Airline Seats

[EeyoreChelle]

Hello Everyone, I know this does not belong on this board but it is something I am really upset about. I have not been on an airplane in years, hubby and I usually drive to Florida but we decided to fly this time since it is going to be a shorter trip. I am nervous about the plane ride but even more so I am scared to death I am not going to fit in the plane seat. I didnt even think about this when I made my reservations but after hearing horror stories about people having to pay double because they are a certain size I am scared to death because I am a VERY large lady. Has anyone had any problems with fitting on the plane seats? Thanks so much.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am a pooh sized person and have not had a problem fitting into the seats. It has been a tight squeeze. Could you pull up the armrest between your seat and DH's to give you a little more room? My main problem has been with the leg room (or lack thereof.)

 

[fam4jc]

HI. We just flew to and from Las Vegas. The regular seats are not very wide. Why don't you go onto the airline web site and see if they have that type of specific information. If not on their site, try emailing their customer service department and ask for the seat demensions.
I hope it works out for you and you have a wonderful time at WDW.

 

[Cris]

what airline are you flying?

 

[MrsJ Henry]

What airline are you flying? I have heard that Jet Blue has larger seats. Also The seats where the exit doors are have more leg room, as well as the ones in the very front behind first class. I would call or check out the site to see what info there is and if you could explain the situation. Maybe they could change your seat. Also sitting in an Isle seat would help.

 

[diswedwish]

Exit row seats are a bit bigger and you'll definitely have more leg room. DH is 6'5" and really appreciates them! When we've requested exit row, we've had to ask in person at the airport - we've always done it the day we left, not sure if you can do it before. You have to be above a certain age and able and willing to open the exit. It's certainly worth a shot!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi ~

The exit row seats on AA do not have movable arm rests, but steel sides - do not know about other airlines. At any rate, exit rows are known for leg room, not necessarily seat width.

My friend always asks for a seat belt extension. She has not been asked to pay for another seat - she weighs about 350 if that helps.

Are you flying Southwest? Oh, that is a conern - how awful to have to worry about another seat when you;ve worked so hard for your Disney trip.

Here's a link where you can check seat size for most airlines:
http://www.seatguru.com/

Take care.

 

[Avalanche]

We flew Air Tran this past summer and were able to upgrade to business class the day of the flight for 35 each. It was great to have the larger seats. Check with your airlines to see what there policy is.

 

[EeyoreChelle]

Thanks for all of your replies. I have been in tears all day, I am flying United for a work trip to Hawaii next week and am worried about that but I am really really worried now because my flight to Disney in December is on Southwest. We really can't afford to pay for another ticket, this was our budget trip just to be able to go around the holidays. If we have to pay double for a ticket we are not going to be able to do some things in Disney.

 

[NotUrsula]

If SWA has you pay for a seat, the fare will not be the walkup cost; it is discounted. If it turns out that the flight was not full, the fare will be refunded to you after the flight. (I don't know why you still have to pay it up front if they determine you are a COS, but that's how it is set up. You pay up front at the gate, then if there is an empty seat on the plane, they refund your CC after the fact.)

SWA's seats are actually fairly roomy; measurements I have seen say 17.25" between armrests, and 18.75 from edge to edge on the seat cushions. Do you normally have to request a seat belt extension? I know it wouldn't be comfortable on a plane, but perhaps a corset? That should be much cheaper than an extra seat.

As far as I know, it actually isn't possible to buy an extra seat for yourself in advance. I don't really know why; since revenue is revenue, but I think it must have something to do with accomodating standby passengers.

 

[CHIPSTER]

iT DEPENDS WHAT TYPE OF AIRPLANE THEY ARE USING - IF IT IS AN AIRBUS THE ARMS DO NOT LIFT UP. YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK YOUR AIRLINES WEBSITE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR FLIGHT AS MANY LIST WHAT TYPE OF AIRCRAFT IT IS. HOPE THIS HELPS!

 

[ladydancer]

I'm sorry to hear your flying SWA. They are the only ones I know for sure are strict about making people buy an extra seat when "they" determind you won't fit. I refuse to fly with them. I have lost weight and would have no problem now with the seat but I still won't fly with them. I just don't like there policies. I know of times when larger people are flying with friends and family and are the ones sitting next to them. Therefore won't be affecting anyone else and refuses to allow them the one seat. I just don't get there reasoning. Frankly don't care, I will give my business to another airline.

 

[johde]

I traveled SWA in September and had no trouble with seating. I was worried just like you. At the time I was 360 lb with a 50in waist. Alot of if depends on how you are big. I carried most of my weight out in front of me and not side to side. SWA seats are really no smaller than any other seats. If your flight to Hawaii goes fine (you fit in the seat with the arm rest down) you will be fine on SWA. One tip I found out, some rows and seats where the arm rest to the center raises. If you are traveling alone on a full flight, that can give you more room without any problem

 

[goofyforlife]

I do not need an extender...

My husband and I usually sit next to each other and SWA armrests do lift up.

We did fly US air last year and I thought their seatbelts seemed shorter than SWA's.

I usually never have a problem with buckling and can tighten but on USAIR flight had to buckle at fullest setting.

 

[EeyoreChelle]

I am sooo glad that I found this board a few months ago because all of you are soooo wonderful! I am feeling much better about it. I called United and SW and United said I will not have a problem. SW said that I will get a discounted rate but that I should not have a problem either. I did not want this to ruin either trip so now I am just going to stop worrying about it and what happens happens ) I will post when I am back to let everyone know. Thanks again!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

So glad you are feelig better.
I feel the same way about these boards!! It's just a great place to come. Don't worry you will have a great trip!!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

also thought this would be very helpful. go to seatguru.com
I just heard about this site and it has some good info on where to sit on each airline etc....

 

[Beca]

Just a "heads up". I am a former SWA flight attendant. The exit row seats are roomier (at least for leg room), but anyone requiring a seat belt extension is not eligible to sit there.

I flew for SWA for 8 years, and didn't see many people who would not fit in the seats. Please try not to worry about it too much.



Beca

 

[Kimmie5870]

I called SW customer service with this same question and was told that if I am required to purchase another ticket that I would be able to purchase it at the same price as my origional ticket ( $ 59).A tip given to me by the woman I spoke with : measure yourself at the widest point,if the measurements are 18 1/2 inches or less then you should carry a tape measure so that you can prove to the attendant that you will fit in the seat....I dont know if this will work,but I will sure be giving it a try in December.

I know it wouldn't be comfortable on a plane, but perhaps a corset?

NOTUrsula...good idea for the one carrying weight through the middle....but what about us that are built like line backers?