Airlines and Obese people

[luv2bingo07 0]

Hi all again,

I was just wondering about certain airlines and what their rules are about obese people and their seating arrangements? I know Southwest requires you to buy an extra seat if you are too big, but what about American or other airlines? The last time I flew Southwest, I had to ask for a seatbelt extender, but that was before their new rules. I have no problem asking for a seatbelt extender, but would rather not if didn't have too. But, I usually ask the flight attendant when I board so I don't have to later and risk complete embarrassment, ya know? I am 6'1, and weigh around 385, so I really don't look so much that weight(as told by a doctor recently), but people see you differently than others.

Thanks again for any replies.

Peace,

Judy

[skyeblu79 0]

I have flown with American, United, Northwest, & Airtran and never had any problem.

[JulieNYC 4]

How did Southwest determine who needed to buy an extra seat and who didn't? It must be arbitrary!

I flew quite frequently at 350+ and I'm only 5'2. I was uncomfortable on several flights with the arm rest digging into my side (even leaving bruises) but no one ever suggested that I needed to buy an extra seat.

I think at 6'1, you'll be fine on any large commercial airline.

I "borrowed" a seatbelt extender about 5 years ago and took it on every flight with me because asking for it is such a pain and embarassment. The FA's would sometimes forget until right before takeoff, then they'd rush back with it for the world to see. So, I just took one.

I flew a few weeks ago and it was the 4th flight in a row where I didn't need an extender. I almost left it on the plane, but held onto it. I'm flying in February and I think I'll take it and leave it on the plane then. Or, I'd be glad to send it to you, if you're worried about your trip....

[wilma 0]

How did Southwest determine who needed to buy an extra seat and who didn't? It must be arbitrary!

I flew quite frequently at 350+ and I'm only 5'2. I was uncomfortable on several flights with the arm rest digging into my side (even leaving bruises) but no one ever suggested that I needed to buy an extra seat.

I think at 6'1, you'll be fine on any large commercial airline.

I "borrowed" a seatbelt extender about 5 years ago and took it on every flight with me because asking for it is such a pain and embarassment. The FA's would sometimes forget until right before takeoff, then they'd rush back with it for the world to see. So, I just took one.

I flew a few weeks ago and it was the 4th flight in a row where I didn't need an extender. I almost left it on the plane, but held onto it. I'm flying in February and I think I'll take it and leave it on the plane then. Or, I'd be glad to send it to you, if you're worried about your trip....[/

I am very worried about my flight, I have stopped flying because last time I flew (20pounds ago) the seat belt was very tight. Where can I get an extender?

Wilma

[Wheetsin 714]

You can buy them online, they aren't expensive, and if you're concerned about the $ you can always turn around and sell it to someone else. It's not like they go bad.

As for the rules, ANY airline *can* require a POS (person of size) to buy an additional seat. Southwest is the most well known/frequent enforcer. Their policy is that, arbitrarily, a "POS" can be required to purchase a second seat. If the flight ends up being full, they keep the fare. If the flight ends up having extra seats, they will refund the extra fare to you. It's a fair policy, though ideally they'd just make the seats wider... not going to happen when it's about the $$, but what's not fair is that there are no set determinations for who's a "POS" and who isn't. I've seen someone singled out as a POS before, while I've also seen, many times, someone larger than this person left alone.

I'm about 5'10, maybe plus a bit, and flew at my highest of around 380. That's a size 34+, if that helps. The seatbelts were tight, and I had to wrestle to get the fastener engaged, but I could do it.

Wilma, if you're worried about your flight, try to book on Midwest. Depending on the route, they have an "every seat is first class" make-up, with very wide seats. I can now fit comfortably into regular airline seats/seatbelts, but I will still opt for Midwest when it's available to my destination city.