Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I have never been on a plane before and it just occured to me that I might have to buy more than one seat. I'm 5'6" and 265. I fit into all other seats just fine but I've heard airplanes are smaller. I would be mortified to get there and find I need an extra seat at the last minute. Do you think I would need to buy an extra seat?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think you will be ok for the flight there. I'm 50-60 lbs less than you, and while I'm not exactly comfortable in the seat, I don't think I'd need a 2nd one if I were 50 lbs heavier. I don't think you'll be so uncomfortable that it'll be worth throwing away the extra several hundred dollars for a 2nd seat. Just get an aisle seat in case the person next to you is also big, so you don't end up being squeezed between them and the wall. I once flew in the middle seat with 2 big people on both sides and had a minor claustrophobic attack - spent half the flight hyperventilating, lol.

On the flight back, though, I think it's worth upgrading to business class. You don't need 2 seats, but the few extra inches you'd get in business class may provide you with the comfort you need.

Also, keep in mind that the flight might not be full! If you are not flying during peak days (Fri-Mon), you will probably find some empty seats in the back of the plane, so you can spread out. When you book your flight, check if you can see which seats have already been booked. If you're a week out and the plane is only half full, don't waste the extra money on an upgrade!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 5'7" and about 250 and I have zero problem fitting into plane seats in economy class, or even on the smaller short-flight jets/prop planes seats. They're not too small for people our size, and you don't need a seat-belt extender or anything either. Not comfy and roomy or anything, but not too bad. Have a fun trip!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 5'8 and my last plane ride I was around 275. My pant size was around 22/24. If your around the same, or smaller I don't think it'll be a problem. I flew on both the bigger planes and the smaller ones with just two rows, and didn't have an issue. Seat belt, just fit w/o an extension. I agree with BerryJuice. Upgrade if you can afford it, b/c the few extra inches will be nice for the flight home when your in recovery. I'm in the beginning stages of insurance approval and won't have to fly for surgery. I will only have about 1/2 hour drive for mine so I don't have to worry about comfort. If I was flying, I would upgrade for the most comfort possible.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was 362 pounds and wore 56" waist pants and did not have to pay for two seats. I did have to get a seat belt extention. You should be fine.

Good Luck :scared0:

Gary

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The last time I flew I was 245 and I'm 5'5" and I fit fine. It was a 5 hour flight from Orlando to San Fransisco. A little snug but no way would have needed a second seat. They also sometimes have seat belt extenders if needed on most airlines.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

im 356 and have never had problems either but always the fear of embarassment

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

About 3 years ago I was on a a very small jet. I am 5'5 and weighed 270 pounds at the time. No way did I need to buy a second seat. However, last year when I was on another very small jet and 20 pounds heavier and I needed an extender. I just quietly asked the flight attendent for an extender. I am not bottom heavy so if that is a concern of yours you probably at worst would need an extender, but no way a second seat.

Deb

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You'll be fine.

If you don't care about looking out the window you might request an isle seat that way you can move around more and cant get up and go potty faster.

I prefer it to getting mashed up against a window.

Will

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the same concerns as you.. Im 5'6 340 lbs and have never been on an airplane for fear of not fitting... My brother on the otherhand is 6'4 and 412 lbs and has been on an airplane... He suggest getting Exit row seating or Wing seats... he say's they have the most space.. or upgrading your ticket... hope it helps...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was 300 lbs when I was in Europe and was able to fit in the smaller seat, and for some reason I didn't need a seatbelt extension like I do the in the US. You'll be fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I flew before and after my surgery, I didn't need an extra seat. I was 309 at 5'8". The seats aren't big or comfortable, but they work for a plane ride, and then after you get back and get some weight off you won't have to worry about fitting in seats anymore. That was the best part of the plane ride; thinking about others where I wouldn't feel embarrassed or nervous that the seat belt might not reach.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×