Worried Im to big for airline seat? Please help!

[ChantayMarie71 1]

I have not flown since I was like 12 or 13. My family has planned a vacation in mid April and now I have read and seen some things reguarding larger people on planes.

I am 299 lbs and a size 28 the dang southwest seat size is 17inches, and I know my butts bigger than that! I am hoping to find some stories of people who have recently flown are my size and had no problems...I cant afford to buy another seat and I dont wanna be kicked off and have to explain that to my 6yr old!!!

[ChicagoWinter 0]

I find that Southwest's seats/seatbelts to be snugger than other airlines. Although I am embarassed to admit it, I needed to use a seatbelt extender (although barely) the last few times I flew with them (I am a size 22).

I do have one HUGE tip for you, though. Since I am tall, I decided to sit in an Emergency Exit Row the last time I flew (extra leg room). However, when the flight attendant saw that I had a seatbelt extender she announced (loudly) "Ma'am, you cannot sit in an Emergency Exit Row with a seatbelt extender. Please choose a different seat."

I was mortified. I do not blame the airline, though. Rules are rules...I just wish she would have told me quietly instead of shouting the message to half of the plane.

[kagead 0]

I am 230 lbs, size 16/18 in pants. I just flew on Southwest last month and while I fit in the seat, there wasn't much room left over. I am not entirely sure the armrest was sitting flat, but the guy next to me who hogged it the whole time didn't seem to mind.

I didn't need a seatbelt extender, but it was a close call.

kagead

[KAS1971 0]

I had no issues at 290 pounds / size 28 in a normal seat just last month .. however coming home I was in an emergency exit.. their belts are 3-4 inches shorter so they don't hit the floor fully extended and cause a safety hazard .. belt extenders are also not allowed.. so just be sure your not in an emergency exit row..

[Jssc73 1]

I have flown southwest when I was around 280 pounds. The seat was tight and I had to use a seat extender also. I would sit on the aisle seat and put your child in the middle seat. Then lift the arm between the two of you and you should have plenty of room. Your child probably doesn't need the full seat size anyway. That is what I have done before.

[sndycnrd 1]

You will be ok with a 6 ear old in the seat next to you. Just raise the arm between you. If you are flying southwest be sure to check in online 24 hours in advance so you will be in the first group of passengers to board. On second thought, with a six year old you will be able to pre board and will not have any problem getting 2 seats together. Have a great trip.

[Marine mom 3]

i think that a child needs to be 4 or younger to pre board.

There is a risk of problems. Some airlines attendants have stated that you have to be able to fit into your seat, rather than going into the next seat. What can be done is to purchase an extra seat, and if it isnt' needed you can be refunded.

I also wouldn't choose the aisle seat. I'd squish into the window seat as far away from the attendants as possible. Take an extender with you, and don't lift the arm between the seat until after the plane is moving.

Not meaning to scare you.

[carmen74 10]

I'm 5'8" and 289 and a size 26/28, I flew on Southwest not that long ago and definitely needed the extender & to lift the arm rest. The flight out was fine because it was only 1/2 full and the seat next to me was empty. But the return was packed, I was seated next to a guy in a suit, I squeezed in without lifting the arm, but it raised on it's own a little bit due to my chunk underneath it. The guy made a big show of requesting to move to the only other empty seat on the plane. And the flight attendant on that flight made another big show of giving me the extender, the first flight was fine.

I would definitely sit near the window with the child in the seat next to you. There shouldn't be a problem that way.

Google Kevin Smith & Southwest, he got kicked off a flight just a few days ago apparently because of his weight.

Edited February 15, 2010 by carmen74

[Bree99 1]

If you buy and take your own extender with you, remember to take your receipt too so the airline doesn't question who owns the extender.

[marmar 0]

I flew to the bahamas with my children and hubby a year ago and I was 350lbs and 5'10' tall I asked the flight attendent as soon as I went in for a seat belt extender. She gave me one with a smile. I sat in an isle seat with my 5 year old in the middle seat with the arm up the whole time and we where both comfy. Not a problem at all.

[marmar 0]

oops sorry I meant to say I was 450lbs and a size 36 jeans.

[mimi368 0]

Won't it be great when we don't have to worry about things like this anymore??!!

[tarajim 20]

Won't it be great when we don't have to worry about things like this anymore??!!

It sure will be.....

I flew 185,000 miles last year and 225,000 the year before.

Thank goodness that I frequently get sent to the front of the plane with upgrades, but even then, the seatbelt did not fit. Until now.....

I carry my own extender, and the one for Delta, American, and other big carriers is different than the one for Southwest. So I actually have 2.

I do not need them in first class anymore, but last week I had to sit in coach for 4 hours and used it then. Since the surgery, I fit a whole lot better. I look forward to not needing the extender belt in coach soon.

Another thing to notice, is that exit row seats frequently have hard wall arm rests that do not move up. If you need an extender, you cannot sit in an exit row, but even if you do, the seat is pretty uncomfortable if you are wide bottomed.

Rule of thumb, alway pick aisle seats, and check to see if the aisle side armrest will raise up. Most do, but they have a hidden button on the bottom near the hinge. This gives you a little more room without infringing on the middle seat.

BTW, air travel is a pain....

TJ

[btrieger 21]

I only fly once or twice a year and splurge on business class on Air Tran. I have no problem asking for a belt extender, it's not like I can hide the fact that I am rotund.

What kills me is the fact that the tray table won't come down all the way over my fat. So, I can't set my drink down and relax.

PS. I actually enjoy looking at people's faces prior to boarding and trying to figure out which ones are worried that I am seated next to them. :confused:

[bandpal 7]

Won't it be great when we don't have to worry about things like this anymore??!!

Tell you what, it sure is. Not having to use that # % & ! - ing extender anymore is what the joy of flying is all about for me these days. I could just sit there buckling and unbuckling that seatbelt from takeoff to landing - what a rush - ummm, please don't let that get to the TSA, okay?.

Like so many other of our problems (I'd say that one was number 2 on my list, right behind having to use my moveable showerhead for some sanitary purposes that are better left undetailed) they just go away - and good riddance! Give me a little restriction over a lot of extension any day!