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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Plane seats

47 replies

Plussizemum · 19/06/2023 20:10

So I can’t be more embarrassed if I tried! I’m scared I won’t fit on a flight that I’ve been bought as a gift! I’m very aware of the fact I’m ‘overweight’, ‘fat’ or ‘obese’ whatever you want to call it. I’m in the process of losing weight I’ve lost over 4stone so far but I’m still 21st 13lb, no one is more upset or angry by how out of control my weight got than I am.
Anyway am I even going to fit in a plane seat? I’m so excited it’s my first time on a plane going abroad but also just want to cry that I’m a fat mess that won’t fit 😩

OP posts:
TheRowdy3 · 19/06/2023 20:26

I'm sure staff on the plane deal with this all the time. Try not to worry.

Ask for an expander as you get on the plane.

The seat sizes are ridiculously small so they can cram more people on. I find trains and buses have loads more room than plans. I really puts me off flying and I am average height.

Have a fab trip.

AperolWhore · 19/06/2023 20:48

I won’t lie it will be a struggle, if you can book a window seat they have slightly more room and ensure you go to the bathroom before boarding so you don’t have to get up during the flight.

The airlines are used to dealing with obese passengers and have seatbelt extenders etc

Anoushkaka · 19/06/2023 20:54

Well done on your weight loss so far. I'm not sure how much time you have before your flight. Is it possible to lose a bit more weight?

Unfortunately plane seats are uncomfortable at the best of times so is there an option to buy a second seat?

lifelessordinarydegree · 19/06/2023 21:03

I would suggest contacting the airline in advance to ask what seats they recommend. Even within economy all seats are not quite equal and they will know the best option for each plane. I discovered this on a flight recently where I barely fitted in the seat (I am a couple of stone overweight) and I did wonder why they didn't warn me that the back row was noticeably narrower than the one in front that I had on the way back. Better you plan for it as they will know what to do, it won't be uncommon, and it will help put your mind at ease and let you look forward to it as you should.
Congrats on the weight loss so far.

tribpot · 19/06/2023 21:11

I've been investigating this too OP as I am worried about not being able to fit in a plane seat. It would be a lot easier if the airline had a demo one you could go and try beforehand - finding out whilst actually on the plane seems utterly humiliating.

Some airlines do have 'passengers of size' policies, mainly US carriers from what I can see but it's worth a call. The policy may involve buying another ticket but to be quite honest I would rather do that than have to march off the plane (I'd probably pretend I was being arrested or something to do it in style, definitely take some sunglasses for this, maybe not the handcuffs).

I hope you can enjoy it, and do report back.

Original poster
Plussizemum · 19/06/2023 22:02

It’s so hard to work out I mean I’m 5ft 10 so the weight spreads out a decent amount 🤦‍♀️ it’s a surprise where we are going just know it involves going on a plane, no idea on destination, airport or airline. I’m so on edge, just hoping it’s a quiet flight and me and partner will have row to ourselves. I’ve read some people same clothes size as me do ok with a belt extender but there’s so many different opinions. Wish I had time to lose more weight between now and then but it’s this weekend

OP posts:
mumtoboys12 · 19/06/2023 22:04

Call the airline and ask xxxx well done on the weight loss xxx

LadyInRainbow · 19/06/2023 22:14

5”6 and when I was an 18/20 and 16 stone I could fit in a plane seat but felt squashed and glad I was next to my small daughter as I could encroach on her.

FatCatBum · 19/06/2023 22:39

If you don't want the embarrassment of asking for a seatbelt extender, you can buy them on Amazon

Original poster
Plussizemum · 19/06/2023 22:45

I don’t mind asking that is what it is, I’m just scared I won’t fit into the actual seat

OP posts:
tribpot · 19/06/2023 22:46

I know you're not meant to know the airline, destination and whatnot (the whole thing sounds like my idea of hell) but can you ask whoever booked this to tell you the airline so you can call?

Shopgirl1 · 19/06/2023 22:47

You will fit in the seat.

Mylandra · 20/06/2023 14:40

DH is 6ft4 and 25 stone so quite a bit bigger and heavier than you. We recently flew with Easyjet and he was worried about this but he fit fine. He did have to ask for a seatbelt extender but didn't need an extra seat or anything like that

EmmaGrundyForPM · 20/06/2023 14:46

Well done on losing weight.

Is your partner smaller than you? If so, and it's a row of 3 seats, you need to have the window seat for you, middle seat for him, and the aisle seat for another passenger. With any luck you'll get the row to yourself.

You need to be able to put the arm rest down between you and the next person, and not encroach into their space (if its not your partner).

I've been a size 16/18 in the past and not needed a seat extender, so I imagine you'll be able to fit with one.

Menora · 20/06/2023 15:48

I’ve been a size 16 on a plane and been ok, I have all my weight on my bottom half. I have ended up sitting kind of half down on one bum cheek sometimes so I am not sitting completely flat if seats are small. All plane seats are uncomfortable 😣

Jules198711 · 20/06/2023 16:13

Of course a size 16 would fit..

Op I would try to find out the airline if possible? For example I've flown with Ryan Air and Jet 2..Ryan Air seats and leg room area are alot smaller than Jet 2 x

lostinfusion · 20/06/2023 16:21

I think you have to use seatbelt extenders provided by the airline for safety reasons

bjjgirl · 20/06/2023 16:22

Honestly you are doing well on losing weight- you should fit on the seat I would try to get an isle or window seat so you limit the amount of people you sit next to if worried about spreading onto other seats

ShmackAttack · 20/06/2023 16:40

I am the same weight as you now and infact a stone heavier when i went to México earlier this year I was fine - tight don't get me wrong not the most comfortable 10 hours I've ever experienced but doable and without a seat belt extender - only real issue was not being able to get the tray down flat for food but it was yucky anyway so didn't bother eating it aI just used my very skinny other halfs tray if I needed it for a drink etc

EmmaGrundyForPM · 20/06/2023 17:04

Jules198711 · 20/06/2023 16:13

Of course a size 16 would fit..

Op I would try to find out the airline if possible? For example I've flown with Ryan Air and Jet 2..Ryan Air seats and leg room area are alot smaller than Jet 2 x

The OP hasn't said what size she is, but given she weighs over 21 stone it's going to be much bigger than a 16.

barnefri · 20/06/2023 17:35

EmmaGrundyForPM · 20/06/2023 17:04

The OP hasn't said what size she is, but given she weighs over 21 stone it's going to be much bigger than a 16.

Show quote history

To be fair, I don’t think Jules’ post was directed at the OP but rather was to you and Menora as you both made reference to being fine in a plane seat at size 16.

And indeed, that may not be particularly useful information for the OP.

ChunkyMonkey2020 · 20/06/2023 17:36

I fit into a plane seat at 21 stone 10 with no issue.

FlickyCrumble · 20/06/2023 17:40

You might need a seatbelt extender. Often they ask the whole plane if there are lots of babies but if not go to your seat and ring bell. I’ve also asked the hosts on the way in and they bring one.

I have to say though that when I was this weight I sometimes didn’t need the extender belt. I also sat next to window so I wasn’t spilling onto the aisle.

please don’t worry, you will fit in the seat, no one gives a damn but you so enjoy your hols.

Crazycatlady83 · 20/06/2023 17:41

A quick google search tells me plane seats are between 43cm - 48.2cm in width (you can Google your airline if the person will tell you who they are) Could you measure yourself sat down (you'll need to fit in the seat to put the arm rest down) Then you either know you will be fine or you can to call the airline in advance. I hope you have a nice trip and you are worrying for nothing!

WhereTheSuburbsMeetUttoxeter · 20/06/2023 17:51

Well done on that weightloss so far! That is really amazing.

I know it's a surprise, but could you ask that you have the window seat and then whoever is travelling the middle?

I only say this because I've flown lots with my teenage daughter. I am over weight, she is skinny. BUT we'll always some random on the aisle seat that hadn't planned on sitting next to any one 🤷 they've been so rude, tutting, sighing... I'm a 16.. I'm encroaching on anyone, but we seem to get it.

I had to get up for the loo. I stood up, DD put her legs on my seat. The aisle woman wouldn't move feet or body. I was clinging on the head rest in front just trying to get past her... But of course my arse still went pretty much in her face!!

Daughter said I should have farted 🤣🤔

Enjoy your holiday. There's knobheads everywhere ❤️