I have never been on a plane before and it just occured to me that I might have to buy more than one seat. I'm 5'6" and 265. I fit into all other seats just fine but I've heard airplanes are smaller. I would be mortified to get there and find I need an extra seat at the last minute. Do you think I would need to buy an extra seat?

I think you will be ok for the flight there. I'm 50-60 lbs less than you, and while I'm not exactly comfortable in the seat, I don't think I'd need a 2nd one if I were 50 lbs heavier. I don't think you'll be so uncomfortable that it'll be worth throwing away the extra several hundred dollars for a 2nd seat. Just get an aisle seat in case the person next to you is also big, so you don't end up being squeezed between them and the wall. I once flew in the middle seat with 2 big people on both sides and had a minor claustrophobic attack - spent half the flight hyperventilating, lol.

On the flight back, though, I think it's worth upgrading to business class. You don't need 2 seats, but the few extra inches you'd get in business class may provide you with the comfort you need.

Also, keep in mind that the flight might not be full! If you are not flying during peak days (Fri-Mon), you will probably find some empty seats in the back of the plane, so you can spread out. When you book your flight, check if you can see which seats have already been booked. If you're a week out and the plane is only half full, don't waste the extra money on an upgrade!

I'm 5'7" and about 250 and I have zero problem fitting into plane seats in economy class, or even on the smaller short-flight jets/prop planes seats. They're not too small for people our size, and you don't need a seat-belt extender or anything either. Not comfy and roomy or anything, but not too bad. Have a fun trip!!

I'm 5'8 and my last plane ride I was around 275. My pant size was around 22/24. If your around the same, or smaller I don't think it'll be a problem. I flew on both the bigger planes and the smaller ones with just two rows, and didn't have an issue. Seat belt, just fit w/o an extension. I agree with BerryJuice. Upgrade if you can afford it, b/c the few extra inches will be nice for the flight home when your in recovery. I'm in the beginning stages of insurance approval and won't have to fly for surgery. I will only have about 1/2 hour drive for mine so I don't have to worry about comfort. If I was flying, I would upgrade for the most comfort possible.

I was 362 pounds and wore 56" waist pants and did not have to pay for two seats. I did have to get a seat belt extention. You should be fine.

Good Luck :scared0:

Gary

The last time I flew I was 245 and I'm 5'5" and I fit fine. It was a 5 hour flight from Orlando to San Fransisco. A little snug but no way would have needed a second seat. They also sometimes have seat belt extenders if needed on most airlines.

im 356 and have never had problems either but always the fear of embarassment

About 3 years ago I was on a a very small jet. I am 5'5 and weighed 270 pounds at the time. No way did I need to buy a second seat. However, last year when I was on another very small jet and 20 pounds heavier and I needed an extender. I just quietly asked the flight attendent for an extender. I am not bottom heavy so if that is a concern of yours you probably at worst would need an extender, but no way a second seat.

Deb

You'll be fine.

If you don't care about looking out the window you might request an isle seat that way you can move around more and cant get up and go potty faster.

I prefer it to getting mashed up against a window.

Will

I have the same concerns as you.. Im 5'6 340 lbs and have never been on an airplane for fear of not fitting... My brother on the otherhand is 6'4 and 412 lbs and has been on an airplane... He suggest getting Exit row seating or Wing seats... he say's they have the most space.. or upgrading your ticket... hope it helps...

I was 300 lbs when I was in Europe and was able to fit in the smaller seat, and for some reason I didn't need a seatbelt extension like I do the in the US. You'll be fine.

When I flew before and after my surgery, I didn't need an extra seat. I was 309 at 5'8". The seats aren't big or comfortable, but they work for a plane ride, and then after you get back and get some weight off you won't have to worry about fitting in seats anymore. That was the best part of the plane ride; thinking about others where I wouldn't feel embarrassed or nervous that the seat belt might not reach.