kak113

I was reading in the Fodors book last night about if people weight more than 220 lbs they will need an extra seat on the small planes between camps. Is this the case with all of the airlines? Is this something I need to tell our travel agent of in advance or is this assessed at the time of the flight in the event that there is not too much weight on the plane?

My boyfriend is handicapped (he wears a prosthetic arm) and so this is another concern on the plane - he will need to be wearing it. While we couldn't need wheelchair accessible rooms on the trip, I am hoping that the small plane travel will not be an issue. Anyone have any insight?

sandi

I would strongly suggest you discuss in detail with your travel agent all of these concerns.

While I cannot attest to the weight limits of passengers, I can tell you, if you are talking about the small planes in East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, the seats and space (aisle) to navigate are very narrow.

So, not only for your convenience, but that of other passengers, it is recommended that a second seat be purchased.

Your travel agent should know of allergies, food preferences, disabilities (use of cane, walker, stairs, hills, etc.) to accommodate you once at your lodging. And, anything else that may be an issue in an environment other than home.

If you'd list your itinerary - where (which country/ies), areas to visit, by road or air, lodges/camps you'll be staying - we can advise/comment.

buzztechie

We spoke to our travel agent about the weight restrictions and we were told it would not be an issue... no extra charge. But I would still talk to your travel agent about it and have them check for you so you don't get any surprises while on safari. We flew 3 times in the small Seofane airplanes and despite being small, I had no problem getting in and out of them and I would be what you call a "full-figured" gal.

As for the handicap. Although not a prosthetic like your boyfriend, I have both a right knee & right elbow replacement and was fine while on safari. My replaced knee doesn't have the range of motion of a normal knee and it was a bit of acrobatics to get in and out of the mokoros, but overall, I had no problems with steps or planes or much else. The guides and staff were always there to help if needed. It would be a good idea to also talk with your travel agent about this as well so your tour company or lodges are aware of the handicap... just in case.

Dlemma

We have a trip to Namibia/Botswana set up for next month and we were told that if an individual weighs more than 220 pounds or a couple weighs more than 390 pounds combined that we would have to purchase an extra seat on the transfer flights. It's not just the matter of fitting into the seats and manuvering through the doors. Those small planes can only carry so much weight.

In 2005, we were over the 390 pound limit so we purchased extra seats. The good news this year is that we have gotten under the limit

dssxxxx

You do not have to worry.

I am 6'4" and 250 - Big....not fat..

On our flights within Tz there were always a few (3-6) big boys and we were never questioned about our weight. In fact, no baggage on any of the flights were checked for weight.

I would have no worries.

sandi

dssxxxx

Great for a healthy person with agile limbs, but if in the case of kak113, her boyfriend needs ample room for movement and negotiation it just might not be all that comfortable. Even though most flights are short, 1/hr (some 1.5 to 2/hrs) in cramped quarters may put a damper on the experience.

kak113 should be certain her travel agent has all information so a determination can be made as to what may (or may not) be required, for the benefit of the traveler.

Hakuna matata (no problem) doesn't always work!