I know this has been brought up before, and I told myself to relax and not get prematurely anxious about it, but I just had to ask.

I'm flying with Southwest tomorrow, and I've read so many horror stories about how they embarrass their overweight passengers, and I'm terrified of it happening to me. I've never flown Southwest before, so I was hoping someone who has could give me a little perspective. I've only flown international flights before, and always through other airlines. So far I've never had a problem, but after hearing so much about Southwest, I really am worried that they'll pick me out at the gate for being too large.

I'm 5'1 and about 210 lbs. I have a very pronounced pear shape and most of the bulk is on my hips (at the widest, my hips are about 52 inches). Do you think I'll be able to fit in the seats?

I flew Southwest when I weighed much more than you and I had similar fears but they never said anything. I am also a pear and I even had to ask for a seatbelt extension. I don't think they'll embarrass you and you should fit, it might be a tight fit but it shouldn't be an issue. I really wouldn't stress about it. I think they learned some sensitivity after getting a lot of press.

You can also see if you can arrange early seating so that hopefully nobody will sit next to you.

I flew southwest in September when I was around 240lbs at 5'4. They didn't give me any sort of grief. Show up early cause first come first come seating.. if you get to pick your seat first maybe no one will sit next to you if there are extra seats

As far as fitting.. should fit okay. I didn't need a seatbelt extension or anything.

Last time I flew Southwest I was 290 pounds and I am 5'3. I am also a very pronounced pear shape. They gave me no trouble. In the past I had to ask for a seatbelt extender, but that time I didn't. You'll be fine.

Thanks a lot. This does help. My flight's later in the evening. I checked in as early as I could and my boarding spot is A 50-something. I think that should be good enough to be able to select a seat and not have to squeeze in between two people.

If you're in the A group you should be golden to have your pick (with the exception of a really tiny plane.. it'd have to be less than 25-30 rows). We were in the B group most of the time and got to pick out own row.

You will be fine! I always take a window seat so I can hug it. And I always fly Southwest.

I was over 300lbs and couldn't fasten my seatbelt and I know the got the side-eye from a flight attendant but was too embarrassed to ask for an extender. The last time I flew last year I was 199 and had a forearm length of excess belt. I kept playing with it the whole flight just delighting myself with the extra room. That feeling is what presses me to get back there, I want the delight back.

I carry all my weight in my hips and stomach so you should be just fine with your pear shape. I hope you are going somewhere nice and warm!

Thanks a lot for all the replies. I was going to New York for a mini holiday and just got back.

I was pretty surprised, but I fit quite comfortably in the seats. I could even tighten the seatbelt a couple of inches. The seats were definitely bigger than I thought. I also got very lucky and didn't have anyone next to me on either of my flights (it was probably because by default people would rather sit next to a thinner person than a larger one but honestly, I am not complaining).