So, I haven't flown in awhile and I keep hearing about people getting put off planes because they are too big. I leave for the beach in two months and am really worried about this. SOOO, I am back and working hard to lose 15 pounds before vacation. That will put me back where I was last time I flew. Wish me luck and willpower.

Good luck. You could probably lose that and more if you stick 100% to your plan. These last minute ditch efforts to lose weight for a big occasion always seem to backfire on me, but hopefully you are the kind of chick who works well under pressure! Oh, and remember there is always the return flight, so you'll need to be extra good while you are on your vacation. I can easily gain 15 pounds in one week ...seriously!

I flew at my highest weight (360ish lbs) and I did need a belt extender but I did fit into the seat. I think when I crossed the 300 lb mark, I no longer needed a belt extender. You should be fine.

At my highest weight I barely fit with a regular belt on a Southwest plane I did fit though!

Thanks for the encouragement guys. And thankfully, I work best under pressure. Always have. And I know you are right, Robin. I have let myself get off track because it is "easier." Why I think it is easier to be 100 pounds overweight, I have no idea. But I'm changing that mentality and headed back on plan.

Youll totally fit... I flew just this summer and i have some poundage on you!! dont worry about it!

You -probably- will fit, however each airline is different. If you are concerned enough, call the airline or find out what kind of plane you'll be flying and google it's specs. Having said that, I want to say this...even if you do fit, why not aim for a decent loss before leaving so you have a bit more room in the seat AND to make the water weight/bloating etc people seem to get when flying seem a bit less intense.

I have gotten to the point where I absolutely hate, loathe, and despise flying. Most of the time I "fit", though it's always cramped. In fact, I seldom need a belt extender on big planes, just on the small "puddle jumper" planes (25-30 seats total).

But I get SO stressed about so much when I fly:

• whether I'll need a belt extender, or whether I'll need to put the regular belt under my belly apron (or hide the end so the steward/ess thinks it's connected even if it's not)
• Whether I'll fit the seat
• Whether I'll have a neighbor, or can raise the arm beside me
• Whether I'll "spread out" into my neighbor's seat (especially bad if the neighbor is overweight, too)
• the looks the steward/ess invariably gives me
• Whether I'll even be able to feel my hips by the time the trip is over, because they go numb from being squished so long
• The absolute dread of having to get up and use the toilet
• Not bothering to get a drink or snack, not because I'm dieting but because I can't get the tray table down flat because of my belly
• The awkwardness of getting up and getting my stuff after a long trip when I've tried for an hour or more not to move at all

I travel twice a year for work, and I hate it. Next week, I'm going to North Carolina, and have chosen to drive the whole way just to avoid the plane situation. Not looking forward to the drive itself, but I'm amazed at how absolutely not-stressed I am about size issues during the trip.

That being said, it's NEVER as bad as I imagine it will be. It's just one of the situations where my weight really limits my comfort, and I can't ignore it as much as I usually do. /sigh

You will probably be absolutely fine. LIke others have said, check out your flight and see what size the seats are. Most are bigger than they used to be, as are the belts.

I think it depends on the airline and how you carry your weight... When I was 240ish I barely fit on Northwest... but I fit.

What a timely thread. I am flying next month and was also concerned that I won't "fit". I guess I'll hope for a thin neighbor on the flight!

My weight is all in my hips. I know the seat belt will always fit but the fat oozes a bit over the armrests. Only one time did a man embarass me, he yelled loudly "this sucks" because the seat next to him was the only one left, I was trapped in the middle. If you can get a window seat or an aisle seat you have more leeway cause you can shift some bulk toward the "empty" side. I know that feeling of going down the aisle and everybody stares at you, I too avoid drinking so I don't have to go to the bathroom unless it's an emergency. I just booked a train ticket cross country to avoid having to fly. I really think flying is a horrible experience now, people are ruder, it's just so unpleasant.

That is where my weight is too, right on the hips. Luckily, I was able to book my ticket, and pick my own seat online. I picked the aisle seat. I am still really nervouse though.

Body shape matters as much if not more than actual weight! For pear shaped women, we may not always fit or be able to get the arm rests down even below 300 pounds!

Synger, I feel much as you do about flying. I could have written this:

It's so true. I have seen women bigger than I am (and men of course) who fit easily, the apple shaped types. The hips are the issue for sure. The only time I'm comfortable is when I'm flying with my husband cause I can infringe more on him. I vow when I get thin I'm always going to sit next to a heavy person, cause I sure won't forget how it feels when you're not.

I remember clearly the first time flying was uncomfortable. I think I was around 190 and I went to fiddle with the buttons to change the music, and I couldn't even get my hand down there to do it! I was so shocked. Before I could always see all the numbers and had no trouble at all.

I'm pear shaped as well but also body composition matters. If you have more muscle or not.