1. Ask for a seat belt
extension as you are boarding the plane. It's understandable that
some may find it a bit uncomfortable to ask for an extension. In
order to alleviate the problem request it as you are moving to your
seat. If you are not bold enough to ask for an extender, write down your
request. When boarding a plane there are always one or two flight attendants
greeting passengers as they board. Simply write down your seat number (If you
aren't flying Southwest
Airlines) and your request for an extender belt. Pass this note
along as you are boarding. Trust me, moments later your extender will arrive
with no fuss or glaring eyes.
2. Wide hips need more
room. Male or female I've witnessed and experienced this struggle. If you're
stuck in a middle seat I truly feel your pain. Simply ask your flight-mate if
they'd b gracious enough to switch from the isle seat. You never know until you
ask. This is for you as well as them. They will be much more comfortable
if you switched. If they say no, that's fine. Don't get dramatic it's
their prerogative. Why the isle seat? The isle seat is ideal for
large body frames, both width and height. For us 'hippy' individuals this is
your ideal seat. Your left side is free and unencumbered by another person,
which gives you a few more inches to work with. Unless you have a much larger
frame there shouldn't be any worry about FA's not being able to push the cart
up and down the isle. Should you need a little more room without purchasing an
additional seat, then the back row and of course the exit rows are your
alternative seating destinations.
3. Other than flying
first class the exit rows are a big guy or gals flight Mecca. Yes, in case
of an unexpected landing you'll have to assist other passengers off the plane.
Leg room for assistance? Sounds like an even trade to me. If you can book early
and secure an exit row seat, enjoy. However, still be mindful of those
next to you. This is a row where the window seat is OK, even if you have more
hips and dips.
4. Check your attitude at
the gate. Honestly no one cares that you have insecurities about flying. No one
wants to hold your hand either. Everyone on that plane has a destination and
their own agenda, problems and concerns swirling through their heads. How you
feel about flying is definitely not one of them. If you step on the plane with
a defensive attitude you just might get one back. Everyone wont be as
civil or discrete as the young lady from the scenario above. Board. Find
your seat. Get a drink. Relax. Enjoy your flight. I'll say it again. Check your
attitude at the gate.
5. Buying an extra seat
may be worth it in the end. On an airplane, train or bus everyone has to
share the same space. We're all cramped together. Why make t worse by trying to
fit your large frame in a seat exponentially too small for you? Yes it cost
more but us 'fluffies' have all been exposed to the fat tax. No, they're not
going to make airplanes with larger seats in coach. Let's just dead that
argument now. If anything they're figuring out ways to fit more people in the
same space. So for the sake of sparing you from going through a similar situation
like Jill Scott, get the extra seat or upgrade. This option is not for everyone
but if you know you NEED more space this is you best bet, even in business or
first class.
6. You can always upgrade
to business class or purchase a first class ticket. Trust me the extra room is
a God send. You could still end up with a flight-mate and the same rules apply
(see #1-2) in business or fist class. Yes, it's a bit more expensive but
you'll be flying in comfort. More legroom, wider seats and sometimes complementary
drinks, it's worth it. Who wouldn't want to upgrade? Often, if you
get to the gate early enough and ask very nicely about upgrades (you might get
one for free), you'll be surprised that it's sometimes only a difference of $12
to $50. This option isn't for everyone, however to those who can, I highly
suggest this.
7. Unless you're Richard Branson or
any other billionaire, I'm pretty sure this isn't your plane. Having a flight-mate is inevitable. More than likely they
won't be plus size, fat, fluffy, chunky or whatever word you like to use to
refer to your large frame (We'll discuss why in another post). And guess what.
They don't care that you're fat. Everyone just wants to arrive at their destination
just like you. Put the arm rest down. No matter how much hip you have it must
go down. It serves as a personal space divider and of course an ARM
REST. In addition, I know you may have larger arms but find a way to
share the arm rest. No need for "Elbow Wars 2015". If you find
yourself encumbering on their space, don't hesitate to ask. A simple "Do
you have enough room?" can go a long way. They'll be surprised that you
even thought to ask.
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