Obesity and Aeroplanes

LegacyUser

Hi all. Bit of a silly question here and may not be in the correct forum, but I'm a bit anxious over it...

I'm going on a little holiday abroad at the end of August. The thing is, I'm a bit worried about fitting into the seat. Please, don't laugh! I've known about this trip since January, my first ever trip in an aeroplane. Since January, I've lost 5 and a half stone, going from 24 stone to a little over 18 but I'm worried it isn't enough...

I've heard lots of stories about plane seats being compact to ensure extra pasengers and thus more money. I'm really worried about making a scene and being embarrassed in front of my buddies. I realise this sounds ridiculous but please, don't judge! I'm 6ft, so 18 stone is about 4/5 stone over my BMI. Do people think it'll be ok? I really want to go on this holiday, but can't afford an extra seat or a move to first class.

Thanks.

Victor

Talk to the airline, but I'm sure you'll be OK.

See if you can reserve a seat with extra space - aisle seat on an exit row, etc. If you can't reserve it, show up early and ask for one.

The_Conductor

Most regular airlines will allow people who are very overweight (I would not necessarily put you in this category) to reserve two seats and have longer seat belts etc. (the budget airlines are notable exceptions to this). Sitting at an emergency exit will give you extra leg room- but is balanced by you are not allowed to have any hand luggage with you- it has to be stowed in the hold or overhead, you cannot put a jacket (or indeed anything whatsoever) under the seat in front of you and cannot keep anything (other than reading material) with you.

As Victor said- if you are really worried, do contact the airline and discuss it with them. They do their best to accommodate all passengers.

tallaghtoutlaws

Im a frequent traveller on all airlines. I travel through Europe and the USA and im actually down under at the moment. I weigh 19 stone and just under 6 foot and have no problems on planes. The smaller planes like Ryanair or easyjet them small 737 or airbus 320 can be very tight but the seats are wide enough. The location of your seat wont make much difference altough for access going to the toilet etc aisle would be better, the exit seats will offer more leg room but because of size and fitness it is rare that the check in agent will move you due to stereotyping. Don't worry too much about it. Check in as early as possible ask for the leg room seats you may get them but as a 19 stone guy I fit very comfortably into the seats.

ArphaRima

I'm of the strict opinion that two seats used, two seats paid for. It is illegal to have the armrests up for takeoff/ldg btw. And using the emergency exit rows is for able bodied persons only. At your size on some aircraft, you would be a danger to everyone

ArphaRima

on the aircraft trying to get past you onto the overwing emergency exits(which you may or may not have difficulty passing through). You should sit at the rearmost or foremost row, and in a window seat. Thats best for you (near toilet) and best for others (not blocking access).

BLUE-EYE-BOY

fluffer wrote:

I'm of the strict opinion that two seats used, two seats paid for. It is illegal to have the armrests up for takeoff/ldg btw. And using the emergency exit rows is for able bodied persons only. At your size on some aircraft, you would be a danger to everyone

Fluffer i agree that if you need two seats then you should have to pay for them. But to say that he is a danger to everybody else is a stupid and harsh comment to make. The piolt could drinking up at the front of cockpit or he could be bloody stoned for all you know. Everyone who gets on that plane is a danger no matter how big or small you are.

I have friend who is just under 18stone and he offen goes back home for holidays and never has a problems when flying.

tallaghtoutlaws

fluffer wrote:

I'm of the strict opinion that two seats used, two seats paid for. It is illegal to have the armrests up for takeoff/ldg btw. And using the emergency exit rows is for able bodied persons only. At your size on some aircraft, you would be a danger to everyone

Be careful what you say Im 19 stone and to say someone of size is a danger to everyone is ignorance. Anyone on a plane at any given time can be danger. Think before you speak.

We are supposed to posting to help this guy not making him worry about flying. As I already said Im 19 stone and of size and fly regularly all over. If you are worried about your size check with the airline. But you should be fine.

The_Conductor

I'm a little over 12 stone myself but do have a medical condition.
I always request an aisle seat at the emergency exit (I fly about 2 or 3 times a month) and have yet to be refused it (note: this is always with Aerlingus). I personally would probably be of far more risk than a 19 stone person- so I really do not see what the point is. Certainly there may be an issue with a mobility impaired person sitting at, and potentially blocking, an emergency exit- this is not the case with the OP or myself. My gf never ever sits at emergency exits- because she would not be able to open them in an emergency (as she is rather petit in size). Having a wheel chair or a childrens buggy/pram blocking an emergency exit would naturally be a concern- personally I'd be thrilled if a 6ft something guy was at an emergency exit in a position to help others should something go wrong.

Gone West

fluffer wrote:

I'm of the strict opinion that two seats used, two seats paid for. It is illegal to have the armrests up for takeoff/ldg btw. And using the emergency exit rows is for able bodied persons only. At your size on some aircraft, you would be a danger to everyone

no he wouldnt.
You dont know what youre talking about. 18 stone for a 6' person isnt too bad, and he will fit just fine.

qz

fluffer wrote:

At your size on some aircraft, you would be a danger to everyone

He was only asking for some help, not abuse. Don't be so ignorant.

LundiMardi

op, don't worry about it, you will fit fine, i am just back from a couple of weeks traveling, i'm 6ft 4 and prob about 22 stone, some of the planes were a tight squeeze for me, the tightest being with ryanair(i was actually in a bit of pain and had a bruise on my hip from only a 45 minute flight) but the rest were fine, in fact easyjet was the more spacious along with aer lingus(although depends on the plane i guess) the airbus 320 was very spacious..

Moral of the story, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Ruu_Old

You'll be fine OP but if you want to put your mind at ease, give the airline a call anyway, best of luck.

doctor evil

smccarrick wrote:

I'm a little over 12 stone myself but do have a medical condition.
I always request an aisle seat at the emergency exit (I fly about 2 or 3 times a month) and have yet to be refused it (note: this is always with Aerlingus). I personally would probably be of far more risk than a 19 stone person- so I really do not see what the point is. Certainly there may be an issue with a mobility impaired person sitting at, and potentially blocking, an emergency exit- this is not the case with the OP or myself. My gf never ever sits at emergency exits- because she would not be able to open them in an emergency (as she is rather petit in size). Having a wheel chair or a childrens buggy/pram blocking an emergency exit would naturally be a concern- personally I'd be thrilled if a 6ft something guy was at an emergency exit in a position to help others should something go wrong.

Why do you think a little over 12 stone is a lot?, just he impression I got from your post.

seamus

You'll be fine. I'm 5' 11" and was 17.5 stone at my peak, and I never had any trouble fitting into seats, or fitting down the aisle, and I sat in the exit row plenty of times.

Unless you're strangely proportioned (i.e. ass like the back of a bus), or have trouble walking, then I don't see any problems.

Fajitas!

You'll be grand, ask for a seat at the front, I'm 6'4 with a feiced kneecap and find there's an extra few inches there. and ask for an aisle seat too, so you can give your legs an extra bit of movement.

ArphaRima

Ok, maybe not applicable in OP's case. But I have refused to sit beside obese people as a passenger on these grounds before. In fact, I have had them moved. I happen to know a bit about the subject.

ArphaRima

The emergency exit row may have more room, but it is for ABLE bodied persons only. There is a debate on at the moment in many airlines as to what that means. Massively obese imo is not able bodied. Checkin staff may not care though..

latenia

To the OP: I've been away a couple of times with a friend who was over 20 stone and about 5" 7. There were never any problems fitting into the seat. If you have a problem with the seatbelt you can ask the steward for an extension.

To fluffer: what are you doing on this thread?

Gone West

fluffer wrote:

Ok, maybe not applicable in OP's case. But I have refused to sit beside obese people as a passenger on these grounds before. In fact, I have had them moved. I happen to know a bit about the subject.

your posts would suggest otherwise.
This guy is looking for help.
Not some *insult removed* telling him that he's massively obese when he isn't.
Give it a rest.

Drop it and move on.
You lose an argument on the internet and appear foolish.
Life goes on much as it has this past age.
In other news, tomorrow is Monday.

Crash

as an aside- i'm the other end of the scale. I'm 9-10 stone, and 6ft. so by your assumption I would also be considered not able bodied. However, I wouldnt, and nor would the man of the aboves stature, have any issue with removing a 20kg exit door if needed like. In fact, the fact that I can lift 20kg's easily enough is why i request an emergency row seat - prefer to know if needs be I can do it, and not some old granny as I've seen before.

BuffyBot

to be honest, I've seen people a lot bigger than 18 stone squashed into airline seats - OP..you should be fine, trust me.

LegacyUser

Lads, thanks for the help. Maybe a bit of Body Dismorphyia going on! I'll give the airline a ring tomorrow to check out like one or two of you have said. Anyway, a month left, might have a couple more pounds lost by then! Unfortunatley, coming back I'll probably be in more trouble after the planned excessive alcohol intake!!

Thanks again everyone! Great help to me!!!!

RuggieBear

I'm 5'11, 20 stone and have no problem with airline seats.

LundiMardi

fluffer wrote:

Ok, maybe not applicable in OP's case. But I have refused to sit beside obese people as a passenger on these grounds before. In fact, I have had them moved. I happen to know a bit about the subject.

Just stop posting.

CathyMoran

doctor evil wrote:

Why do you think a little over 12 stone is a lot?, just he impression I got from your post.

Smccarrick is 5ft 9 inches tall, so would be on the upper end of the normal scale for his BMI (though he is quite muscular)...I am only 5ft 2inches tall and 7.5 stone with far less muscle strength and would be afraid that I would not be able to open the emergency door, so would also be happier if someone who was stronger than me was sitting there.

RuggieBear

shane is tiny if you ask me

The_Conductor

Thanks for the compliments guys.....
I should perhaps have rephrased my post- the reason I want the aisle seat at the emergency exit is because of a medical condition I am quite likely to need to visit the bathroom a lot more than most normal people, and I like a little extra room at the emergency exit because of a very upset stomach.

CathyMoran

RuggieBear wrote:

shane is tiny if you ask me

Actually he is VERY big in a certain department (no wonder I am glad that he is my partner) but back to the OP, I do not think that weight should ever be an issue in terms of sitting at the emergency exit, strength should be. I have a cousin who is 5ft 8in but would be a lot larger than me, she has never had any problems with any of her flights and she has to fly at least 3-4 times a month all over the world.

frobisher

fluffer wrote:

At your size on some aircraft, you would be a danger to everyone

Don't be a dick.

Victor

Victor wrote:

See if you can reserve a seat with extra space - aisle seat on an exit row, etc. If you can't reserve it, show up early and ask for one.

Good suggestions, especially getting in an exit row.