I've gotta fly next month for work. I've been working my butt off these last few months but am still scared to death that I won't fit into the seat. Has anyone else flown weighing 290? I read that the seats have a width of 17 inches on average. That is not very big at all...my butt is a lot wider than this! Oh my, what did I get myself into??? Any helpful advice, suggestions (other than lose 50 pounds in the next few weeks!) My flights are short, domestic flights with no first-class, just coach.

:help:

PS-What would I do without you guys? This is the only place in the world I feel safe enough to post a question like this and show my true weight!

I have to fly for work relatively often and about a year ago (at the time I was a size 24 and should have asked for an extender, but opted for the regular seatbelt -- and sure it was going to pop at the seams at any moment while it was digging very, very deeply and uncomfortably into my tummy) I realized as I was walking down the aisle to find a seat that everyone was diverting their eyes away from me -- even more than normal. I realized at that point that I was the fat person that they did not want to have crammed in between them. I found the skinniest two little things on the plane and ended up sitting between them, as i figured it would allow me not to encroach on anyone else's airspace quite as much as if I had sat next to a regular or plus sized person.

The young ladies next to me were absolutely gracious, but I found myself holding my arms as tightly to my sides as possible -- trying not to take up any more room than absolutely necessary. It was at that point that I decided it was time to do something about my weight. Next year at this time I don't want to be that fat lady that everyone prays won't sit next to them on a plane. I want to be that slim little chickie that everyone HOPES will sit next to them!

I am 5"7 246 and wear mainly 18's some 16. I find flying uncomfortable. I am very large in the hips! It just plain sucks! I can't sit still, I constantly move, my legs are just so restless! HATE IT.

You shouldn't worry. Last November I went to Florida and was scared to death over this...I was 280lb at the time, size 24. I was fine. I flew American Airlines and the seats were fine. Try to get the row that has the escape exit and you'll have more room.

It's ironic. We are all getting bigger, taller and wider, and they are building planes with less and less seat room. A few years back when I was flying in the interior of Mexico I flew in an old plane. The seat room was fabulous!

I just had to bring this thread back from the grave...I made the trip and flew without issue. Thanks everyone for your help! I just wanted you to know that it was OK...not great...but OK!!

Congratulations, and thanks for the follow up report. I was wondering how the trip went.

i am a BIG (just banded) girl... starting weight was 402.5 and 5x bottoms. i fit, but it was VERY uncomfortable. i definitely needed an extender (just ask the flight attendant as you board. it may take them a bit to get it to you, they use those extenders for the the demo.

don't worry about it, you will do fine. have a great flight.

losing jusme