[JanetG]

Hi all - need some advice - if you have any to offer. I started a new job a couple months ago and I just found out I have to go out of town to some training, which will require me to get on an airplane. I am not afraid of flying - I am afraid I will get on the plane and not fit in the seat!! I have to fly with my boss and my boss' boss and all I can envision is walking down the isle to my seat and not being able to fit in it. I only have 18 days until I go and I am sick about what to do. Does anyone know the dimensions of a standard airline seat? Maybe I can find an equal width chair, just to get an idea if I will fit. I have even thought of driving instead (it would be about an 8 hour trip) but that would look strange to my boss.

Has anyone else been in this situation?

I flew about 8 years ago, and weighed about 8 lbs less than I do now, and I just fit then. And I remember going through this same panic then. You'd have thought it would have motivated me to do something about this weight, but unfortunately, it didn't

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

[suenami]

You can always call the airlines and ask them, I'm sure they get that question all the time!

[luvja]

go to www.seatguru.com, if you know the type of the airplane you can see exactly what it looks like inside. seats are normally about 17" wide, in economy. I fly frequently to Jamaica on Air Canada, which is a good airline with good sized seats. I fit into those seats just fine, but the seatbelt is tight(I'm hoping when I go back in December I fit better). I've flew on Skyservice, worst airline ever. Not only were the seats tiny, there was absolutley no leg room. I've got long legs. But thats a Canadian airline, so you don't have to worry about it.
But check out seatguru.
P.s. You can ask the airline for a seatbelt extender, or if you are too shy, you can actually buy them from stores apparently.

[jimaterry]

i flew to england when i weighed about 320lbs.. the smaller southwest airline seat fit me but was a bit cramped.. i did ask for a seatbelt extender when i got on.. the second flight from salt lake city to atlanta ga was on delta and was a bigger seat.. still needed extensions tho.. but i just ask the stewardess as i board... the third flight.. from atlanta to manchester england was on a huge plane.. bigger seat, but still needed extension.. no need to be embarrased.. just ask as you board.. less people hear ya that way lol..hope this helps

[Ookpik]

I used to do what Jimaterry suggested, ask as I boarded. The flight attendant usually was unableto give it to me right then, but would make her way down the aisle shortly with it in her hand...usually discreet, but one inconsiderate b***h had it dangling for everyone to see. I know the feeling, Janet.

A few years ago, on my first trip to New York, I flew on Westjet (a Canadian airline) and asked for an extender as I boarded. The flight attendant was good and brought it to me discreetly, but upon sitting I was pleased to find that the seatbelt fit! I think you should check out the site Luvja suggested. That Westjet plane I was on was a Boeing-737...do you know what type of plane you will be on?

[uhaveaprettyface]

I flew to Scotland in 2006 with continental. I was 336 at the time and fit fine. I was definitly not the most comfortable for the 11 hr trip, but it was ok. I did ask for an extender. All, but one flight attendant were very discreet (theres always one ) )
You can do a lot in 18 days by the way. I don't know what eating plan you are on, but I find eating low carb melts off inches quickly. I have been doing it off and on as I need to fit into a bridemaids dress for my sisters wedding.
Good Luck to you!
Nicole

[Glory87]

A quick Google search for this site http://www.extend-its.com/ that sells seatbelt extenders (although they are pricier than I thought they would be!)