Airplane-Induced Panic Attack - ThinnerTimes

Roaring_Girl · 04-24-2007, 03:10 AM

Okay. I've gone from my highest weight ever of 419 to 300 since I began this journey. In 6 mos post-op, I've lost 84 lbs. I have people who flat out can't believe I even weigh 300 lbs because I look so good, and I have a very hourglass figure (very small waist, proportionately). So my Honey and I were mulling over a trip back East this summer, and I was blithely planning it, looking at airfare prices, and then as I was cruising Southwest Airlines' policies and procedures, I hit the bit about charging "customers of size" for TWO seats if they can't fit into one (by which they mean pulling down the armrest where it should be). I do further exploration in which most coach seats are between 17" and 18" across. And then I burst into hysterical tears, complete with hyperventilating and nearly throwing up.

I can't do this. I am terrified of planning this entire trip and then getting onto an airplane and being told I'm too fat to fit into the damned seat. And my Honey is also an overweight man, I'm almost more worried about him than me. We fit onto every ride at Disneyland okay, though I think there were times it was tight for him and that was only a what? Couple minute ride? This is a plane trip from 7 to 9 hours long.

I am literally going to cancel our plans because I'm so terrified of this, terrified of all the horrible comments I've read online about people hating "fat passengers" who "spill over into their seats" and how people hate sitting next to fat people. I was literally pricing airfares not only by low price but by what plane they used and whether it was a 2-person or 3-person seating chart (if it were 2, my Honey and I would be fine being "squished" next to each other). I really don't think I can take this trip now.

Devestated doesn't begin to cover it.

Andie · 04-24-2007, 06:01 AM

I'm sorry...it is frustraiting. My dad sent me a plane ticket in the winter to go see him last year but I sent my hubby instead cause I was afraid of the same thing...plus I didn't want to leave my babies. But I feel your pain!! I'm sorry! Hugs!

bloomer001 · 04-24-2007, 06:29 AM

Ok, take a deep breath!! I can actually only speak for Southwest because that is who I have been flying with for a while. At my highest, 320, I still didn't have to get 2 seats. When all this "pay for 2 tickets" thing started I was mad! How could they do that? Then I had to fly for work and quickly. The only thing open was Southwest. I said I would never fly with them, but I didn't have a choice. They were wonderful about it! Very discreet, very polite. The woman at the ticket counter explained the policy, the man at the gate asked me to board first, while no one else was on the plane, the flight attendant came to my seat, and had buckle the seat belt and put the arm rests down. They didn't go down all the way, but she said it was good enough. Everyone kept saying they were sorry to bother me. It was done with taste and class and for that I have stuck with them. Now when I fly I sometimes see that first flight attenedant, yes she remembers, and yes we always joke about it. We all have fears about trying new things, but your making big changes, so I say, take that trip, and smile! Life is short, and there is sooo much fun to be had out there!

Texasflygirl · 04-24-2007, 07:31 AM

Keep in mind by this summer you will be smaller. Here's a tip: sit by the window, put the arm rests up, and have your husband sit it the middle seat. You guys will be cuddling close, and no one will be inconvenienced. Don't sweat it!

ladytonya · 04-24-2007, 09:35 AM

Price other airlines. Ever since Southwest announced this policy, I refuse to give them one penny of my money! Hubby and I had to fly last November for his 20th reunion. We searched and searched and ended up on a plane where we knew that it would be two seats. We knew that we could just squish together and no big deal! No way would I have sat in a three seat row because we would have taken up all three seats! At this point, I was 457 and hubby was probably around 420. We flew AirTran and had the best experience ever! We ended up upgrading to first class at the gate and were extremely comfortable on the flight! I looked in coach and it would have definitely been a tight fit, but we would have made due. Go on with your plans, and don't worry about looking for that two-seat row. Also, as someone stated earlier, you will be smaller by this summer! Go on your trip and HAVE FUN!

TX DEB · 04-24-2007, 09:07 PM

I just wanted to say I hear you. Don't think about what other people may think of you. They have their own issues anyway, and if they are concerned about you in your seat this is none of their business. Plus you will be losing more weight down the road. I flew in January at 230 pounds and it was a tight fit in that row of three. I swear the seats are way to small anyway, it's like every extra inch of room costs them money, it's ridiculous.

Hang In there,

Deb
LAP RNY 4/12/07