I know over the last 10 years that I've only gotten bigger and bigger, but I swear the airline seats have also gotten smaller and smaller. You've read the stories of people being told they are too large to fly and either have to buy a 2nd seat or just leave the plane. Have you ever feared that? We are going to DIsney in 3 months and I get scared thinking that one of these days I'll be told that. I'm in the low 200s right now - and I pray that I will stay strong and continue this journey without giving up - as I've given up so many times in the past - my hope is that I will have lost 40 pounds by the time of our trip and be in the low 190s. And will still fear that is too large.
I flew a lot when I was in my 230-240 range, and never had any problems. I think you should be just fine. But use that as motivation to keep up the great work!
I was only a little uncomfortable on some of those teeny little planes. But the big planes were fine.
Have a fun trip!
When I was 5'2"-5'3" and somewhere north of 200lbs I flew quite a bit and never had an issue. I also know folks bigger than you who never had issues flying either.
I agree with the others. I don't think it's anything you have to worry about given your weight and height, but nothing wrong with using the fear as motivation to keep you on track.
I have flown United and Delta at 280 and that seemed to be the limit of the seat belt so I'm sure you'll be fine.
On another note - I went to Disney some time ago at around 215 and fit in EVERY ride. They only one the was probably seriously tight was space mountain.
I've heard Universal Studios is not as lenient in space as Disney, but I'm sure if you're right around 200 that would be fine too. (I hope! We're going in July)
I flew cross country at Thanksgiving. I and 5'8" and was 20 lbs heavier (280 lbs) and in a size 24W jeans and measured 54 inches around the hips. Did fine. Did not even need seat belt extender, though I confess I was running toward the end of the belt.
I think you are gonna be ok at 5'6" and 221 lbs. Don't overworry.
Is this a fear of being too large or a fear of FLYING and directing it elsewhere?
Just got back from a flying vacation (to NYC) and my husband who is 5'7" and 205 pounds didn't come close to using up the seat belt. I have to admit, I was thrilled to have ample room and so happy to be at a normal weight for the entire trip of planes, trains and automobiles...plus MILES of walking. Being a normal weight in New York City is a huge bonus!
I'm 5' 8" and the last time I flew I weighed 285 pounds. Since I'm an apple, most of my weight is carried in my stomach so my hips are relatively small. Thankfully, I didn't have any issues with the seat belt.
I flew in April (was only a few pounds less than now, probably around 235) and had no issues. I didn't have as much room in the seat as I would have liked, but I definitely fit. And I had a lot of extra slack on the seat belt.
My mother is bigger than I am, around size 24 and 280ish pounds, and she flew with no problems as well.
This is slightly related to the OP so I'll throw it out there. We were in Busch Gardens, Williamsburg last month and on every roller coaster in the place they were not letting people ride that were too big. I saw a bunch of folks get asked to leave the ride. I didn't see that at Disney last year, but I wasn't paying that much attention.
You shouldn't have a problem at all! I'm 5'8 and at my highest weight I had 60 inch hips and still managed to fly without being asked to buy an extra seat on Southwest, Continental or Delta. On smaller commuter 'Embraer' jets, get seats closer to the middle of the plane - a little more waist/hip room. On larger 737/747 jets you can make do just about anywhere - I always chose window seats so I could hug the plane for more room!
As far as the amusement rides go - I am of little help as I don't partake of themeparks often. Depending on where the safety straps and bars hit is where you may find discomfort but you shouldn't have an actual issue with getting on a ride.
I don't think you'll have a problem, either. I flew a couple years ago at over 250 (5'-7", size 22 jeans) with absolutely no trouble. You will be fine.
I flew in April of this year at 160 and size 10 jeans, and it was amazing to be the thin one in the row! LOL
Ever fear of being "too fat to fly?"
