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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To dread flying because of my size?

457 replies

annauk1 · 12/02/2014 19:57

I am going on holiday in a few days. I should be really happy but the flight is really making me not want to go.

I flew last year and needed a belt extension which was fine, wasn't much of a problem, but the thing that petrifies me most is that DP and I won't be able to sit together and if I end up sitting next to a nasty person who is ' a fat-phobe' and huffs and puffs at me the whole 3 hours for taking up more than my (tiny) seat space. I am flying with Monarch who are notorius for their tiny seats. I am a size 26 btw.

OP posts:
FiscalCliffRocksThisTown · 13/02/2014 12:31

On Danish airlines, they explain on the Airplane info- card thingy that the gas in your stomach will expand, and may make you feel bloated, and it's best to pass gas discreetly! Not making this up!!!

mrsjay · 13/02/2014 12:32

oh are you supposed to clench till you get off the plane Grin

Absy · 13/02/2014 12:35

I agree Hullz. It's very interesting that the OP posted yesterday evening and never returned ... Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm

Gennacy · 13/02/2014 12:37

I am so scared of flying now! I am going to Australia in economy - As a size 18/16 (and desperately trying to lose weight)
somebody mentioned up-thread about being a size 14 and anyone bigger needed to buy 2 seats? The seats we have pre-booked (not def apparently) have the armrest locked in, So should I re-book?

Stupidly thought the only issues I faced was bordem :D

Beeyump · 13/02/2014 12:37

The Chalet School was very big on brushing hair 100 times a night. I don't think I've brushed my hair in about two years, and always feel as though I'm letting Matey down Sad

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 13/02/2014 12:40

Beeyump... I never got into the Chalet School stories and really think I've missed out. You have hair you don't need to brush for two years? EnvyGrin

Only1scoop · 13/02/2014 12:41

Gennacy many cabin crew I know are a 16/18 and they manage with just the one....so you should be ok Confused

Beeyump · 13/02/2014 12:43

Lying, you must give the CS series a whirl at some point! The books are so fun, and then when they start getting irritating and generally badly written at the end, you can have a different kind of fun by mocking them - it's brilliant!

My hair does not respond well to brushing. Shock I'll say no more.

specialsubject · 13/02/2014 12:51

FFS, size 14 is not fat and does not need bigger seats or extension belts. Nor does size 16 or size 18, which can be a bit tubby on short people but still fits in seats.

if in doubt, ask the airline. But if you don't normally have issues with getting through narrow spaces or worry about chairs giving ways, you'll be fine.

Pigletin · 13/02/2014 12:54

Pff size 14 is not fat, it is what a normal person looks like.

Joules68 · 13/02/2014 12:58

Don't think op was a journo, she's got posting history

You never know tho...

mistermakersgloopyglue · 13/02/2014 12:59

I can't afford to fly business class to Australia either. So I wouldn't book a holiday to Australia (I wouldn't book anything with a flight that long really, as it would be horrific for me). Or I'd save for long enough to afford the flight if I really wanted to go

What, so if you can't afford business class long haul flight, you shouldn't go at all just in case someone overweight needs to encroach on your space and you might have the audacity to mind? Economy flights to Australia aren't exactly 'on the cheap' anyway are they?

Anyway it's all irrelevant really as the op obviously isn't coming back.

Joules68 · 13/02/2014 12:59

Size 14 can be fat/overweight..... Depends on your height

mistermakersgloopyglue · 13/02/2014 13:01

'Average' and 'normal' are two different things.

angelos02 · 13/02/2014 13:01

Agree that size 14 may be fat - depends if you're 5 foot or 6 foot.

Only1scoop · 13/02/2014 13:02

Joules don't call me fat

Grin
Gennacy · 13/02/2014 13:07

is possibly projecting the abandonment of children, and sitting next to mother for 24hrs into other minor issues

Well, for me its a good reason to try alot harder at losing weight, I would be ecstatic to be a 14, I'm blessed with big boobs though Grin
Will stick to the one seat for now
Thanks Only

littlewhitebag · 13/02/2014 13:10

I am a size 16 and fit easily and comfortably into a normal airplane seat. I think a lot may depend on height and the way weight is distributed on a person, on how they would fit into a seat.

Floggingmolly · 13/02/2014 13:12

A size 14, whatever it looks like on different frames, always occupies the same basic surface area, does it not???

There is no possibility for one size 14 to fit in a seat and another size 14 to be too big, even if the first is 6 feet tall and the second is 4'2.

Only1scoop · 13/02/2014 13:12

Gennacy....yes you will definately need a whole row....children must sit in seperate cabinGrin

Joules68 · 13/02/2014 13:13

I'm 6 foot tall and a size 14 yet I need to lose 2 stone yet!

Lost 5 last year and was an 18/20 but being tall it didn't look so big

KoalaFace · 13/02/2014 13:13

Witch what's the Manga mascara like? I like the look of it but think the bendy wand looks a bit ineffective?

Regarding OP...Meh. Doesn't read genuine. But if you are genuine I'd say that as a girl with a sizeable arse and big thighs whenever I've had to squeeze in somewhere like back of a car or something I've always said something by way of apology. "Oh I hope my big bums not in your way! I'll squeeze over this side as much as possible, let me know if your'e uncomfortable and I'll readjust!" I have never experienced anyone who has been anything other than lovely saying "Don't be silly, I have loads of room. Relax!" So of you really can't afford to upgrade or buy another seat then definitely break the ice, be charming and maybe offer to buy them a drink?

Joules68 · 13/02/2014 13:13

*lost 5 stone last year

Original poster
annauk1 · 13/02/2014 13:14

Thanks for your replies. I admit i was completely wrong calling my potential travel neighbour a fat phobe.

I am fat because i have a condition similar to pcos and the weight just won't shift!

I will be really nice to anyone i potentially have to sit next to so much so much that they hopefully will be nice back.

OP posts:
Nancy66 · 13/02/2014 13:15

I did ask to be moved one time when I was seated next to a hugely overweight man. He also had a problem with B.O.

I felt sorry for him and very bad for requesting the seat change but my concern for him did not override the fact I'd paid about £700 for my seat and deserved not to be uncomfortable for 13 hours.

I get how embarrassing it must be for very large people but , as others have said, other passengers can't be expected to just put up with it as the expense of their own comfort.