Flying when fat - help!

Yes you can- you book a 2nd seat it is cheaper as there is no air passenger duty.

It is possible to buy an extra seat with Ryanair for exactly these circumstances:help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360017825038-Extra-Seats

^ hi OP - as long as you prebook a window (or preferably aisle) seat I think this is v unlikely

I fly several times a year: at my largest have been a size 22 (now a size 16) but never had an issue with comfort/fitting in my seat. I come from a large family and some of them have had to use seat belt extenders/arguably SHOULD pay for an extra seat but I don’t think you are in that territory

I strongly suggest you book an aisle seat as then any ‘overspill’ is in the aisle not your neighbour, and if you can afford premium economy or extra space seats that might be more comfortable.

My personal experience is that it can be v annoying/frustrating to be wedged in next to a large person (I have had this with family, but also strangers and it can be height/large frame not just weight) but as PP have said there are many annoyances with flying & this is just one. Keep the seat rest down to be fair to anyone sitting next to you

Which airline are you traveling with?

*move

If it is a short haul flight people will suffer through. I am size 6-8 and I don't think there is a lot of room in a standard economy seat even for me. If I were size 20+ I would have booked a bigger seat for my own comfort. If it is not an option please love yourself to the Isle seat at least. Please don't consider this as anything anti larger people, I really am not. I would give a similar advice to someone very tall

"At a size 22/24 you will fit fine."

Haha thats delusional pp
I hardly fit
And i am a size 10/12

'It’s a shame that airlines don’t offer some wider seats for an appropriate premium. It could avoid much anxiety and discomfort."

A shame? From them?or a shame that obesity is such a pandemic.

Am going to assume that's what pp meant anyway.if

Before the flight takes off or immediately after landing.

They might have just checked in online and not specifically selected those seats but been allocated them automatically. I never pay/pre book a seat so airline just allocate me whatever seats are free.
I really hope it won't be too stressful for you

Yes contact the airline.

OK, do people contact the airline to book this?

OP YABvU you wanted reassurance about being OK to fly. You have been given this.

If you don’t want any physical contact between you and another passenger then as pp have stated contact the airline and book the seat next to you.

Why don't you move your seat? Serbs a simple solution

It’s a shame that airlines don’t offer some wider seats for an appropriate premium. It could avoid much anxiety and discomfort.

@Livinginanotherworld - I do not spill out into the aisle all the time. I fit in the seat but for comfort I more accurately stretch out into the aisle when it’s not being used. Others do the same, irrespective of their size.

Please don’t “ spill out into the aisle” ….have you ever tried getting the heavy trolley down it ? Think of the other passengers and crew and either book 2 seats or take the window.

Lots of judge people with no idea of the problem. At a size 22/24 you will fit fine. The seat belt will do up, you’ll be able to use the pull down tray and you won’t encroach on anyone else’s seat.

I'm a size 24/26 but tall as well. I have flown twice this year with no problems. Didn't need the seat belt extender
It was tight but not to uncomfortable. I always book an aisle seat so l can put my legs out if l need to and l get claustrophobic if I'm not able to leave my seat. Change your seat to an asile seat. Also once the plane has taken of you can move to an empty row if you like as long as you return to your seat for landing

People talking loudly on their phones on a flight?

I don’t think that 24 is likely to be large enough that you’ll spill over into a neighbour’s seat.

I’ve been next to someone on a transatlantic flight who did, but I think they were far bigger than a 24.

This seems slightly hypocritical.

Until very recently I was a size 24/26 and flew often. I never encroached on anyone else's seat and I'm sure you won't either. The seats are wide enough to accommodate my hips, anyway!

I only ever had to use a seat belt extender once (thanks, EasyJet 🙄). I found it was usually best to lengthen the standard belt as far as it goes before sitting down, then fasten it across your hips, not your belly. This gives you more wiggle room. Usually it did up with a little bit to spare, but don't be embarrassed if you need an extender. No one else cares, honestly.

I usually book an aisle seat so I don't have to shuffle past anyone to get to the loo, but I can see the window seat would work too so long as you stay put.

If you have a problem with the tray table, just pop the meal on your knee and eat the hot part first.

Everyone saying you need two seats is entirely wrong. Only the most extremely fat would ever need to do that.

And don't be embarrassed - I'd much rather sit next to a polite, considerate fat person than someone smaller but objectionable! I've sat next to people who stink, who are aggressive to cabin crew, who are having loud arguments with their family, or who will not shut up! All those are much much worse!

There are many reasons: some like to be near the exits; near the loos; not near the loos; front of plane; rear of plane; over the wing, etc.

Countless list of reasons why aisle/middle have gone, including people wanting to sit near the front in the hopes of a fast disembarkation.

@FattyAirways -as far as worrying about somebody being in your seat..if it happens (and it sometimes happens by accident, seat row numbering isn't sometimes that clear on some aircraft) politely point out to whoever is sat in your place the seat number on your boarding card. If there is still any reluctance to move it's an issue for the cabin crew to resolve, not you.

Good Luck.