In this article, we go over the issues that come with being larger and traveling by plane.
As with everything else with larger people like myself………being bigger sometimes has HUGE disadvantages. Especially when it comes to flying.
Here are the things you need to know before you board a trip out:
#1) You can view how large your seats are online –
Dead serious this is the coolest thing that has ever been invented for larger people when it comes to flying. With all of the questions and “what if’s” that happen……….it’s nice to know that you can actually get EXACT measurements of your plane seat before you board.
So, before you board all you have to do is measure yourself (or find a chair that’s roughly the same size as the one you’re boarding on) and see if you’ll fit. That takes SO MUCH STRESS out of flying. Absolutely awesome.
Watch this video to find out How to see your planes seat measurements:
Alternatively: follow these steps –
First go here: www.seatguru.com
Then input your airline provider.
Then put in your date and flight number.
And you’re good!
(Don’t worry if you don’t know your flight number, they can help)
I can’t even explain how much of a breather and a help this is for so many people. This was needed ages ago! Very cool website for larger people.
#2) The airline you choose makes a HUGE difference on how comfortable you’ll be/how you’re treated
Seriously Read this – some airlines treat large people HORRIBLY.
Generally speaking, MOST people that are larger tend to go with JetBlue or Delta for a variety of reasons. BUT, Southwest is the only airline out there who actually caries what they call the “customer of size policy” here’s a link to that if you’re interested.
https://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/extra_seat_policy_faq.html
What’s MOST interesting about this policy is they actually will REFUND you the cost of an extra seat if you choose to buy an extra one so you can fit comfortably. This is really extremely accommodating of them, and more airlines should follow suit.
Now, I’m not going to name names……….mainly because there are a LOT of other airlines out there and I don’t want to single ones out……..but you NEED to research your airline before you travel and I mean you absolutely HAVE to do this. It’s super important in order to get the best service.
There are straight up horror stories out there. There’s even some airlines that LITERALLY MEASURE YOUR butt to see if you qualify to have more than one spot. That’s honestly the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard. I know that the airline industry has always had issues……..but that’s seriously just not right in my book at all. If you can visibly tell someone needs extra seating……give them extra seating. Ridiculous.
#3) You’re going to want the row seat –
I know there’s some debate on wether or not it’s better to take the row seat or the window seat…….but I PROMISE the row is better. Yes, it’s not the best when the cart comes around…….but, that’s just a very small portion of your trip.
The rest of the time you get to streeeeeeeeeeeeeeetccchhh out into the aisle and trust me you’re going to want to do that. Airlines are just so ridiculously cramped when it comes to how much leg room you get. This will also help the person next to you because you’ll be able to not get into their seat as much.
#4) Befriend the Gate Agent –
This is your number one priority when you get there. Try to get there early and just explain your situation. Gate people are (usually) nice and will help accommodate you how they can. (Almost) Every gate person has dealt with a similar experience before so you won’t have to worry about them not knowing what to do.
Each airline does have different policies on what they’re allowed/not allowed to do…….so it’s best to view online what these agents are/aren’t allowed to do. Be aware that many will go above and beyond for you if you’re simply nice to them. They deal with a TON of rude customers frequently.
#5) Read the policy before you choose an airline! –
While not every airline has a policy specifically for larger riders, many airlines have at the very least something in writing regarding what to do when a larger rider boards.
You can read statements regarding larger riders here:
https://medium.com/@thefatshadow/a-toolkit-for-fat-flyers-232aac093739
NOTE: These policies might have updated, its best to check the website AND call before boarding. This is HUGELY important. Airlines change their rules all the time.
#6) Make sure you get there EARLY.
This is absolutely HUGELY important. Getting there early is crucial for you for a variety of reasons as a larger person.
When you get there early, you can get a TON of extra help that will make your flight SO much easier. You can go to the bathroom first (A must because the bathrooms can sometimes be to small to use (really)…….You can get your seat belt extender, and you MOST IMPORTANTLY you can talk to the person at the gate about your situation while they have time to help you. If you’re there late, they’ll be dealing with others needs and yours may not be met. The best part about getting there early though? Pre-boarding. Go ahead, and ask and then you’ll be able to stash your belongings above and put everything else you need in the pocket in front of you.
#7 You’ll need to ask for a seatbelt extender (or you can order one offline)
Trust me, you’re going to need this……it might not seem like it’s to bad when you’re cramped in there……but eventually you’ll need it and having to ask for one with everyone else around can be very embarrassing. Many flight attendants are nice enough to just slip you one……but there are the few that will just be to busy to notice. Also, I can understand their predicament they’re in if they don’t want to just hand you one. This whole situation can just be awkward.
#8) Toilets are INSANELY small
Make sure that you go before you fly if you can……..some are honestly just to small for large people to use. This can be a huge problem and you really do NOT want to have to hold it………planes can stay on the tarmac forever in my experience………TONS of flights have hold ups. Seriously try your absolute best if you can to hit the restroom before your flight. You’ll be SUPER happy that you did trust me.
#9) Restrooms get long lines after meals and right before landing
Goes hand in hand with what I was saying earlier, basically the restrooms will get long lines at certain times. Right after meals, and right before landing.
Knowing this, if you HAVE to go use the restroom, make sure to use it after/before these times. It’s especially awkward having people wait for you when it’s a struggle for larger people just to use them in the first place. Super uncomfortable situation.
#10) Policies do change – Here’s why you should know this:
Policies change CONSTANTLY for airlines, which you wouldn’t think would be the case……but it happens ALL the time. Things are always changing with airlines and how they treat their customers/their business.
This is okay, but you should know this in case you read something somewhere that happens to not be up to date. For instance how airlines treat people nowadays is DRASTICALLY different than how they treated people even just a few years ago.
#11) Having a Second coach seat is roomier than a first class seat
It’s simple math! Plus this can save you some money in the long run. If you go check out seatguru.com you can get better info on how big the seats are for your flight.
BONUS: YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW THIS:
It’s CRUCIAL you understand just how bad certain airlines are when it comes to large passengers. Some will LITERALLY KICK YOU OFF AND LEAVE YOU STRANDED.
AND THEY WON’T REFUND YOU.
Other people have had their butts measured and have been loudly disgraced by airline staff.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture (hopefully).
As outrageous as all this sounds, and this stuff has never happened to me……..this stuff happened to LOTS of people over the years and I seriously just want to stress that you need to do a LOT of research when it comes to which airline you choose.
I know it’s hard to choose based on what you see online, so I highly suggest checking out reddit and checking out some of what other large peoples experiences are.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading! Please Leave a comment about your experiences/anything you’d like to add/ways to improve this article!!!! Thanks for stopping by!