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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how you’d select your seat as an overweight solo traveller?

43 replies

firsttimesolotraveller16 · 20/12/2025 18:45

I am going on my first ever solo trip in a couple of months.

im currently a size 16-18. Hoping to be a solid 16, or even 14, by the time I go. My initial thought was to go for the window seat for my flights - I don’t have to get up/down for people and I can just relax and sit back. But now I’m starting to overthink it and thinking I should go for the aisle seat instead so that I’m not making anyone uncomfortable.

i dont spill into the seats next to me, but I’m starting to overthink it a bit.

YABU - go for the aisle.

YANBU - window will be fine.

OP posts:
LighthouseLED · 20/12/2025 18:53

cardibach · 20/12/2025 18:53

No! Not as a solo traveller! Always the aisle.

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No! Always the window. The aisle is horrible!

cardibach · 20/12/2025 18:53

Zanatdy · 20/12/2025 18:52

If you’re unlikely to need the toilet go for window. But to be honest, I don’t think you need to worry as that’s not exactly plus sized.

No! Not as a solo traveller! Always the aisle.

Original poster
firsttimesolotraveller16 · 20/12/2025 18:53

cardibach · 20/12/2025 18:52

So what’s your question about then? That seems to be why you were asking…

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I’m just overthinking massively I think. I think because I usually fly with family, and this time I’ll be ok my own!

OP posts:
LighthouseLED · 20/12/2025 18:52

If you aren’t spilling into anyone else’s seat then pick wherever you prefer!

I personally like the window seat so I don’t have to keep getting up and down for other people, but I’m not someone who needs the loo all the time!

cardibach · 20/12/2025 18:52

firsttimesolotraveller16 · 20/12/2025 18:49

None, I don’t anymore (I didn’t on my last flight)

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So what’s your question about then? That seems to be why you were asking…

Zanatdy · 20/12/2025 18:52

If you’re unlikely to need the toilet go for window. But to be honest, I don’t think you need to worry as that’s not exactly plus sized.

Original poster
firsttimesolotraveller16 · 20/12/2025 18:51

Ineffable23 · 20/12/2025 18:49

I think you are massively overthinking this if you'll be a 14-16. Pick whichever seat you want. It will be fine. I was a 16, now a 14 and I have literally never considered that my weight might change where I should sit.

I think it’s because I used to be a 28. So I’m struggling to see the difference in my body between them and now

OP posts:
DallasMajor · 20/12/2025 18:50

You are not really plus sized at 14-16 and definitely not at 14.

You won't need a belt extender unless all your weight is on your stomach.

Either will be fine, you can squish more into the window by sitting at an angle of you are worried. If you do this on the aisle you have to move when the trolley comes past

mynameiscalypso · 20/12/2025 18:50

I always go for the aisle. I hate sitting in a window/middle seat. Even if you don’t actually have more space, it feels like you do. Also, my SIL once got a DVT from not getting up and moving on a long-ish flight so I make a point of doing it now.

cardibach · 20/12/2025 18:50

I’ve said go for the aisle. Nothing to do with your weight. I’m a 16/18 myself and don’t have a space issue (though I’m tall so that makes a difference). Aisle seats are just better, especially as a single traveller. You don’t get trapped in your seat or have to disturb 2 strangers if you need the loo.

Hankunamatata · 20/12/2025 18:50

I'm an 18 and never had trouble fitting in a plane seat and overspilling. I think your overthinking

Original poster
firsttimesolotraveller16 · 20/12/2025 18:49

PigeonsandSquirrels · 20/12/2025 18:48

Depends tbh… how much of someone else’s seat might you push into if you have the window seat? I’d probably opt for the aisle so nobody feels you’re taking up ther seat.

None, I don’t anymore (I didn’t on my last flight)

OP posts:
didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 20/12/2025 18:49

Sit whenever you want. The fact you're even thinking about shows you're a considerate person.

Ineffable23 · 20/12/2025 18:49

I think you are massively overthinking this if you'll be a 14-16. Pick whichever seat you want. It will be fine. I was a 16, now a 14 and I have literally never considered that my weight might change where I should sit.

Christmaseree · 20/12/2025 18:49

Aisle

Original poster
firsttimesolotraveller16 · 20/12/2025 18:48

FionnulaTheCooler · 20/12/2025 18:47

Depends, are you up and down for the loo a lot? If so go for aisle.

No, I survived a flight London to south Africa once without going for a wee 🤣

OP posts:
PigeonsandSquirrels · 20/12/2025 18:48

Depends tbh… how much of someone else’s seat might you push into if you have the window seat? I’d probably opt for the aisle so nobody feels you’re taking up ther seat.

FionnulaTheCooler · 20/12/2025 18:47

Depends, are you up and down for the loo a lot? If so go for aisle.

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