Flying is a pain for everyone, and many overweight and obese people are nervous about flying.
Instances such as getting kicked off of planes, being humiliated in public at the airport, or being forced to buy two seats sometimes happen. These tips will help you avoid such things and to be comfortable in your air travel:
1. See your doctor.
See if you suffer from high blood pressure, a bad back or heart problems. You don't want to get sick on the plane. If you're obese, chances are you have health problems. Obese people are six times more likely to develop a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein caused by sitting for extended periods called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
2. Book a seat on a plane that has a two-seat configuration.
Book this instead of a three-seat one. Two seats by the windows are much roomier.
Research your options. Find websites that will give you all of the information you need, including the seat width and plane setup for every airline.
3. Travel with someone.
Getting seated next to a stranger might give you a hard time about your size. You can go with your spouse or family member who would be non-judgmental.
4. Go to the airport early.
Get to the airport two to three hours before your boarding time. That way, you can negotiate your needs with the staff.
5. Befriend the gate agent.
The job of a gate agent is a thankless job. Just taking the time to ask the gate agent how their day is going can go a long way. Who knows? Maybe he can shuffle seats around a bit.
Check-in with the gate agent and see if they can lend a hand. Explain your needs as a passenger of size. This may require a certain level of bravery.
6. Pack loose clothing.
Or wear nothing tight. Dress in light layers, bring a shawl or lightweight blanket, and keep your shoes on. You can bring light tops with leggings or loose trousers.
Your suitcase must accommodate a lot and be light-weight and compartmentalized. Keep accessories to a minimum.
7. Put a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
With your bag having a slight chance of being AWOL, bring some essentials in your carry-on bag such as a pair of underwear and a change of clothes.
8. Bring your own seatbelt extender.
Accept that fast that the airline seatbelt doesn't fit. Some flight attendants have been obnoxious and rude to plus-size passengers when giving them an extender. If standard seatbelts aren't long enough to be secured safely and comfortably and they aren't available for asking, bring your own seatbelt extender.
9. Purchase a premium economy or business seat.
In the emergency row, the armrests can't be raised.
10. Get up and stretch.
Get up every two to three hours to stretch, flexing toes, rotating ankles, and doing calf stretches while seated. Again, this is to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
