First time flying...
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| Thu, 10-11-2012 - 9:35pm |
Hello, everyone! I'm new here, but this is just the board I've been looking for and I hope you are all able to help me.
I'm planning on going on a plane for the very first time in November. As excited as I am, I'm equally as apprehensive.
I'm approx. 5'3 and around 275 lbs (generally a size 26-28). I'm doing my best to educate myself on "fat-friendly" airlines, but considering I've never flown before, I really have no idea where to start.
I know a lot of airlines request you buy two tickets. The problem is, I really can't afford to do that. I'm sure you all understand that money is tight for everyone right now and that this isn't always a realistic solution. If I were to do it, it would cost me an additional nearly $400 which I just don't have.
So far I've seen some plus-sized people being happy with US Airways and Delta. Both seem okay to me, but again, I'm pretty nervous. My flight times aren't exactly negotiable because I am trying to travel around my work schedule, which is going to force me to fly on a Saturday and get an early flight home the following Tuesday so I can go to work the next day. This makes me a little nervous too because I know Saturday flights are busy and because I'm afraid I will be asked to wait for a later flight with less passengers on the return, which could interfere with work.
I do know a seat belt extender will probably be necessary, so I will look into obtaining one prior to my flight or contacting the airline to assure they are readily available. No problem here! 
But which airlines do you recommend after knowing my circumstances? Again, I just can't afford two seats (but I will be sitting next to someone I know, so hopefully this won't be much of an issue for other passengers). Fat-friendly is the most important thing, but I'm also happy to hear about experiences with better sized seats and cost as well!
If you have any stories (positive or negative) about your experiences, I'd appreciate them!
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Hi and Welcome! We are a bunch of plus sized gals, and quite a few of us like to travel. Hopefully more will post their experience soon.
I'm 5' 4" and have flown at 250. Generally I'm a 22 - 24. I've not had to use a seat belt extender, and have not had a problem with United, so far. I do sit with my children, so if I were to overflow it would be into them. So I've not been asked to buy an extra ticket.
I remember Max, who hasn't posted here in a while, was once asked to buy an extra seat - but I'm afraid I don't remember for sure what airline it was, but I think it was Southwest. It seems to me she was told if it was not a full flight she could get the extra fare refunded - but I don't remember how that ended either.
Have you checked the website seatguru? I often do that when researching flights - as it will give you seat measurements for the type of place you are on + information on which offer tv entertainment, etc. I also just googled "fat friendly airlines" and most have said American Airlines and Delta were accomodating.
Hi and welcome!!
I have flown at 250 also and was able to buckle the belt without an extender. I think it depends on the plane you are on and the airline. A couple times, I flew Continental, and it was a commuter jet so it was small and so was the seat belt. That was the only plane I ever had issues on and, like Deb, I was with my kids. Here is something I have done before when travelling alone-when you check in for your flight online, if the business class or 1st class seats have not been sold they are usually offered up for a discount. I have purchased them then, at a large discount, and been able to fly 1st class for a little more than coach. I know what you mean about money being tight and I'm not sure if the airlines even do this anymore but keep your eyes open for it, just in case. I think the airline I was able to upgrade on was AirTran. I have flown Airtran, Southwest, Continental, Delta and American as a plus size flier but it was always varying degrees of "plus-ness"
I was smaller when I flew SW & American. I don't think you'll have too much trouble. Good luck on your trip!
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