Will I be able to fit in airline seat?

[KisstheGirl]

I wear 22/24. Do I need two seats? :sad2:

[pearlieq]

It really depends on how your body is shaped. Are you top heavy? Do you carry most of your weight in your behind? I am a 26 on the bottom and can fit in most seats with the arm rest down, but I carry my weight more in my belly and out to the front instead of side to side. Most seats are about 17" - 20" wide. Try going to a local theater or ballpark--if those seats feel OK, you should probably be OK on the plane.

With that being said, my DH and I often will book 3 seats for the two of us. It's just easier and more comfortable that way. If you have the means to do it financially, I've found it worth it just so you don't have to worry while on vacation.

Another option is to look into upgraded seating. I'm not sure about all airlines, but I know Spirit and ATA both have a "business class" section that isn't that much more expensive than regular coach and gives you extra room along with some other perks. In general we've had good experiences with Spirit.

If you're traveling on Southwest, it might be better to err on the side of caution and book the extra seat because of their Customer of Size policy. If you call they will give you the child's price for the seat and if your flight turns out not to be full, you can mail in your ticket and they'll give you a refund for the extra seat.

In general, try for an aisle seat. You'll be get bumped constantly during the flight, but at least you'll have a little room to shift around. If you're traveling with someone else, getting two aisle seats across from each other may be easier than trying to get into the same row. Also, stay away from exit rows, bulkhead rows, and the last row because sometimes they have armreasts that don't move.

I know what it's like to worry about this and it's not fun. You'll probably be OK, but do what you can to ease your worries before the flight. I hope you have a great time!!!

[KisstheGirl]

I fit into most theater seats and I am top-heavy. I'm traveling with my trim husband and teenage son, but I don't want spill into their space because we are all on one row. I would like this flight to be comfortable for them too. We are traveling NW, so I hope it won't be a nightmare.

[Darcy]

Oh my gosh....i just measured my butt :rotfl2:

www.seatguru.com has seat measurements. Measure it out on a chair and see if you can sit in that space. You'll probably be fine.

[grlpwrd]

Seatguru is a great site. Definitely check the configuration of the plane and seat sizes. Try to get your seat assignments as early as you can, too.

I just flew NW. We were on a McDonnell Douglas DC-10. You could always raise the arm rest if you need a little bit of space, but not so much it will inconvenience your son or dh.

I have also seen a few folks angle their bodies and sleep sideways if their shoulders were wide so it's workable. You or your family members could also recline the seat during flight, but not during takeoff or landing.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.