Super obese & flying

[Tattooedheavylady]

So as the title suggests, I'm very obese (23 stone, size 28/30 clothes). Family have very kindly booked a honeymoon for me, my husband and our 5 year old.
I've piled the weight on over the years so haven't flown in around 6 years, and the last time I flew I was around 17 stone and had no difficulties.
I'm so scared that the airline (Jet2) are going to tell me I can't fly because I'm too heavy!
Has anyone been in a similar position?

That's really not a thing, there is zero chance you won't be allowed to fly!

Realistically, you're going to have to all sit together with 5 year old in the middle to share someone the seat space

You won't be told you can't fly, but I don't think the flight will be very comfortable as airplane seats are small. Sitting next to your child will help a lot though. Enjoy your honeymoon.

They won't tell you you can't fly, don't worry. You may need a seatbelt extender, just ask the flight attendant when you board, they'll sort it discreetly.

Are you all sitting together? Agree with pp that the three of you in a row with kiddo in the middle and you either by window or in the aisle seat will be most comfortable, so you can raise the armrest/s and not have it digging into you the whole flight, and kiddo will be small enough to still have room.

Have a lovely time!

You might have to pay to sit together, but it will be worth it for comfort.

Yes we've booked our seats together with little one in the middle :)

I’ve flown at size 22. I’ve never needed a seatbelt extender but sometimes it’s been pretty close. And yes it can be uncomfortable - I’ve found the armrest can press into my hips / bum. It’s helpful you’re sitting next to your young child because that will help a bit with the space.

There's a lovely, lovely lady, Kirsty, who runs a blog and it's associated social media called Plus Size Travel Too, aimed at people, like OP, who are worried about travelling in a bigger body. Would highly recommend checking out some of her content OP for some reassurance

Oh and I hope you have a lovely honeymoon. Your loved ones clearly know you deserve it :)

I second Kirstyleannetravels content on Instagram for some reassurance on travelling. Top tip is to ask for the seatbelt extender as soon as you get on the flight, flight staff will always be helpful about this. Have a lovely time x

Jet2 plane seat, I have found, are a bit roomier than some other airlines. A bit more leg space as well

I actually bought my own seat belt extender after watching a TikTok of a frequent flyer who recommended it as they aren't always available and I know some people would have no issue asking a flight attendant, but the thought of it made me want to crawl into a hole and hide!

Less than a tenner on Amazon and you never have to worry about having one again.

Bear in mind that you'll need to have the seat armrests down during takeoff and landing so whilst sitting the child in the middle will give you some leeway, you've still got to be able to fit into the seat between the armrests. You could check on something like an armchair or office chair Jet2 Planes, Fleet and Seat Maps (seatguru.com)

Except I did this and it showed up on the security scanner and I had to have a big and public (well it felt like it to me) conversation at security about what it was. Which I found more embarrassing than if I’d just quietly asked the air crew.

Yeah, the airlines don't allow you to bring your own extenders because they don't all conform to safety standards. If they catch you they will confiscate it.

We always bring our own. Never been questioned

Do not use your own. They are not tested and approved. If there was a rough landing and yours broke and you went into the seat in front and hurt the passenger there, it would be on you, as well as the damage to yourself. (One of the main reasons why people need to be belted in the back of a car is that 80+kg of someone hitting the driver from behind can do a lot of damage.)

When the cabin crew greet you as they come on board, they are noting who might need assistance. Just smile and make a gesture for a belt. They will come along and give it to you discreetly. Your seat neighbours will notice exactly the same if you bring your own, and otherwise nobody else will know or care. 🙏

I’m larger than you and never flown till now!

can they stop you flying for being too fat?