I wouldn't want all of that bad Karma boomeranging back to my skinny butt mg!
To everyone else I loved reading the helpful messages! This thread is in the true spirit of this message board.

Underhill: I'm not sure,my wife is a size 2.

Sgirl:Don't worry about me I'm a fit 6 foot 170lbs. My weight hasn't moved more than 5 lbs. in 30 years.

Until I started reading this post, and others like it, I had no idea of the prejudice that exists against people who are overweight--or maybe not just as thin as others think they should be. I have yet to hear anyone scold a thin person for not weighing enough, however, even if their low weight is unhealthy. I guess this site really attracts a judgmental crowd, and that's too bad.

You really can't get guarantee to have two adjacent economy seats for yourself even if you pay for both. The airline will likely try to accomdate you, but not 100% of the time.

I like what mclaurie suggested - British Airway's "World Traveller Plus" or Virgin's "Premium Economy". Both cost less than two economy tickets, or one business class tickets; but increased width and legroom and slightly better service.

Some airlines will accept a note from your doctor (bad back, etc.) for a special request. At least so you don't end up jammed in the middle seat of the 5-across row.

I am amazed everytime I read a post like this. I don't understand how the large person is always a "size 20". I am every inch a plus "size 20" yet I fit fine in an airline seat, I don't hang over into the other person's space and I don't need a seat belt extender.

Maybe it is the same phenomenon as those women who are larger than I and claim they wear a misses size 14?

Pass the croissants please,
Crepes aka Fatty

Crepes, I assure you my sister is a size 20. We clothes-shop together, and she wears an "Elisabeth" size 20, the brand of clothes she likes best. But she has a large butt ... so maybe she is shaped a little differently than you, though you are both size 20's. She has never needed a seat-belt extender, but when she flew Delta for a couple of trips on smaller jets, she said the seating was tight, and she could just get the arm rest down. If she was larger than a 20, there's no reason I wouldn't tell you!

It's a long trip. She might be more comfortable saving up her pennies and going business or first class. They have wider seats and more leg room. It really would be worth it. Perhaps you could try bidding on Priceline or something like that . . . or talk to a good travel agent.

crepes. her sister is bottom heavy, that is why the difference. Before my mom lost alot, alot of weight. she was a 20 but she had a very small rear (I say with envy!)

Perhaps my response was misunderstood. I am not questioning if she really wears a size 20. My disbelief is in the fact that every time a question like this is posted, immediately the suggestions (and sometimes very rude replies) run to buying two seats. I am just saying that I am this size and don't need two seats and doubt that everyone this size would either. I wear this size, and I am not encroaching on others. I wear this size, and I look like Twiggy compared to some others I see boarding who do need to buy two seats but don't.

Can someone explain this situation? Airlines are regularly reporting that they are flying at 70% of capacity. Some even less. Why not include a few rows of supersized seats? British newspapers are reporting that US obesity is at 60% of the population. Does this also mean that 60% of the travelling public needs larger/wider seats? Would the flying public patronize a major carrier with those special wider seats?

Oh, then we would see those size 6's become 16's or 20's just to get the jumbo seats. I don't like the sound of that "jumbo seat". A definite switch to claim to be a larger size.

I am a size 16, used to be a 20. I never had a problem on any flight except a Czech air when the tray table down was a tight squeeze(when I was a 20). I know I hate flying Delta. It seems the most uncomfortable for me.
I recently flew Delta, Continental, British Air, BMI and Volare. All were comfortable for coach except Delta. The CO and BA were newer planes. I fly to Maui on American to visit my son often and I think the seats are comfortable for a long haul flight.

I know you and your sister will have a wonderful trip. I am an only child and always wish I had a sister to do things with, especially travel. Don't choose Delta!

I hope everyone is aware of DVT and (potentially fatal) pulmonary thromboembolism which, as has been mentioned, is not always "a coach class event" for long distance travellers according to a recent Brit study mentioned in last month's WSJ article.
Hydration, on board physical activity, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and taking aspirin may help prevent the problem.
Older, larger and sedentary folks may have increased risk, but no one is immune. A phone call to your internist before departure would be a few minutes well spent.
IMHO, I would avoid international coach on Lufthansa and Continental.
M
PS Three hours is about my upper limit for coach travel. In the last month I have flown AA MD 80(DFW-BJX) - great and Delta 737...(DFW-SAN) - awful seats. In July, we're on BA 777 (DFW-LGW) Business.

Hi lee,

I suggest that your sister reserve an aisle seat.

Crepes, I get your point. People should not talk about seat-belt extenders and double-seats, until a person hits size 24 & up, depending on their body shape. I understand Leelani's comment about her sister's pear-shape. Many of us women have that problem, whatever our size, and might wear different sizes top & bottom. Leelani, you've been given great advice on here, and I hope you and your sister will have a wonderful, comfortable visit to Europe. You are a good sister, checking all this out ahead of time for your sibling.:-)

Yes, exactly -- I am currently a size 24 bottom, size 20 top. When I weighed less (which I will be again!) I have been down to a size 8 bottom (in jeans!) and a size 6 top. I simply never match.

I am uncomfortable in coach seats from size 18 up. I am also 5'9", so the discomfort is not just in the hips.

My husband is an ex-football player, at 6'4" and 350lbs. We always sit next to eachother on planes so noone else is discomfited, or else we get a seat between us. Even when he was in high school, coach wouldn't work for him easily -- he was 275lbs, and 6% body fat, and STILL couldn't fit without shouldering the guy next to him uncomfortably.

However, I've flown to Europe about 4 times, and each time was a size 16-18 (bottom) for the flight. I was uncomfortable, but not terribly so, and was even able to sleep during the flights.

Go American if you cannot afford to get out of coach, they definitely have slightly bigger seats than others. Stay away from Delta, I'll second that! :D

Have a blast!

I'm forming a new club, B.B.A.D. (That would be Big Butts Against Delta!) I qualify....:-)

And I thought only me and the "little wife" had big, big butts! The robust ones are really coming out of the kitchen on this one!

I just knew this low-carb lifestyle stuff was a flash in the pan fad.

I'm 1.75M 64.5Kg on a good hydrated morning and I refuse to sit next to anyone who should have purchased two seats because of their size.
Great excuse for an upgrade, lol!
M