We always fly Southwest from NY to FL, in fact we are going in april. I never have had a problem and my hubby is over 300 and he just asks for the seat belt extender. We each sit with one of our kids, who are so skinny they are practically nonexistent, and we have no problem fitting. I think you will be just fine. I do not think they will even notice your weight.
I went to Vegas at your weight and height(I'm big all over,but my backside slightly more) and I had no problems.I had an aisle seat there(that was most ideal) and a middle seat home (I should have asked for a belt extender,but with people on both sides of me,I was embarassed and sucked it in and buckled).Arm rests were down both ways and it was ok.I was scared too,but really...try not to worry about it.
Oh! I don't think you'll need one, but if you want to have a seat belt extender but don't want to ask/draw attention to yourself you can buy your own online. Not sure where, but do a google search, I'm sure you'll find one
I agree with others, wear something nice and look professional if you can. It's sad that you have to do that, but it does diminish the chances they'll single you out.
You'll be fine! I flew From Hawaii to LAX when I was 9 months pregnant (and juuuust shy of 300 lbs). Nobody even looked my way and I fit just fine, no extender needed. The flight was nearly empty so I ended up with an empty seat next to me anyway .
I'm going to be the odd girl out because I hate what SW has done to other fat people. I'd check the rates on JetBlue. They don't have the same history of fat bigotry, IMHO.
Normally I would do anything to avoid Southwest, but it would be pretty awkward to fly without the group. Plus, this is the only direct flight from San Jose to Vegas, so I don't even have anything else to suggest to my colleagues.
I'm sure you will be fine. My suggestion was more motivated by my loathing of SW for what they have done to other people. There are a lot of companies I boycott for various reasons.
Relax!! I am 5'4" and was 7months pregnant at about 265 and I flew on Southwest without any issues. I fit in the seat and just kept my hands on my tummy. Ok, to be fair, this was about 10 yrs ago, so maybe things are different now. Still no worries. You'll fit in the seat just fine with people being just as comfortable around you. Have fun!
Calm your fears.
I flew SW when I was over 300 lbs and wearing a 26-28. I didn't need the seat belt extender and nothing, I repeat, nothing was said about my weight.
Relax; stick to your plan; and have fun in my birthplace-Las Vegas!!!!
Girl, I was 286 @ 5'4 when I flew and even I managed a single seat. I think you're ok. The only thing was that the seatbelt was a little too snug (for me) but I still didn't need the extender. Hopefully next time I fly I'll even be able to tighten it a little.
Last edited by gonnabfitmom; 02-03-2012 at 05:09 PM.
