Flying While Fat! // Live From The Airport 😁

A great article with information for fat folks who fly:

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[ashrose]

You reminded me I needed to buy seatbelt extenders for my car again so thank you for that. I've only flown a few times when I was a small/medium fat so this is great advice now that I'm a larger fat. I'm not sure if I can get Southwest in my area, but I'll keep them in mind. Your tattoos are gorgeous by the way!

[arichsnit]

I’ve had pretty great flying experiences. I fly American. Let me just say, I am apple shaped, 300lbs and 5’7”. Not small. I do make sure that I am aware of myself when I have to sit next to someone that isn’t family. I try and not invade their space. I think I do pretty well. I do ask for a seatbelt extender, loud and proud...they happily give me one. For 20 years, I avoided flying, it gave me anxiety for many reasons but today, my size isn’t one of them. 😀 I have places to go too, people! 😉

[mbd]

Great tips, Laura. I always look for an aisle seat, if it's possible to seat select. It just gives a little extra wiggle room, and makes it easier to get to the bathroom. I also wear slip on shoes: it just makes it simpler to take them off going through security. You're right - getting there really early helps. Sometimes, you have to walk long distances to gates, which can be hard, if you're in a hurry. Thanks for raising this topic, Laura. Safe travels.

[natalieunderwood]

Laura, this video was much needed!!! My husband and I travel often, but it’s nerve-wracking for me every time. I’ll often pay more for a direct flight so I don’t have to go through the boarding process again when connecting somewhere. I’ll never forget the first time I got on a plane and the seat belt didn’t fit. I had no idea seat belt extenders existed, and I was so terrified of being kicked off I pulled the seatbelt as far as it could go, put my shirt over it, and flew the entire way - there AND back, without being buckled in because I didn’t know what else to do.

I now have extenders from AA and Delta which seem to be interchangeable on every flight I’ve been on, but we’re actually flying Southwest for the first time later this week. Did you say my other extender won’t work for that? Luckily, I’ve always had kind, discreet flight attendants when I’ve forgotten my extender so I’m ok asking for one.

One tip I have is to be very strategic when choosing your seats (if you’re not on SW of course). I usually pay a little extra for an economy comfort or main cabin extra seat for more leg room, but I’ve learned that often the exit rows or front row seats that have tons of extra leg room also have the tray table built into the seat, so the seat rest won’t go up. Those couple of inches you can squeeze into under the seat rest make a LOT of difference - I once again was at the mercy of a kind flight attendant once when I tried to sit down on a full flight only to find out I didn’t fit because the seat sides were solid. She kindly asked someone in the next row if they could switch because I wasn’t comfortable being in charge of the exit row so all was well, but if they had said no I would’ve had to get off the plane I’m sure.

Thank for you always being so real and talking about the things that are often left unsaid but that we all have anxiety about!

[neokali]

Thank you. Good information. Very well said.

[aji]

Thank you for this. Flying IS traumatic when you’re heavier. I had no idea about being able to buy the seatbelt extenders, but I will get one so I don’t have to worry anymore! Hope you have a great trip!

[terie]

I really appreciate the word about belts being different lengths I’d never thought about that.

[dprice]

If you buy a second seat, make sure the seats are together! A woman commented on another YouTube video that she purchased two seats but they were both aisle seats.

[Tisiphone]

This reminds me of when I flew with Delta from Miami back to NYC. I had called them find out about seat sizes and discussing with the agent figured that 2 seats would be better than 1 business seat. Getting on the plane I found out he put me in a row where the armrests did not come up! argh! I would have fit in a business seat (which was in the row in front of me) just fine. I debated saying something but I really wanted to get home and not hold up the plane so I did squeeze into 1 seat with the extender. The shrinking bathrooms though are super annoying which makes me more anxious than dealing with the seat situation. I can't imagine they are comfortable either for people with disabilities. I did talk with Delta after the flight and they refunded the extra unused seat so it all worked out.

[hotmesscraftingtime]

How does boarding work with customer of size? I plan on buying 2 tickets and getting refuned later. Do I get to preboard to insure I get 2 seats together?

[beccasunderman]

Great dress, Laura, it's out of this world! Great tips for FwF

[Joywill]

hows the best way to deal with the tray tables mine never goes down flat hows the best way to deal with that?

[killeraax]

I have to fly all different Airlines for my job. So unfortunately I have to get seat belt extenders for the different type of planes. the first time I flew years after gaining a lot of extra weight I didn't even realize as well that you needed a seat belt extender or that they had them so I flew without my seat buckled too. it was so scary and embarrassing I was worried I was going to get kicked off as well. Although I've never had anybody be rude to me I have seen people look uncomfortable sitting next to me. I will usually put my arms inside my jacket so that my arms don't go into another person's space. it is funny I didn't know about Southwest rules until accidentally one day I needed help and check in and the lady just gave it to me the extra seat and the pre-board. But that day the flight attendant asked why some couldn't sit next to me and I had had to show her my sign and she seemed frustrated. That was embarrassing. one of the worst Parts about flying is not being able to use the bathroom very easily. I can urinate fine but anything else would be too difficult to clean up after. It is also embarrassing I can never use the tray because my stomach is too big. the first time I had to fly after I gained weight I called the airline trying to find out if I would fit and the lady was rude and just said if you can fit in a movie seat than you can fit. I was so nervous I would get kicked off and I was going to be so embarrassed to have to tell my employer I couldn't fly. But now after flying a lot it's a little bit easier. It sure would have been nice to know all this before the first time though.