pooh sized on the plane

[jbrnhrt]

so our trip is in 15 days!! and I"m starting to freak out about not fitting in the plane seat. I"m a size 18/2x. Should I be concerned?

 

[mdvlprof]

Depends how you're built. I'm a 16/18. Didn't have much room to spare - or to move around - but I fit with no problem.

 

[DisneyWitch]

I'll second this. I'm a frequent flier due to the nature of my work and I'm about the same size (18/2x). I fit in the seat just fine and do not need an extender for the seat belt. Now...I don't have a great deal of leeway to move around in, but I definitely am able to comfortably sit in an airplane (as much as you can "comfortably" be in those things).

I wouldn't be worried - you'll be just fine.

 

[peemagg]

I am larger than you (size 24) and fit fine. Don't give it a second thought. Have a fun trip.

 

[Bete]

there's a trick we use. Lift the arm up and it will give you a little extra room. If possible get an end seat, you'll have a little extra room with the aisle that way.

Obviously, your hip size will be the true determination on how well you fit into the seat.

 

[maxiesmom]

there's a trick we use. Lift the arm up and it will give you a little extra room. If possible get an end seat, you'll have a little extra room with the aisle that way.

Obviously, your hip size will be the true determination on how well you fit into the seat.

Depending on the FA, that little trick may not work. If you are in another person's space, and you can't put the arm down, the airline CAN make you purchase another seat. They don't always, but they can.

 

[Bete]

Depending on the FA, that little trick may not work. If you are in another person's space, and you can't put the arm down, the airline CAN make you purchase another seat. They don't always, but they can.

in those instances where the arm has to be down. I've done this many times without a problem. If your companion seat is with your family I don't think they push this issue too much. Make sure the companion is skinny; it makes it even easier to do it.

 

[Eeyore5]

Check in online 24 hours ahead of time. Some airlines will let you upgrade to first class for $50-100 if seats are available. I am larger then you and have found it is worth the money. I can fit in coach with the armrests down but end up with bruises on my hips and very sore (I bruise extremely easily). I also request a window seat. I prefer leaning against the wall of the plane then into the aisle. More conducive to naps. On some planes the arm rest between you and the window goes up and that helps too.

 

[Nicole&Becker]

I weigh about 235lbs and wear a 1x on top and 20 on bottom. I just flew a couple weeks ago to Colorado for something and fit just fine. I didn't even need a seat belt extension and had about 4-5" left on the belt. This was on Southwest though. Some other airline might be different. I would not worry though.

Hugs!

 

[pawn626]

i am a size 3x -26 i ususally fly jet blue and have not had a problem yet, although i always get sooo nervous that i won't fit. i do have to suck it in a little to get buckled at first. i didn't even know they had extenders, how do you go about getting that?

 

[toocherie]

i am a size 3x -26 i ususally fly jet blue and have not had a problem yet, although i always get sooo nervous that i won't fit. i do have to suck it in a little to get buckled at first. i didn't even know they had extenders, how do you go about getting that?

You just discreetly ask a flight attendant. They are very good about getting you one (although on some flights you might have to wait until after the safety spiel because the "demonstation" seatbelts are the extenders.

 

[fostrmom2mny]

OK, I'm larger than any of you who responded. I fly four to five times a year. Mostly with American. Depending on the seat, I can usually buckle without an extender, but I am partly standing when I click I flew Southwest last month and was so worried about their oversized rule that I purchased the extra seat. The flight was completely full and so no refund. The seats on that flight definately seemed smaller than American seats.

I have found that when I do need to request an extender, it is hit or miss whether it is done descretely or not. Most times the FA is discrete, but there are times that they aren't.

By the description of your size, I would bet there will not be much of a problem.

 

[Judy in Texas]

Please don't assume that the friend/family member will be happy to give up part of their seat if you raise the arm. I went to Europe with my SIL who was pooh-sized at the time. She assumed I wouldn't mind giving up part of my seat for the 10 hour flight. I was relieved when we were seated across the aisle from each other and not side by side.

I hope you have a wonder trip and everything works out well for you.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

I always sit with my kiddos, we have the three seats in the row. If I am overflowing I really don't care since I paid for all three seats and my kids are only 6 and 7. My husband sits across the isle from us.

 

[ppony]

I'm a size 22 . Quite "hippy". So far I've only needed an extender once. I bet I could have gotten it if my DH was there and could have "muscled" it into place. A few months ago, I was flying and it turned out to be a different airline form any I've flown before and the lap-belt a-l-m-o-s-t fit. But not enough. When the FA came by all I did was gesture to my waist and put my fingers together like I was buckling and moths "could I get...." . They were extremely discreet. After that when I flew again I just asked upon boarding for one and got it right away. I didn't need it that time, but it was nice to have it and save embarrassment in case I did.

 

[crashbb]

One thing to note is that even on the same airline (heck, even on the same plane) the length of the seat belt can differ. Occasionally, they need to cut the ends off of the belt and then re-attach the buckle. This makes the belt shorter then normal.