Pooh Sized on SW Airlines

[MKCP5]

So I am pooh sized..3X in most things. I am flying SW at the end of the month and am full of anxiety that they are going to make me buy a second seat on the plane and humiliate me in front of everyone. The last time I flew SW I could barely get the belt fastened. I am afraid to ask for an extender because then I think I will be drawing attention to the fact that I am big. Any thoughts?

 

[Jex]

Not an answer, but a curiosity question. What happens if they do make you or someone buy another seat, but the flight is full? Can they still make you buy another?

 

[Kristibo42]

That's why we like JetBlue larger seats.

 

[Wcpedorc]

So I am pooh sized..3X in most things. I am flying SW at the end of the month and am full of anxiety that they are going to make me buy a second seat on the plane and humiliate me in front of everyone. The last time I flew SW I could barely get the belt fastened. I am afraid to ask for an extender because then I think I will be drawing attention to the fact that I am big. Any thoughts?

You can buy an extender on eBay, they are cheap. That way you never have to ask again.

 

[mamamia]

I just flew on Southwest last week. I am pooh-size. I wear a 2x (occasionally a 3x) and I'm a size 22/24 in pants.
Before my trip I was so worried I would need a seatbelt extender or that they would pull me aside and tell me I needed to buy an extra seat.

Luckily I didn't need a seatbelt extender. I fit in the seat with with both armrests down.

I hope that helps.

 

[Gracie09]

Do you fit in the seat with the armrests down and not spilling into adjoining seats? If you don't you need a second seat. It's not right that the person next to you pays for a seat if they can't sit in part of it.

 

[crisi]

I'm a small person (a size six) and I need every inch of seat, I can't imagine being a larger person - as Gracie said, if you are going to spill over, it isn't fair to the person next to you - unless they are related. My husband is a little larger, he sits next to me and I don't mind being cuddled and squished a little by him. We put one of my small sized children (they are teens now, but both of them are smallish) in the third seat and he has room by inconveniencing only his family ....

Or he gets upgraded - he's a frequent flyer so that is always a possibility that I'm back in cattle class with the kids and he's up in first having free drinks in a wide comfy seat

 

[FreeTime]

My FIL wears a 56 in pants and 5X shirts. He was able to get the armrests down (and no he was not spilling over into the next seat). I think it depends on your body shape. Now, he was aware that he may be asked to buy an additional seat. To avoid being called out, he went to the counter at the gate and asked them a head of time. They advised that he would be fine. When he got on and got the seat belt extender he was already cleared.

To answer the question about the flight being full, yes they can still make you buy the seat. You would either than be bumped or someone else would be. I was on a flight once where someone Pooh-sized proactively bought the seat ahead of time and had the orange card in the seat beside them, as they should have. Another guest was adamant that they wanted that seat. SW refunded the guest's money who had bought the extra seat and permitted the other pax to take the extra seat.

 

[smiles_rock]

I am pooh sized (3x) and have issues with claustrophobia so I always purchase the second seat, it's actually one of the reasons I love flying Southwest. As long as the flight isn't oversold they will refund the price of the second seat, you just have to call and request the refund after you travel. Plus, having the additional seat allows you to preboard the plane, which means a great seat without the hassle of checking in online and facing the hearding process they use. I always would rather be safe than sorry, I would be mortified if someone confronted me once I was on the plane. To me, it's worth the piece of mind to pay upfront for the seat and get the refund after my trip. I've flown dozens of times doing this and have never been denied the refund because of oversold flights. I also purchased the seatbelt extenders online fairly cheap so that I wouldn't have to face that embarrassment either. The seatguru website has a lot of info on seat sizes by aircraft and types of seatbelts used on each plane. Hope that helps.

 

[MKCP5]

You can buy an extender on eBay, they are cheap. That way you never have to ask again.

will check that out. Thanks

 

[MKCP5]

Do you fit in the seat with the armrests down and not spilling into adjoining seats? If you don't you need a second seat. It's not right that the person next to you pays for a seat if they can't sit in part of it.

I understand that. I don't know how I will fit into the seat. Honestly, the last time I flew, one way I barely could buckle the seatbelt --there was no one next to me so it wasn't an issue, and the the return flight I had no problem buckling up. It wasn't roomy, but I buckled just fine.

I know it is hard for someone to understand who has never had a weight problem. I have battled this my entire life. I have alternately felt shame, humiliation, anger, frustration, and sometimes victory when I am doing well in losing weight. Then I take my eye off the ball for a few weeks and it climbs right back on. It has truly been the most difficult, long term, non resolved thing in my life.

I just want to go on a trip with my family, and not feel like crud about myself or be full of anxiety

 

[rock_doctor]

Just this morning there was a story on the tv about a guy that was forced to buy two seats on the plane. The point that shows it is just a way for the airline to make more money was...the two seats were not next to each other...

 

[princess barbara]

I've been a 3x for years and carry most of my weight in my hips and butt. At times I've asked for an extender and they've not been available as they were all in use. I would definitely try to purchase one on line even though the FAA says they are not permitted.

I usually sit next to one of my kids and we keep arm rests up and usually watch videos on their ipods for the flight together.

I know what you mean about wanting to go on vacation and not feel like crud- if you have a few weeks before your trip, try and cut calories and do some walking. Every little bit helps and the walking will help get you ready for your trip. Remember, you're going to the Happiest Place In The World with the people that love you the most. It's a win-win.

 

[buckirj1]

I'm not as sensitive as the OP, but I can tell you that Southwest Airlines is very discreet about dealing with sizable folks and giving out seatbelt extenders. I usually tell them on the way onboard, and one of the flight attendants brings it to me at some time before takeoff.

As far as being forced to buy an extra seat...if you think you'll be too big, then you probably are. I'm not saying that to be hurtful, but you're much better off thinking realistically and unemotionally about it. Just go ahead and buy the extra seat. You'll be more comfortable, your seatmate will be more comfortable, and you get to preboard. As somebody said upthread, you can sometimes get refunded. I've never had much luck with this, as most flights I've taken have been sold out.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

As far as being forced to buy an extra seat...if you think you'll be too big, then you probably are. I'm not saying that to be hurtful, but you're much better off thinking realistically and unemotionally about it. Just go ahead and buy the extra seat. You'll be more comfortable, your seatmate will be more comfortable, and you get to preboard. As somebody said upthread, you can sometimes get refunded. I've never had much luck with this, as most flights I've taken have been sold out.

I don't agree with "if you think you'll be too big, then you probably are". Depending on when someone last got on an airplane or even if they haven't flown this airline in a while or ever, you have concerns. When I was 18 and wore size large clothing, I didn't fit into a seatbelt on a ride at six flags. I had to ask for an extender in front on friends. It was devastating!!!!!!! One incident like that and you will always have the worry in the back of your mind wether you should or not. I still worry and every time I am able to buckle and have extra room on the seatbelt.

To the op, I have found southwest seats to be roomier than some of the other airlines. Sounds like there are lots of suggested options that are quite helpful so I hope you find a solution you are comfortable with.

 

[MKCP5]

I've been a 3x for years and carry most of my weight in my hips and butt. At times I've asked for an extender and they've not been available as they were all in use. I would definitely try to purchase one on line even though the FAA says they are not permitted.

I usually sit next to one of my kids and we keep arm rests up and usually watch videos on their ipods for the flight together.

I know what you mean about wanting to go on vacation and not feel like crud- if you have a few weeks before your trip, try and cut calories and do some walking. Every little bit helps and the walking will help get you ready for your trip. Remember, you're going to the Happiest Place In The World with the people that love you the most. It's a win-win.

That is where I carry the weight as well. I am ordering an extender off of ebay, just in case I need it. I will be sitting with my daughter who is a teen but very average sized. If I have an issue that day, then I have an issue. I am not going to let this make me miserable any more. I want to be excited for my trip and happy to spend time with my family.

Thanks for all your suggestions

 

[piperdown]

I'm not as sensitive as the OP, but I can tell you that Southwest Airlines is very discreet about dealing with sizable folks and giving out seatbelt extenders. I usually tell them on the way onboard, and one of the flight attendants brings it to me at some time before takeoff.

As far as being forced to buy an extra seat...if you think you'll be too big, then you probably are. I'm not saying that to be hurtful, but you're much better off thinking realistically and unemotionally about it. Just go ahead and buy the extra seat. You'll be more comfortable, your seatmate will be more comfortable, and you get to preboard. As somebody said upthread, you can sometimes get refunded. I've never had much luck with this, as most flights I've taken have been sold out.

I completely agree with this post. I smile at the flight attendant as I board, and ask for the extender. It's either handed to me right then, or they bring it to my seat a few minutes later.

I am very conscious of not spilling over onto a stranger. Also, a word of caution. Seats are different depending on the plane. I learned this the hard way. I'm fine in a 737 (Southwest), but I flew US Airways (CRJ, I think), and it was tight. I could fit, but felt I might be imposing on my neighbor. I ended up asking another passenger if she would switch with me, so that I could sit next to my co-worker (we were heading to a conference). We're good enough friends, that my co-worker completely understood. The person I switched with was in the middle seat, and she was happy to switch to my aisle seat. My co-worker moved to the middle seat, and I was able to sit on the aisle next to her. On my flight back, I upgraded to first class at my own expense ($90 more) to avoid the situation.

If at all possible you have to take the emotion out of it. You have no control over what others think and feel. You can either wallow in the shame, or recognize that you're doing the best you can. Food issues are not easy to control, and the more you beat yourself up, the less successful you'll be at it. People will always judge. If it's not your weight, it'll be your looks, or your laugh, or your accent, etc, etc etc.

Getting on that plane is a positive step. Going on vacation with your family will create happy memories to build upon.

Be proactive in your happiness. If going on this vacation will make you happy, do what you need to do make it happen. Get the extender or go ahead and buy the second seat. Do what you can to make it a stress-free situation. Don't let others (including your family) make you feel shameful or guilty for being proactive.

I've been fat for a long time. But it's only been the last few years that I've been able to recognize that feeling guilty does no good whatsoever. It doesn't make me work harder at losing weight, it in fact, hinders it. I'm most successful when I just focus on living my life to the fullest. The more I stay focused on the present and possible future, the more control I have over my diet.

Best wishes on you upcoming trip!!

 

[EMAW_KSU]

That is where I carry the weight as well. I am ordering an extender off of ebay, just in case I need it. I will be sitting with my daughter who is a teen but very average sized. If I have an issue that day, then I have an issue. I am not going to let this make me miserable any more. I want to be excited for my trip and happy to spend time with my family.

Thanks for all your suggestions

You can purchase from ebay but is not FAA approved to use it.

 

[Megkel]

That is where I carry the weight as well. I am ordering an extender off of ebay, just in case I need it. I will be sitting with my daughter who is a teen but very average sized. If I have an issue that day, then I have an issue. I am not going to let this make me miserable any more. I want to be excited for my trip and happy to spend time with my family. Thanks for all your suggestions

I'm sorry I don't have any advice about the air plane seats. I do want to say I really hope that you can enjoy your trip and not make you miserable. I am overweight for my frame size and I have stood in line dreading sitting down and being told I'm to large to ride. Once I rode with my daughter on a kiddy ride and my thighs held the lap bar so high she was terrified. I sadly refuse to ride with her anymore and have had nightmares about riding the rides and her falling out. That being said I have never had a bad experience at Disney World. I really hope you can enjoy yourself and not make yourself sick with worry that you won't fit. It's an awful way to spend your vacation. I hope you can enjoy your trip worry free

 

[MKCP5]

I completely agree with this post. I smile at the flight attendant as I board, and ask for the extender. It's either handed to me right then, or they bring it to my seat a few minutes later.

I am very conscious of not spilling over onto a stranger. Also, a word of caution. Seats are different depending on the plane. I learned this the hard way. I'm fine in a 737 (Southwest), but I flew US Airways (CRJ, I think), and it was tight. I could fit, but felt I might be imposing on my neighbor. I ended up asking another passenger if she would switch with me, so that I could sit next to my co-worker (we were heading to a conference). We're good enough friends, that my co-worker completely understood. The person I switched with was in the middle seat, and she was happy to switch to my aisle seat. My co-worker moved to the middle seat, and I was able to sit on the aisle next to her. On my flight back, I upgraded to first class at my own expense ($90 more) to avoid the situation.

If at all possible you have to take the emotion out of it. You have no control over what others think and feel. You can either wallow in the shame, or recognize that you're doing the best you can. Food issues are not easy to control, and the more you beat yourself up, the less successful you'll be at it. People will always judge. If it's not your weight, it'll be your looks, or your laugh, or your accent, etc, etc etc.

Getting on that plane is a positive step. Going on vacation with your family will create happy memories to build upon.

Be proactive in your happiness. If going on this vacation will make you happy, do what you need to do make it happen. Get the extender or go ahead and buy the second seat. Do what you can to make it a stress-free situation. Don't let others (including your family) make you feel shameful or guilty for being proactive.

I've been fat for a long time. But it's only been the last few years that I've been able to recognize that feeling guilty does no good whatsoever. It doesn't make me work harder at losing weight, it in fact, hinders it. I'm most successful when I just focus on living my life to the fullest. The more I stay focused on the present and possible future, the more control I have over my diet.

Best wishes on you upcoming trip!!

I'm sorry I don't have any advice about the air plane seats. I do want to say I really hope that you can enjoy your trip and not make you miserable. I am overweight for my frame size and I have stood in line dreading sitting down and being told I'm to large to ride. Once I rode with my daughter on a kiddy ride and my thighs held the lap bar so high she was terrified. I sadly refuse to ride with her anymore and have had nightmares about riding the rides and her falling out. That being said I have never had a bad experience at Disney World. I really hope you can enjoy yourself and not make yourself sick with worry that you won't fit. It's an awful way to spend your vacation. I hope you can enjoy your trip worry free

I do appreciate the encouragement from everyone, really. very much. but I don't want you to think that I have not lived a full and happy life as a fat person.

It makes me angry I think, that I let it interfere with things sometimes. This is the first thing in a very long time that has brought me anxiety about my size. I am fat. I have always been fat. I have learned to accept myself for wh I am most days. I am a loving, happy, giving, hard working, blessed wife, mother, daughter, sister, small business owner and too many other things to mention. I am not an axe murderer because I ate 2 cupcakes instead of one. hahaha I just have a big butt. I will have a great trip, my plan is to bring the extender, (even though not FAA approved) discreetly use it if needed and enjoy being with my family