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Too big to fly?

Hello I'm getting weight loss surgery in December and I will have to fly to get to my surgeon. I haven't flown for a long time since I was a lot smaller. I'm am so nervous of getting on the plane and I won't fit. My question to you guys, is what is your experience flying? I'm 5'7" 370 lbs. about 56 inch waist and hip. Did anyone have to buy an extra seat? Need a seatbelt extender? My mom is paying for my flight as well as hers and I will feel so horrible if she would have to buy an extra plane seat....:(

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  • charleywatson
    charleywatson

    Hey guys just wanted to thank you all for the info. I really appreciate it. After some more consideration we decided to go ahead and just fly. Just purchased the plane tickets today. Thank you guys so

  • Keeping your eye on the prize (why you are doing this and what you can expect down the line)...last year I was on the verge of needing the extender of shame...I spent time researching the seats that w

  • charleywatson
    charleywatson

    Hey guys! Just to help everyone out! I only needed an extender for one of the connecting flights. I didn't carry a lot of weight in my hips so that helped out a lot. It has been quite the ride since s

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From what I've read SouthWest airlines gas the best COS policy and customer service. They give you a sign to reserve the second seat and don't Najee you buy 2 seats. They will also allow you to pre oars so you can get settled intolerance your seat.

  • 2 months later...

Avoid those seats which have the tray table stowed in the armrest. First you can't raise the armrest and second the seat width is reduced a couple of inches. You usually find them in exit rows or where there isn't a seat in front of you.

Gonna be flying soon.

Can I avoid the bs by simply going first class ????

You can buy your own extender on eBay make sure it's "FAA TSO APPROVED"

I bought an extra seat ticket once for my husband, not wanting him to be embarrassed if he didn't fit in. he was about 320, 6'2", he fit, and we were refunded the extra money. I would say suck in and try to fit! Unless the plane is full, not sure what would happen.

  • Author

Hey guys thought I'd check back in. It's been awhile. Had my surgery December 28th in Mexico. I ended up flying economy with mom in the seat next to me. We were able to raise the arm rest between us and were comfortable. Didn't need an extender on the way there but needed one on the rest of the flights. Surgery in Mexico was a bit nerve wrecking but it was all very professional and has completely changed my mind on surgeries in Mexico. I'm already down 60 pounds as of today since December 7th. Very happy with my decision.

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@@charleywatson

Good to hear it all worked out! I just recently flew for the first time without an extender in 10 years, and I am very happy about it. Soon, though, I won't be able to qualify for the Extra Seat Option on Southwest, but I'm definitely still going to use it as long as I can!!

Edited by DangerMouse007

Fantastic, everyone!

My highest weight was 340 and I never had to buy two seats. The seat was snug and tight but I asked for an extended and it worked out well. I fly southwest and United. It should work out just fine for you.

Gonna be flying soon.

Can I avoid the bs by simply going first class ????

Yes, you can. I've been doing it for several years. Depending on how you carry your weight, you may need a seatbelt extender. When you first get on the plane, the flight attendant will be standing there in the galley greeting you. You can quietly say, "an extender please" and they will either hand you one right then or bring one to your seat and just quietly slip it to you. I have never had one embarrass me or give me a hard time.

  • 6 months later...
  • Author

Hey guys! Just to help everyone out! I only needed an extender for one of the connecting flights. I didn't carry a lot of weight in my hips so that helped out a lot. It has been quite the ride since surgery and I'm down 157 pounds since surgery and feel amazing! Best decision I've ever made in my life! post-266118-14738089641989_thumb.jpgpost-266118-14738089823122_thumb.jpgpost-266118-14738090636702_thumb.jpg

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I paid for an extra seat not to embarrass my sweet husband. He fit perfectly at 6'2" 320 lbs. I was easily refunded the cost of th second seat.

You can also Google the different airlines and they will say how big their seats are and their seat belts. We just went to our Marine graduation in California from Missouri a few months ago..and I'll be honest, I made myself sick worrying that I wouldn't fit. I did...tight...but I did. I'm 5'3" ...then 300lbs. Good luck, look them up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

You can also Google the different airlines and they will say how big their seats are and their seat belts. We just went to our Marine sons graduation in California from Missouri a few months ago..and I'll be honest, I made myself sick worrying that I wouldn't fit. I did...tight...but I did. I'm 5'3" ...then 300lbs. Good luck, look them up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

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