If you’re plus-size, then you know how daunting it is to fly. The feeling of waiting for your plane to board and the issues that might arise when you get on the plane. No worries! I got some tips for you so you can kick up your feet and relax.
Choose Seats Prior
This is one of the most important things when flying as a plus-size person. If you have the money to fly first class, then you’re already winning half the battle. I’m a budget traveler so I’m an economy class princess. When choosing your seats, think about how often you’ll be moving around and how comfortable you’re going to be when duty calls. I find choosing my seats online while booking my ticket alleviates 50% of my anxiety before flying. You already know where you’ll be sitting and don’t have to worry about unwanted surprises. Some airlines will charge extra to choose seats in advance, but I find that it’s worth it. If you know that you’ll be taking up space beside you, I advise asking the airline to assign you a seat with a vacant seat beside you or pay for another seat to make your experience more enjoyable. I don’t like impeding in anyone’s space and vice versa. Just Recently Southwest Airlines has rolled out the extra seat policy for those who are larger and seeking to have an empty seat beside them.
Next, let’s get into where you’ll be choosing your seat on the plane. This is also an important step when planning your comfortable experience while flying. There are 3 possible seats that you can choose from when you book in advance. The aisle seat, middle seat, and window seat.
Window Seats: I prefer the aisle seat. I know! “Why not the window?” The window is great when there is so much to see as you’re soaring above new terrain, but I like my freedom of getting up and moving around without disturbing others. Another problem I ran into while sitting in the window seat was not having enough shoulder room. The wall of the plane has always cramped my space.
Middle Seat: WHOO! This is the cursed seat nobody dreams of. You’re between two people, hopefully, they’re not broad or impeding your small space. I hate this seat! I will do anything to prevent myself from being placed there. This seat is a no-brainer when deciding where to sit as a plus-size person. Just don’t!
Aisle Seat: The best seat in my opinion. This seat allows freedom, and you can lean your body away from other passengers sitting next to you. Watch out for trolly carts though! The recent airlines that I have flown also allowed the armrest that is located on the aisle side to be raised leaving your hips with room. Nothing is worse than having a 12+ hour flight with the armrest digging into your hips and thighs. Aisle seats for the win!
Pro tip: Choose seats that are close to the bathrooms so you can beat the lines and not have to squeeze far down the narrow aisle.
Seatbelt Extenders
Nothing is worse than getting to your designated seat and realizing the seatbelt doesn’t fit. It’s happened to me, and it was humiliating. Safety is important, which means having a seatbelt that fits is a priority when beginning to taxi on the runways. If you’ve flown before and know that you’ll need a seat belt extender, please ask for one in advance. I recommend when you’re boarding, store your luggage and walk directly to the flight attendant nearest you. Asking for an extender while the plane is boarding is discreet due to the chaos of others trying to store their luggage or find their seats. I’ve realized that asking early allows the flight attendants to discreetly hand you the extender while you get situated in your seat. Please don’t be discouraged from asking for an extender. Nobody is judging you nor do they care about your request. People are so busy with getting to their next destination and you should too! Your body is different and you must be comfortable and safe like everyone else.
Important: If you require a seatbelt extender, you will not be allowed to sit in the emergency exit aisle.
Walking Down the Aisle
No, I’m not talking about your wedding day. I’m talking about that narrow plane aisle! Plane aisles can be so annoying when it comes to space. If you have big hips and butt, then you’ll probably run into this problem when moving on the plane. For me, I have a nice fupa who loves greeting sleeping passengers who are hanging in the aisle. There’s not much you can do to prevent this other than being very apologetic when bumping into a passenger.
Bathrooms
So, you got up from your aisle seat to use the bathroom and now you’re wondering if the bathroom will accommodate your size. Lucky for you you’ve read this article and know where the larger restroom is. I like to map out the plane before boarding. How do you ask? When you book those seats with your ticket, it shows you the plane map along with where the bathrooms are located. Look for the handicap symbol which will be the larger restroom. Unlike public restrooms on the ground, you’re free to use these. Be aware if any old or handicapped people need to use the bathroom then use the alternative bathroom. This bathroom is made to have more room and will allow larger passengers to fit.
Tray Tables
The flight attendants are coming around with the food and you unlatch your tray table. As you go to extend the tray table down, you notice that there is no room for it to extend completely. I’ve run into this on almost all my flights and the only thing I could do was rest the table on my belly allowing it to slightly to be elevated. If I don’t have anyone beside me, I like using the empty seat tray table to place my food on and eat from there. You can also rest your tray on your lap which isn’t the most comfortable thing. If you choose a seat that doesn’t have a seat in front of it, you’ll likely have a tray table in the armrest that comes out like those old high school desks. Avoid those seats if you can.
This can be a nervous experience for some but understand that you can also have a comfortable experience just like those who aren’t plus size. Everyone has the right to fly, and you shouldn’t feel limited due to your body.