Lifestyle tips

Hey! Ive been yo-yoing in weight until the last couple months where im sustaining over 280 pounds at 6’ 1”. And just recently have started to fly a lot for work. How do people tolerate the fixed arm rests? So many planes have different length belts and just had my first ever needing a seatbelt extender.

Do you have any tips on your favorite way to fly, get free or cheap seat upgrades or things to even do to help you on the plane the day prior or day of? Any tips for those just joining the chubby-travel club??

Thank you!

To be honest there is not much that you can do. The last years I was around you size. 185cm and 125-130 kilos
If you alsways fly the same directions you can test different airlines.
The worst are usually the cheap Holliday airlines.
In my experience the upgrades will only get u leg room.
But some airlines Ofer to book an free space next to u. But all upgrades are expensive … and not really worth it !
U can bring an extender so u don’t have to ask for one if you don’t like the emberacement… some people get of by it.

I recommend checking the website SeatGuru. They have fairly extensive reviews on seating complete with charts. So when you're selecting your seat for travel, you can go to the site, enter your flight's plane model and find something that works. i've heard some people buy their own seatbelt extender to carry when traveling, but I've always asked the flight attendant for one as I'm boarding, never had an issue with that. Hope you find safe and comfortable travel!

Depending on the airline and passengers, you may be able to get the bulk head/exit row seats if you ask/select/pay at check in or try and get an aisle seat so you can stretch a leg into the aisle.

As for upgrades, one potential option is to stick to an airline with a rewards programme and become a higher tier as they may offer upgrades as a perk for overbooked flights, free seat selection, etc. Also try to look nice.

Just beware that none of these are guaranteed and the latter especially based on anecdotes. Last time I got a free upgrade it was because of a family members staff discount and possibly a glitch.



From what I've heard, holiday centric routes can also be bad, even 'reputable' airlines.