I'm heading to California this week to visit a friend and although I'm so excited to travel, this marks the first time I've been on a plane in about five years and I'm starting to get nervous. Nervous about getting a belt extender if needed, worried about the stories that have been in the news lately of airlines asking for passengers of size to buy extra seats/exit the plane, etc. Maybe I'm overreacting but this is why I haven't flown in so long. Any stories of flying lately and/or advice?!?

Are you going alone?

I usually just ask if I can put the arm rest up, say it'll be more comfortable for both of us (or def keep it up if it's a friend or family member), I've never had anyone say no really. and make sure I sit on the aisle for a little more leg room. I carry my weight on the bottom so I do have a problem with tiny seats. I'm not SUPER huge or anything. I've never needed an extender or anything like that. It's just a little bit uncomfortable. Also prepare, wear comfortable pants, or leggings, make sure all your belongings are ready before you sit down (like have your iPod and magazine you want during the flight out before you take your seat). I don't like to shift around a ton making it obvious that I'm larger.

Have fun in California!!

I fly fairly often for my job and have flown multiple times at around 330 lbs (I carry most of my weight in my stomach and hips). This is what I do...get an aisle seat like Heather suggested (you will have more room) or if you prefer the window and are traveling with someone you can just put the armrest up (the window seat can be a bit tight if you can't put the armrest up)...I have knee problems (arthritis) so I usually board early with the passengers who need assistance - this way, there are less people getting on the plane and I can ask and receive my seatbelt extender before everyone else gets on (it makes me feel a less self conscious about it) - if you can't board early just ask the flight attendant quietly when you board the plane and she will bring it to your seat.

When I first started flying at this size I was very worried about it but my husband (who also flies a lot) told me that there are a lot of larger people flying these days and he is right. Once I got over my nervousness, I don't feel worried about it at all. In all of the years I have been flying I have NEVER been asked to pay for another seat because of my size - I should note that this is on Delta and I can't speak for other airlines.

Good luck and have a great trip!

I fly fairly often for my job and have flown multiple times at around 330 lbs (I carry most of my weight in my stomach and hips). This is what I do...get an aisle seat like Heather suggested (you will have more room) or if you prefer the window and are traveling with someone you can just put the armrest up (the window seat can be a bit tight if you can't put the armrest up)...I have knee problems (arthritis) so I usually board early with the passengers who need assistance - this way, there are less people getting on the plane and I can ask and receive my seatbelt extender before everyone else gets on (it makes me feel a less self conscious about it) - if you can't board early just ask the flight attendant quietly when you board the plane and she will bring it to your seat.

When I first started flying at this size I was very worried about it but my husband (who also flies a lot) told me that there are a lot of larger people flying these days and he is right. Once I got over my nervousness, I don't feel worried about it at all. In all of the years I have been flying I have NEVER been asked to pay for another seat because of my size - I should note that this is on Delta and I can't speak for other airlines.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Hi. Let us know what hapepns. I was worried about the port showing up in the scanner. So it was recommended to me to take a doctor's note indicating I had surgery, because who knows what it will look like under a scanner. I took your advice and got an aisle seat and am in the 2nd row from the front. Of course the bathrooms are all the way in the back, but my flight is only 2 hours so I might not need to go. I'm hoping I will not need a belt extender. I am flying American Eagle. Now when I flew Southwest, my friend I am purchased three seats together, so we could spread out. She was in a wheelchair. People were upset and kept trying to sit there. I had to say, I paid for all three seats so you can't sit there. I think I will board early too, due to arthritis issues. I can't believe how rude people can be when you can't move fast enough to suit them.

Can you have a carryon and a purse too, or does your purse count as a carryon?

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Hi. Let us know what hapepns. I was worried about the port showing up in the scanner. So it was recommended to me to take a doctor's note indicating I had surgery, because who knows what it will look like under a scanner. I took your advice and got an aisle seat and am in the 2nd row from the front. Of course the bathrooms are all the way in the back, but my flight is only 2 hours so I might not need to go. I'm hoping I will not need a belt extender. I am flying American Eagle. Now when I flew Southwest, my friend I am purchased three seats together, so we could spread out. She was in a wheelchair. People were upset and kept trying to sit there. I had to say, I paid for all three seats so you can't sit there. I think I will board early too, due to arthritis issues. I can't believe how rude people can be when you can't move fast enough to suit them.

Can you have a carryon and a purse too, or does your purse count as a carryon?

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

You can have a carryon and a purse too. I haven't flown American Eagle in years but the planes I flew on were very small commuter planes and i don't remember having issues with the seat size (I was around 230 at that time)...

You can have a carryon and a purse too. I haven't flown American Eagle in years but the planes I flew on were very small commuter planes and i don't remember having issues with the seat size (I was around 230 at that time)...

Thanks Vicky. I am getting ready to purchase a cross bag that I will use as a purse as well. Maybe I will get both the medium and small sizes just in case. One can never have too many purses. It is an anti-theft travel purse, with metal built into the strap and an RFID portion of the purse.