Fear of flying because of my size

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2005
Fear of flying because of my size
3
Wed, 02-23-2005 - 7:58pm
I am new here and this is my first ever post...hope I am doing it right. I am 35 years old and about 360 pounds. I haven't flown anywhere in a long while (I was about 60 lbs lighter then) and now am getting pressure from my family to take a trip to Vegas with them. However, I watched an episode of Airport on A&E where I saw them take 2 extra large passengers on the plane and made them see if they could fit in the seat and get the seat belt buckled. There was one who couldn't and they made him buy a second seat before he could fly. Has anyone ever flown and had issues like this? I obviously don't want to get to the airport and have this happen...that would totally devastate me in front of family members who are already critical of my size. Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2005
Wed, 02-23-2005 - 9:40pm

Hi Cynderella,

I'm new here too, only a couple of weeks on ivillage. I am almost 5'10" and currently am at about 375, so I understand your concern! I have never been asked to buy a 2nd seat, or to be measured. I travel for work at least twice a year, and when I book my flight, I am very honest and tell them I am a large person. I ask to be put on a flight that is not crowded, and take a window seat. I have never once had someone take the middle seat! Of course, the perfect answer is go first class, if you can afford it. Or, if you really want to take the trip and can afford it (and there are some great sales, esp. if you book online) just get two seats and when you book just tell them they are both for you. Believe me, this is not an unusual situation for the airlines. One thing, though, you will have to ask for a seat belt extender. It is essential to your safety to be buckled in. I have found the more nonchalant I am about the whole thing, the more people act the same. If you act embarassed and ashamed, they will respond in kind. By the way, I have never been to Vegas, but my friends have gone and they all have said they had to do a LOT of walking. Some of the hotels are so huge you can get worn out just getting to the lobby! So keep that in mind-you may have no problems with the flight but hate the actual visit!

Good luck!
dogbooks

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-22-2005
Wed, 02-23-2005 - 10:17pm
Welcome! I am new, too. I totally understand and relate to your situation! The last time I was on a plane was last summer from CA to Washington DC for a Conference. I weighed 265lbs and was flying United. I went ahead and purchased a 2nd seat (at 1/2 the fare price) for my own comfort level and quietly asked the stewardess for a seat belt extender. The stewardess was very nice and very discreet. And, while awkward to explain to the ticket agent, she was very nice about it, too. As it turned out, I really didn't need to do either of these things as I had enough room but I enjoyed the extra space, anyway. However, I have flown flying "cattle cars" to Vegas and Hawaii and found the seats very, very, very small even when I weighed 200lbs. These airlines try to squeeze as many seats and passengers in as possible. When I travel with my husband, I don't worry about it because he sits next to me and we just get cozy. So, I would recommend calling the airline and explaining your discomfort and ask them what their policy is and how they can accommodate you. Good luck and I hope you go and win a million! LK
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2004
Wed, 02-23-2005 - 11:19pm

I have never flown anywhere....but I hope I never have to be faced with that situation. But you got some really good advise....I am going to keep it in my back pocket for when and if I ever fly.

Good Luck with the Las Vegas thing be sure to post the ending of this story if you go.

Sussie_Q