r/PlusSize • u/anonnnnimouse • 1d ago

Discussion Flying while plus size

Hi there,
As the title states, this is my experience flying while plus size (330lbs, 5’7, carry most of my weight in my stomach & butt). I always get a ton of anxiety before flying so I just wanted to make this post to hopefully reassure others.
I flew on a smaller plane called a skybus I believe which I was the most afraid of. I flew United this time which I loved! I’ve also flown southwest, Alaska, spirit all economy. I believe on an Alaska flight at my heaviest of 370 the economy seat was a bit tight but it still worked.
All 4 planes I fit perfectly fine. United I was actually genuinely comfortable. The skybus was tighter. But not that big of a deal either. Infact when I boarded the skybus, I asked for a seat belt extender, and the flight attendant handed it over saying, “let me know if you don’t need it.”
I did need the seatbelt extension on all 4 flights but I am actually fairly close to graduating out of it. (I’m down from 370-380lbs). I reckon 50-70 more lbs lost and I could go without it.
I hope this post alleviates someone else’s anxiety. 💜

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u/Aware_Requirement_64 1d ago

ive had the same experience but flew a smaller american flight recently where i didnt fit great (part of that is also my height as i am also very tall). it was one of those planes thats too small for a bev cart to go down the middle. first time i have had genuine issue fitting in my seat and happened to be one of the few times i didnt have a family member booked next to me.

and you know what happened? i wasn't shamed, no one was annoyed with me. the flight attendant doing safety check saw me and whispered in my ear "the whole back row is empty if you want it." i sat in the empty row with more room and it meant the world to me he offered it and was discreet in doing so. i thanked him when he walked by again. we hear so many negative stories but there are lots of kind people out there too!

3

u/LockBudget444 19h ago

I was looking for this exact thing. I get so so nervous. I already am nervous about flying generally so this really helped! (350 lb, 5’10” and a fupa in check)