Big Women On Airplanes!

[FlabbieAllie1978]

Roll Up people and help me with this! A good quality wine has gone to my head and given me the courage to ask out on here….
My wonderful daughter has been in a relationship for the past few years! But her partner lives away, a very long way away!! Never bothered me till now because they have travelled around without mummy!
Things are now at a point where my daughter wants me meet her partners family, also to get engaged, so they want ole me in person, over there! Now here’s the thang! I’m hugely overweight! The thought of flying fills me with dread! Sooooo much to take in! Squishing my flab into a plane seat, the obvious stares and panic from the other passengers as I waddle up the isle, getting to and using the bathroom which I will use a lot en route because stress overworks my bladder! It all freaks me out! I know I can buy two seats, use seatbelt extenders around my big tummy! Look, I’ve even watched online videos of other fat women, looks like an awful experience. I don’t want to be like poor Kate from the This Is Us flight scene on Netflix!
Having the engagement over here is not really possible because where they want to be is very special to them!!
Come on! Encouragement please!

How big are you really? (You don't actually need to answer that) Up to size 22 you probably won't even need a seatbelt extender. I really wouldn't worry about it. You will very likely not be the largest person on the airplane and certainly won't be the largest person at the airport. I would advice sitting in the aisle set with your daughter in the middle.

Around size 20/22 I found it a pinch to get in the seat. A plane seat is about as wide as a magazine. I found premium economy a bit bigger and more comfortable.

my size….I will tell you, around 400 pounds, in old money! All boobs belly and bum! I’ve thought about the aisle seat too. 😩

Could you and your dd sit in the front row, you'd be near the toilet, have more leg room and maybe feel more confident, have you looked at flights, their seat plans, seat sizes and different classes. Where would you fly to and from,

Either go business class or just get a seat extender. I think people discreetly ask the steward as they get on the plane, rather than ring the bell and ask for one and draw attention to themselves.

Re the toilet, could you just wear an incontinence pad? Having said that, it's good to get up and walk around on a plane.

MissMoneyFairy! I haven’t booked yet and be flying from UK to America! Class options are useful. I think my daughter would be very upset if I didn’t go as it’s one of her most precious life moments! She is quite chunky too but at 28 and me at 47, her frame is way more flexible!

Devastatedagain. Incontinence pad? Maybe! LOL…I wouldn’t want to get up too much!

You can buy seatbelt extenders on Amazon if you feel you'd be too worried to ask for one.

Easy Jet, and I'm sure other airlines, also have seats with extra legroom you can book without having to go to the expense of Business Class flights.

There is a website that will give you the seating plan, measurement of seats and layout of planes. I am sorry I cannot remember the name of it but googling should find it.

It might help you pick an airline or a area of seating.

What’s your budget? If it’s a one off can you afford to upgrade?

this being mumsnet I’m surprised Mounjaro hasn’t been offered as an option 🙄

We're only a few posts in, give it time.

I think seatbelt extenders have to be from the airline due to safety standards!

If you can afford it, go business class - lots more room so that won’t be a problem. The toilets on all airplanes, irrespective of class, are tiny though, Personally I hate standing up on a plane (there is nothing underneath me and it freaks me out!) so I always go to the loo just before I get on and then straight away when I get off….Could you do that?

I fly across the Atlantic regularly and would definitely recommend Premium Economy as you have more space. Business if you can afford it, but Premium will be fine too.

It'll be fine, OP. 💐

My daughter’s argument every time we discuss it! Go business class mum! It is very expensive! But my other worries flood up! We row and I get stressed! The thought of it all. Now I need the toilet, but it’s just the wine!! 🍷

Have you considered Mounjaro?

I’m larger too and also psyching myself up for flying for the first time in years this year to take my DS on holiday 😬🤞🏼

@FlabbieAllie1978 You’re right, seatbelt extender should be from the airline. Also worth noting (from what I’ve seen in my research anyway!) that you can’t sit in the exit rows with the extra legroom with a seatbelt extender on some airlines so definitely worth checking before booking.
Hope all goes well for you - as uncomfortable as you may be, your daughter will be delighted to have you there and delighted that you did that for her.

I could have written this myself. I haven't flown for years. My DD thinks it's because I'm scared of take off and landing. I'm actually scared that I will show her up by not fitting in the seat or seat belt.

Can you go on a cruise to where she is? At least you don't have to sit in a little seat. Might take a bit longer though.

I think regulating my toilet use would be difficult, stress makes me go a lot, I wouldn’t cope with holding it in. Incontinence pads seems an idea though!

You can do Queen Mary II from Southampton to New York, then train. A fabulous trip.

Like this idea! Longer but much more civilised. 😂. Prob similar cost too.

Honestly, I think you have some legitimate concerns.

You can skate around the seating problem by buying 2 economy seats or going business class.

The bathrooms are a bigger issue. Maybe talk to the airline for answers that will put your fears to rest. I hope that you can make the trip for your lovely dd!

Oh Dodonutty I feel your pain! As an obese woman I wouldn’t want to show myself too muchin such a small space! How big are you?

no I can’t cruise either!

You just suggested it yourself 😂😂🤩