Ok, my biggest anxiety about all of this is not about the surgery but about flying since I have never flown and I am scared of heights.

Help a girl out here...

What airline is the most comfortable? I will be traveling about 7 hours from the looks of things.

Which seat is easiest for a plus size person to fit into? (I am a size 24 if that helps) I will be traveling with my husband who wouldn't mind me pressing up against him but what about arm rests?

Seat belt extenders? Is there a way to know ahead of time that you need one?

Any tips I need to know?

I fly Delta almost exclusively - that's just my personal preference. You can upgrade to Comfort Economy - it doesn't get you more room side to side, but more leg room. A lot of times there are open seats in that section because people don't want to pay. Sometimes you can upgrade for as little as $9.00 per leg.

Arm rests on most planes go up - unless you're in an exit row. If I'm flying alone, I don't mind the exit row because most of the seats have permanent dividers - doesn't allow you to ooze over into the person next to you. If I'm flying with my husband, we just lift the arm rest.

I never had to use a seatbelt extender, but did struggle a couple of times when I was a size 22 to get the belt fastened. I have seen people request them and the flight attendant has always been discrete in getting one and handing it to the passenger. It is what it is - if you need one, just get it and be done with it. Once it's fastened, no one will notice.

Often times you can look on a airline's website to find out about seating size. It varies depending on the plane. I believe you can ask a flight attendant for an extender if you find you need one once you are on board. Most are very discreet. Typically the first row seats give you more legroom, I would imagine for your flight home this might help a bit so you can stretch. Good luck!

Is it cheaper to book directly or through someplace like Priceline/Expedia/Orbitz?

I always go directly to the airline's website.

Check the seating, depending on the aircraft, the back rows go from three to two seats. With your husband there would be no one next to you, plus a little more elbow room.

As someone who wears a size 24W I have had to request a seat belt extender. But it depends on your body type, if you are apple shaped and carry your weight in your belly you probably will need one. If your weight is more generally distributed then you may not need one.

Edited January 29, 201412 yr by SnohoGal98296

Is it cheaper to book directly or through someplace like Priceline/Expedia/Orbitz?

I like Expedia because you can compare airlines, although Southwest isn't on Expedia. When I've checked the cost vs. airline sites, it has been the same.

Seatguru.com will give you specs of the seats on the flights you are considering.

I don't know your financial situation but I did a lot of research and had a lot of time to look for deals. For just a few hundred extra I was able to book first class coming back from San Diego. I had my sleeve done in NY in march so I knew my partner would be more comfortable to be able to lie back and have more room to relax. It was so worth it. The direct flight was 6 hours long and she slept most of the way. not necessary on the way there as we were both feeling fine but I think it made a big difference for her coming home.

One tip is to clear the cache/ your browser's history frequently as you shop online with airlines... supposedly the fares you see are an average of $50 lower if you do that.

Seat belt extenders? Is there a way to know ahead of time that you need one?

It has been a few years since I last flew. As soon as I entered the plane and saw an air-attendant, I asked for one. as soon as she was able she brought me one. Glad I asked for one because without it was too snug for my liking. I also opt for an aisle seat if flying alone, I just don't want to climb over strangers. also you can get up and walk around if it makes you feel better. when you get ready to checkin they have kiask now that can allow you to change seat asignments. If your lucky you may be able to get an empty seat between you guys if it is a 3 seat row or a 2 seat row each. but don't book like that. book together and then see how full the plane is at checkin/boarding. but it is a gamble. if you want more room for sure, upgrade.

I flew southwest last fall and I'm 5'5" and just over 300. I'm a pear shape size 24/26. I did not need an extender but I had to squeeze the life out of that belt. I had my mom and daughter with me, so I was able to ooze into some of their space.

I like Expedia because you can compare airlines, although Southwest isn't on Expedia. When I've checked the cost vs. airline sites, it has been the same.

I like kayak too. Also raise the arm between your seats

Ok, my biggest anxiety about all of this is not about the surgery but about flying since I have never flown and I am scared of heights. Help a girl out here... What airline is the most comfortable? I will be traveling about 7 hours from the looks of things. Which seat is easiest for a plus size person to fit into? (I am a size 24 if that helps) I will be traveling with my husband who wouldn't mind me pressing up against him but what about arm rests? Seat belt extenders? Is there a way to know ahead of time that you need one? Any tips I need to know?

I've traveled on many different airlines. My favorite that I always use now is southwest. Super friendly staff every time! I'd say the seat size are about all the same for any airline, just my opinion

I've traveled on many different airlines. My favorite that I always use now is southwest. Super friendly staff every time! I'd say the seat size are about all the same for any airline, just my opinion

I am in the biz, I work for an airline seat manufacturer, all seats are not the same. There are similarities, but airlines have lots of brands and models to choose from and they also dictate the "pitch" which is the measurement between seats front to back. Notice you have more leg room on one flight more than another? That's because because the airline chose a smaller pitch to get more rows on the aircraft. They are also trending to seats with skinnier seat pan, which would allow what use to be a double column (2 seats across) to become a triple (3 seats across).

Don't get me wrong - commercial aerospace is my bread and butter but the airlines are designing out comfort to allow for more passengers. Which is why I call economy class "cattle class"...