Flying fat

[EJStorm 13]

I have my date scheduled with Dr. Aceves and I need to buy my plane tickets. I don't know whether to buy 2 tickets or not. I'm flying Alaska Airlnes. I've looked through their rules and they say if you can't fit in the seat with the arms down you need to buy 2 tickets. Well, I have no idea if I can fit with the arms down or not. According to the seatbelt extenders measurements they give, I'll be able to buckle just fine, but they specifically say that that isn't a consideration in whether you need to buy the second seat or not.

I hate the thought of spending twice as much for airfare, then finding I can fit in one seat, but I also don't want to risk being thrown off the plane and missing my flight.

I'm 310 and 5'5 and carry the majority of my weight in my stomach.

Help me? I need to make a decision and this is freaking me out worse than surgery.

[ATLGirl 134]

I was worried about the flight so I book a late flight so it wouldn't be full. I was 281 (5'5) when I flew and did not get an extender (embarrassed to ask). If the flight is not full, they tend not care as much.

[EJStorm 13]

I can't book a late flight as I have to arrive in SanDiego by 11am, per dr's orders.

How tight was the seat on you? Do you think you could have done it if you were 30 pounds heavier? How was your weight proportioned?

The airline says the seats are 17 inches wide. That sounds like little kindergardner seats.

[GreenEyedMamma 5]

I am 325 lbs and fly frequently on United and used to fly Alaska before I moved. I have never been asked to purchase a second ticket. My weight is pretty well distributed but I carry more in the hips, thighs, and rear end. I usually purchase a window seat so I can cram myself up against the window and I always apologize to the person sitting next to me. Usually they don't mind but occasionally I would get some jerk who would roll their eyes as soon as they saw who they were sitting next to and then run as soon they saw an open seat somewhere else after saying "it will give you more room".

I actually "borrowed" an extender three years ago and never returned it. I use it all the time. I am having my surgery this afternoon and am hoping I won't need the extender by summer.

Hope that helps.

[Lanette 124]

I have to fly for work ALL the time. Like GreenEyedMamma, I "borrowed" an extender years ago and hope to return it next month. I am 270 and 5'6". I do have trouble not encroaching into the space o the person next to me (mainly my hips edging underneath the arm rests and pushing them up.) I still fit, but it's vet uncomfortable. I will say that occasionally the front ow seats have the hard wall divider arm rests instead of the moveable kind. I always have a huge sigh of relief when I get those seats because which. May be uncomfortable, I can squeeze myself into it and not worry about leaning the entire flight to get away from my neighbor.

Not sure that this is any help, but I have seen people a lot bigger than me flying. My guess would be that you will be fine, but if you can afford it I'm sure it would ease your mind and make your flight much more enjoyable and less cramped.

If you do not get the extra seat.....get to the gate early!! I AWAYS ASK the gate attendant if it is a full flight. I tell them that I am recovering from a cold and that I would love to sit alone if they can move me.....don't want to get anyone sick. if you are one of the first ones to ask (and there is room....) it almost always works.

Good luck!!

[Rootman 1,101]

I WAS 375# @ 6' tall but never had to use an extender and worried about the same thing. I managed to cram my fat ass into the seat, suck it in and pull the belt closed. I am sure I poured over the edges a bit but no one ever said anything.

BTW, IF you pay for 2 seats be sure that they GIVE you 2 seats. I've heard of others who had to fork over for the second seat and got onto a full plane and never "got" the second seat, so they were crammed into a single seat. I realize the airline has to make up for the extra weight with extra fuel, but dammit! If I pay for something I WANT IT. If it would of happened to me I was prepared to raise holy hell (and hopefully not get kicked off the plane) till I got what I paid for - or a bump up to first class.

BTW2: If you get a chance to pay to go first class on your return flight DO IT. It makes you SOOOO much more comfortable.

[Infernored 5]

You should be fine, I'm 5'7" and 330ish. I hate not having much room arm wise. When I fly with my husband, I infringe on his space a little and just try to be cuddly! lol once I was on a small jet and I had to sit separate from my husband. I was on the wall side, with a raise in the floor so my legs were up to my belly, and the guy next to me was bigger than me, and kinda creepy. very uncomforable. If I was flying and money wasn't an issue, I'd totally ask for a good seat (near emergency exits) for better knee room, and get 2. then you could spread out a little