I am doing mad research and preliminary planning - and one of the things I am considered has to do with flying. Once upon a time this was not an issue but today it is. I am going to be flying from Tampa to San Diego more than likely, and wanted to know what your own experience was like if you had to fly to get to your surgery destination. Ddi you splurge and fly first class? Did you buy two seats in coach? Just wanted to get a feel for what airlines might be the best to choose from since I KNOW I will not fit into a single coach seat. Thanks!

Hi:

Wow, impressed you are already thinking about your flight! Way to go.

My disclaimer is that I did not fly out to have surgery but I do travel via plane often. So - saying that...in my opinion you should go with what is most economical for you. Is purchasing two seats in coach cheaper than one first class r/t?

Things for you to also consider: Can you get a nonstop return flight? The less you have to move on the way home (switch planes) the better off. Next: No matter which airline, I highly recommend you ask for a wheelchair assist on the return flight home. This will get you through the airport without being josseled around and you also are the first one on the airplane so people are not pushing on you. You can get in your seat, close your eyes and rest.

Good luck on your upcoming surgery!

ITA with iegal re: the wheelchair request for the return trip! Excellent plan!

I didn't have to fly for surgery either, but I do fly a lot in general. My question is, how do you KNOW you will require two seats? Do you just feel that way because of your weight, or is there an actual airline guideline? As far as I'm aware, not all airlines will require that you purchase two seats -- and if you don't have to, I'm thinking you totally shouldn't. I seriously HATE fat-biased society and the way the obese are singled out and punished, when all other sorts of things are accommodated and helped out. So I would lean in the direction of buying your seat like any other passenger, unless you are expressly required to do otherwise.

Anyhow, just a personal soapbox of mine LOL. I wish you the best of luck and a comfortable flight to your new life!

ETA: Maybe call up a couple of airlines and talk to them openly about your question and see if they can give you a biz class upgrade for a reasonable price as a way of meeting you halfway?

I definitely like the wheelchair request idea - that would help a lot actually. *notes!*

I am 99.9% sure I need two seats + seatbelt extender. The last time I flew I was 100 lbs lighter than I am right now. The seatbelt was fine but we were packed like sardines in coach. I can't even begin to imagine the trauma being the weight I am now.

I might just splurge on first class flying back - I deserve some comfort in my life dammit. LOL.

First of all, congrats regarding the next step in your weight loss journey! As for the seat situation, my advice is this: if you need a seatbelt extender, then chances are you should purchase a second seat. I say this out of courtesy to both you and the person sitting beside you. You will want to be comfortable, and it is difficult to be comfortable when you are packed into a coach sized seat with everything spilling out everywhere, including onto the person sitting next to you. I would splurge and go for the first class seat. You deserve it and it will be a nice start for the new you!

I fly often. Mostly to Europe. I'm 375lbs never once had to buy two seats. I'm a bit OCD when it cOmes to my airline seats. I look at my seating everyday and if I see someone is sitting next to me I'll change my seat to a empty one lol. I always get aisle seats, request my seat belt extender. I've been lucky to not be on too many sold out flights. People I sit next to have been tiny and nice to let me fly with the armrest up. Airlines I fly frequently is Continental and United. Comfy seats no problem. American Airlines is good too.

Flying always gives me anxiety. I hate being squished up next to someone. I feel bad for the other person that my body is crowding them. I found in the past few years I was flying less and less. So I had my surgery out of state and and to fly there. I looked into several airlines. But I ended up choosing Spirit Airlines. Mind you, their regular seats are some of the smallest in the industry but they have something called a big seat at the front. Its not quite first class but its a first class size seat. I choose the big seats for my flights back and forth from Las vegas to OAkland. It was a total of 60 dollars extra (30 each way). It was very worth it to me. It was comfy, gave me room to stretch my feet, and the seat belts are bigger and I didn't need an extender. So I would recommend the big seat by Spirit Airlines definitely.

I am flying from Tampa to San Diego too and This is exactly my question. My surgery is in July and I am already stressed about this. What airline did u finally choose. What was ur experience if u did.

I flew from ohio to san deg and the flight out wasn't bad but I really wish I would have done first class coming home....it would have made a big difference in comfort