Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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.

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:
AperolWhore · 20/06/2023 17:53

@ChunkyMonkey2020 you may fit but do you impact on the passenger next to you? That’s the real issue with heavier people on planes, not if they can sit it’s how much they encroach on the other seats.

AnaNimmity · 20/06/2023 18:00

You really need to know the configuration of the plane. If it only has two seats on each side of the plane, no probs, but if you're likely to be sitting next to a member of the public, you need to buy another seat.

Nobody with any compassion would judge you for your size alone, but plenty will (and will be vocal about it) if you encroach into their space.

Do you know if it's long haul? I'd def suggest finding out.

PaigeMatthews · 20/06/2023 18:03

Hi op,

there was a woman posting about this exact same issue recently (to the extent where ive checked twice this isnt a zombie thread!) and she was able to go and test a plane seat that was not in a plane. Sadly, i cannot remember where she found it.

so if you are feeling particularly anxious about it, you might be able to find similar near you.

Plussizemum · 20/06/2023 18:21

Thank you all for your messages. I’m going with my partner who’s smaller than me so between us hopefully we’ll manage. I’m happy to ask for a seatbelt extender I know I’m not small but I’m trying and still deserve to enjoy a holiday. Thank you all again.

OP posts:
Plussizemum · 20/06/2023 18:22

Also I believe it’s only around a 2 hour flight so if it’s a tight squeeze shouldn’t be too awful 🤞

OP posts:
tribpot · 20/06/2023 18:25

Good luck @Plussizemum please do come and update us afterwards, hope you have a great time.

ChunkyMonkey2020 · 20/06/2023 21:03

AperolWhore · 20/06/2023 17:53

@ChunkyMonkey2020 you may fit but do you impact on the passenger next to you? That’s the real issue with heavier people on planes, not if they can sit it’s how much they encroach on the other seats.

I maybe did, but it was my husband I was sat next too so he is too polite to say anything.

Fortunately I'm not that weight now, I am still overweight but a much more manageable 13 stone.

AperolWhore · 20/06/2023 21:17

ChunkyMonkey2020 · 20/06/2023 21:03

I maybe did, but it was my husband I was sat next too so he is too polite to say anything.

Fortunately I'm not that weight now, I am still overweight but a much more manageable 13 stone.

I’m 5”10 and used to be 22 stone and I’m now a healthy 12 stone so I feel the OPs pain

onwardsup4 · 22/06/2023 07:45

Plussizemum · 20/06/2023 18:22

Also I believe it’s only around a 2 hour flight so if it’s a tight squeeze shouldn’t be too awful 🤞

This might sound daft but can you afford to book out the third seat next to you? Saves having to sit next to a random as well 😂

Plussizemum · 25/06/2023 16:28

Well my surprise was a holiday abroad for the weekend we flew with a company called whizz and not only was everything find I was actually fairly comfy. No squash at all, had the arm rests down the whole time, no seatbelt extender needed I was super happy!

OP posts:
tribpot · 25/06/2023 16:58

Oh that's fantastic, @Plussizemum - so glad you were able to enjoy yourself.

SpeedbirdSquawker · 25/06/2023 17:35

Hello @Plussizemum. I fly every three months or so with Ryanair and I'm 5'6 and 24 stone and carry my weight around my belly.

I fit in the seat fine with room to shuffle around if needs be and don't spill onto other seats. I do, however, need a belt extender. The seatbelts on Ryanair come around 5 inches too short for me.

The staff are always absolutely fine and discreet when handing me an extender (I ask as I get on the plane, rather than when i'm seated), and they do this day in, day out so don't bat an eyelid.

I do always pay to choose my seat in advance so I can choose a window seat (avoid the exit rows if you do need an extender, they'll ask you to move) and I also pay for priority boarding and try to be at the front of the queue at the boarding gate so I can settled and buckled up in my seat before any of my neighbour passengers come and sit down.

Everyone I have sat next to have always been absolutely fine, some even really lovely. Are you going with anyone? I always fly solo. If you're flying with someone you can have the armrest up.

Please don't worry about your flight. I used to do before I started flying regularly and now I actually absolutely love flying!

Some posters might also advise you buy an extra seat, but honestly, you won't need one.

Who are you flying with? Ryanair tend to be the worst for seat width and belt length, but I have always had a great flight. Word of caution though, I can never quite get the table down as my belly is in the way. I used to be terrified of using the plane toilet as I have heard they are tiny so end up for a mad dash for the loo at the airport i've landed in, but last time my leg was painful (torn tendons) and I needed to stretch it as well as use the toilet, so ended up in the plane loo and guess what, it was again absolutely fine! What scared me on that one was seeing a YouTube video of a woman of my size not being able to move properly in the aeroplane bathroom. Meh, I had room to move!

Have a great flight...there's a whole world out there!

SpeedbirdSquawker · 25/06/2023 17:37

OP, you've been! Well done! I'm glad it was all good for you!

EmmaGrundyForPM · 27/06/2023 03:30

Plussizemum · 25/06/2023 16:28

Well my surprise was a holiday abroad for the weekend we flew with a company called whizz and not only was everything find I was actually fairly comfy. No squash at all, had the arm rests down the whole time, no seatbelt extender needed I was super happy!

Brilliant!

Plussizemum · 01/07/2023 08:10

i flew back home with Ryan air and it was one of their newest planes! I’ll be honest it wasn’t such a comfortable journey. I still fit in the seat and the belt just about done up but the leg room was horrendous! My partner who has always flown and gone abroad regularly said it’s the most uncomfortable he’s ever been on a plane and he’s not at all over weight and average height for a guy. I little side note I also have managed to lose another 2lb even while going away and having a birthday. Next holiday I promise myself I’ll be in the middle seat enjoy all the room around my much small self 😅

OP posts:
TennisWithDeborah · 02/07/2023 10:24

Glad you had a good holiday and that the outbound flight was comfortable OP. And congrats on the weight loss so far.

Shopgirl1 · 02/07/2023 13:28

Ryan air new seats are awful, I’m 6ft and size 10 and found them horrific on a long flight not so long ago, couldn’t wait to get off, my back was killing me from being so squashed.

Wintersgirl · 02/07/2023 20:04

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

Nope, it won't be allowed, you must use the Airline extension seat belt that will conform to CAA safety regulations.

ZestFest · 02/07/2023 20:19

Yes you'll be able to fit but you'll possibly need an extender. I travelled last October half term and was around 24 stones then. Like you I've since lost weight and am now 21 stones 7 and am looking forward to fitting in easily when we travel in a couple of weeks. You will be fine! 😘

tribpot · 02/07/2023 20:29

@ZestFest the OP is now back (and she was indeed fine)

ZestFest · 02/07/2023 20:31

Yes, embarrassingly I saw that after I posted. That'll teach me to read the whole thread 😕I'm glad you were fine OP albeit uncomfortable x

OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo · 08/10/2023 22:11

Just posting to say thanks for this thread. I'm 22 stone but hoping to lose a few stone before I fly next year....

It's a good motivator.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page