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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Worried I won’t fit in the plane seat

26 replies

Worriedmummy2 · 19/03/2019 22:09

I am flying Virgin premium economy to Orlando soon as a treat for my daughter before her operation. I have been losing weight recently but still nowhere near enough. Blush I am really anxious about having to ask for a seat belt extender. Does anyone know how long the belts usually are? Or what waist size can fit?

OP posts:
Toomuchgoingon · 19/03/2019 22:16

We flew with Virgin to Florida recently and I am a size 24. No problems whatsoever.....didn't stop me worrying about it beforehand though......

PixieDust20 · 19/03/2019 22:20

Don't feel embarrassed asking for a seat belt extender. I'd imagine the seats to be a similar size to a cinema seat x

Original poster
Worriedmummy2 · 19/03/2019 22:21

That’s reassuring to know thank you Smile I hope you had an amazing time. Did you have any difficulty on the rides?

OP posts:
fifipop185 · 19/03/2019 22:25

Oooo Premium Economy with VA is amazing OP, free bubbles (if you want them) lots more leg room, meals on plates with cutlery and huuuuge comfy seats. 10yo DS curled up and slept the whole way home from Florida. You'll be fine I'm sure.

Toomuchgoingon · 19/03/2019 22:32

Hi. I should add that we were in standard economy..... As for the rides,. Pandor a at Animal Kingdom was a bit tight but I was fine on all the rides (Disney and Universal). I did warn my DD that I may struggle on some of them, and we had a place to meet up if I couldn't fit.....but it wasn't necessary........

We had a great time.

Dieu · 19/03/2019 22:34

I'm sure my sister's friend bought her own (aeroplane) seatbelt extender online, which may save you from having to ask for one.

dollyboots · 19/03/2019 22:36

Look, you’re probably going to be fine, especially in premium economy. But if you do need an extender, just ask for it super casually, like you’re asking for a blanket or something. No one will even raise an eyebrow.
And you’ll fit on the rides. In fact, you’ll probably feel quite slim compared with some of the others visiting the park!
Well done on the weight loss, and have a super time. Jealous!

LittlePaintBox · 19/03/2019 22:54

I always have to ask for an extender nowadays, I was really worried the first time that they'd chuck me off the plane if they didn't have enough extenders on board! But of course they had a locker full of the things. It adds quite a bit of length to the belt, so there's no chance of it not fitting.

I usually tell cabin staff that I need one as soon as I board, then they bring it while everyone is settling into their seats.

MyEyesAreNotDeceivingMe · 19/03/2019 22:58

Have you posted about this before? Or perhaps I’m confusing you with someone else.

TapasForTwo · 20/03/2019 09:50

This is very familiar isn't it MyEyes
Same airline, same type of holiday.

Princessmushroom · 20/03/2019 10:02

Honestly it’s so easy to ask for one, and Virgin have the best crew.

cardibach · 20/03/2019 10:06

Nobody has mentioned what sixpze they are here - either by dress size or inches! How can you give advice without knowing? I’m a size 22 and fit in a standard belt and seat (just) on easyJet. You can look on,one as to seat size by aircraft. Well done on the weight loss, and don’t worry if you do have to ask - it’s just one of those things.

Original poster
Worriedmummy2 · 20/03/2019 10:07

Nope I’ve never posted it before. Obviously there are a few of us who have the same worries Blush

OP posts:
thenightsky · 20/03/2019 10:07

I remember the previous thread too myeyes. In that case the OP was traveling for work and couldn't chose a seat in premium as she had to sit in the seat her company had paid for, which meant she couldn't book two seats either.

HarrysOwl · 20/03/2019 10:10

Virgin Premium is fab!

And please don't worry, even if you do need an extender, that's what they are there for.

Have a great trip & good luck with the weight loss.

TapasForTwo · 20/03/2019 10:10

I think that was a different thread thenightsky

DesparateDino · 20/03/2019 10:14

I was in economy with Virgin last August and I was a size 22. The belt fit fine with room to spare. This was a new plane. On some of the older ones the belts could have been repaired and shortened.

Don't worry my dad needs an extender, they are very discreet.

ScrewyMcScrewup · 20/03/2019 10:33

I'm an extreme apple shape, size 24, with all my fat on my waist, and I don't need an extender. I'm sure you will be fine.

But I worry just the same. I understand. As a back up, remember you can put the belt under your stomach (like men who wear their belts under pot bellies instead of round the waist) which will save a lot of inches. It might dig in but you only need it for take off and landing.

Air stewards are really discreet with handing out the extenders.

AnotherDIYSunday · 20/03/2019 10:38

You can check the seat width on www.seatguru.com/. Hope you have a great time!

Minnie747 · 20/03/2019 10:41

To the poster who suggested buying your own.

Most airlines won’t allow this (VA included), as the quality of product is unknown. It hasn’t been tested to the standards required in a possible crash, basically. Both buckle and strap may not hold up in an impact, hence most reputable airlines not allowing their use.

I understand there may be many reasonings behind wanting to buy your own, but none should overrule safety. Plus Virgin Crew are incredible, and usually discreet.

MangoBananaSleep · 20/03/2019 10:42

Also don’t forget that seat belt lengths will differ.

For example if there is damage to the belt, it may be shortened. I’ve had a wide variety of different length seat belts!

Nobody is going to bat an eyelid. Have a wonderful holiday!

IncrediblySadToo · 20/03/2019 10:46

No one here can be sure you won’t need one, everyone carries their weight differently. It’s less likely on VA international that you’ll need one though.

However, stop stressing yourself out. If you need one, just press the ‘assist’ button and ask for one. They won’t bat an eyelid. Some will be more subtle than others about passing you one. But honestly, so what? You’ll not be the first or the last to ask for one and you’ll never see the people on your flight again 🤷🏻‍♀️

Do NOT spoil the excitement of your holiday worrying about it 🌷

Oh and those ‘test seats’ before the rides, don’t bother. They’re smaller than the actual ride seats. You’re going to Orlando, the chances of you fitting in all but the toddler rides are very good.

I hope you have an amazing time with your daughter ✈️🎡🎢

IncrediblySadToo · 20/03/2019 10:48

Seat Guru will stress you out more and it really doesn’t help anyway. Many seatbelts will have been shortened or replaced since the seats were installed.

Just try to forget about it and ask for an extender if you need one.

AnotherDIYSunday · 20/03/2019 14:44

Seat Guru will stress you out more and it really doesn’t help anyway.

I disagree. When I was obese (5'11", size 22) I used to worry about seat width and pitch rather than belt length (still fit easily) because I carried most of my weight around on my hips, arse and thighs. For that Seat Guru is very useful. This may or may not be helpful to the OP since we don't know how she carries her weight.

buzzbobbly · 20/03/2019 14:51

You don't even have to ask out loud, OP.

When the FA comes over, you can do a sort of mime with the two ends not meeting and they'll get what you mean instantly.