (with decent airlines) I’m pretty sure they have a wide-load code that they can enter… because any time I’ve done this, I’m invariably the one person with an empty seat beside them if there is one to be had – unless of course the plane is totally sold out.
Also – kindess goes a long long way — flight from Sydney to LA, 17 hrs – I was given a seat bank where there were only 2 seats instead of 3 — so made for AWESOME leg room. Had a great neighbour, we drank wine out of trashy plastic cups and watched the Vicar of Dilbey.
And I’d love for folks to keep track of how and when they are asked to purchase extra seats – humiliation is NOT cool and you can sue if they caused distress. It IS worth it, because everyone deserves respect….. my response usually to those who are entitled is just to say “Oh my apologies — (dripping in syrupy sweetness) I didn’t know this was your private jet”. I’ve had to say similar on buses too — reminding folks that – you know what – if you are on public transport, you don’t have a say or a choice. Suck it up – it isn’t pleasant for anyone.
Thanks for these amazing tips, Liz!
Thank you so much for these tips. I’m 350lbs and haven’t flown since I was about 100lbs lighter. But I recently was offered a job halfway across the US from my home in Pennsylvania. I’ll be flying to look at apartments in a few months and was absolutely sure that I would just never fit. You’ve given me some hope and some much needed piece of mind. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Congratulations on your new job!! I’m so glad this helped ease your mind!
This article is awesome. I’m backpacking in Spain for a few weeks in March. I’ve been scouring the internet for tips.
Anything you can tell me would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Hey Lisa! Sorry I missed this comment. Perhaps you’re on your trip already! I’m afraid I don’t have any experience with backpacking myself. All I can tell you is TAKE GOOD SHOES! ;) Screw fashion. Be comfortable!
So do u think ill be ok? Going to vegas in a week..gulp im 5′ 9″ and come in at 334 lbs and am 20 weeks pregnant. Freaking out do u think ill be ok?!?!
Hey Abby! I’d love to offer you concrete assurances, but the best I can do is tell you what my body shape is and what my experience was like as I did in the article above. Take a deep breath and remember that, the worst-case scenario is that you don’t fit. If that happens, you can talk to them about buying a second seat or you can see if they can position you in a different row with an empty seat between you and another passenger. It can be an intense feeling of dread to think about having those conversations, especially if money is a huge issue and a second seat isn’t feasible. That said, life is so short. Don’t let the possibility of one awkward moment with people you’ll likely never see again stop you from having the adventures you deserve. I tell myself that all the time and it helps me take risks — and when I do, they’re always worth it! Have a great trip!
Well, I’m flying with my hubby who is a lot smaller than i am. He’s about 5 5 we make a rather odd looking couple but we work! He’s flown before and is sure that I’ll fit ok, plus we talked to the travel agent and told her my worries and she booked us on the side of the airplane that only has the two seats. I told him I’m pregnant with your child, we can rub thighs together for awhile. My plan is to show up a bit early and look nice, not like I just crawled out of the grave, be extra pleasant, and hopefully flight staff will be in a good mood. It’s just super scary because of the whole Kevin Smith thing! But that being said, I’ll be damned if I live my whole life in a bubble cause I’m too scared to go do anything!
Thanks for everything =)
I will be traveling by airplane in July for the first time in over 20 years and I am 330 pounds. Upon hearing of my trip, my cousin screamed at me “If you don’t buy two seats, they are going to bump you!”. I called my travel agent;I’m probably going to wind up buying another seat. Thank you for sharing that your size didn’t stop you from traveling and for sharing your hints-they are awesome! When I return, I’ll let you know how the flight and the Doobie Brothers/Chicago concert was! Thanks again.
Hey Mary! I’m so glad you’re giving yourself this gift of travel! Congratulations! I know it’s intense. And if buying an extra seat gives you the confidence you need to travel, I fully support it. It also gives you a chance to sit in one seat and pretend like someone is next to you so you can figure out for yourself if a single seat might work for you next time. And even if it doesn’t, whatever — You’re traveling! That’s exciting! Do let me know how it goes! xx
Thank you so much for sharing! I am taking a flight from Texas to NZ to visit what could possibly be the love of my life. ;) I am 5’7″ and 285lbs, size 22 and I have been LOSING MY MIND worrying about whether or not I will fit. I am steadily working to lose weight, but I doubt I will be a size 8 in 3 months so.. anxiety. I absolutely cannot afford a 2nd seat. So, fingers crossed! Your blog did definitely ease my mind. I am just going to take the leap and see what happens!
P.S. I am looking at flying with Virgin America, but I have seen some flights with JetBlue as well for a little more.
Nevermind! I got JetBlue confused with Jetstar which I have heard terrible things about. Oh well!
Taylor – What an exciting adventure you’re about to embark upon! Given your statistics, I think it’s safe to assume that you’ll *fit*. (don’t confuse fit with comfort, however. And remember that NO ONE is comfortable on airplanes!) You made a good choice with Virgin, I think. Remember to check http://seatguru.com if you have any concerns about where you’re sitting. If you don’t know the model of the plane, you can always call the airline to get that information. Let me know how it goes? Have fun! And good luck in love!
Hello there! I’m really happy I googled and found this website, helps me out a lot. To begin with, I have never flown and will be for the first time this summer (Early July) to Finland. I’ve been researching the best companies that are the most fat-friendly, and several times on websites I’ve run into some really really nasty folks proclaiming that none should be, that I should be required to pay for an extra ticket, and so on. So, it’s nice to see a positive website about such with tips and so on. I am petrified not only of the flying itself, but also of any potential treatment I may receive, and most of all..if they’ll require me to buy a 2nd ticket. I wouldn’t be able to go on my trip if that were the case (seeing as how the tickets are roughly $1K or more.) Again, thank you for putting this up, will definitely look into JetBlue and see if I can work out something with them.