Plus-Size Flight Tips from a Pilot’s Wife

Written by Emily from The Life Of A Pilot’s Wife

Travelling on a plane as a plus size beauty can be super scary and intimidating. We live in a world that doesn’t cater to larger bodies so it’s understandable that going on a plane can cause anxiety. Travel should be and can be accessible to all bodies. 

As a pilots wife, I often jump on a plane last minute and don’t have time to plan or get to select my seat. I have had my fair share of middle seats, which can be the worst nightmare for a plus size traveller! However, just know you are just as important as any other customer. You paid for your seat and you are excited to get to your final destination, just like everyone else on the plane! 

I love that my straight size, pilot husband, is never bothered by me “taking up extra space” when we fly together. He also reminds me that I am allowed to take up space and if I am in a middle seat that I can relax and get to use both armrests. I catch myself trying to “make myself smaller” and hold my arms in so as not to take up more space. DO NOT DO THIS! You can relax and know that you get to take up the space you need in a middle seat.

I catch myself trying to “make myself smaller” and hold my arms in so as not to take up more space. DO NOT DO THIS!

I also want to let you rest assure that you are not the only plus size person who has flown. Flight crews are used to flying with people of all shapes and sizes and are ready to help accommodate you and make you feel comfortable. If you need a seat extender, the flight attendant will happily bring it over to you. Or you can ask when you board for them to hand one to you.

Here are my top tips for flying as a plus size traveller:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for a seat extender. Like I mentioned above, you aren’t the first plus size traveller, this is common to use! 

• Claim your space and know you deserve to be comfortable , just like anyone else on the flight! 

• Sit in the window seat if possible, there is usually more room and you can lean on the window to get more comfortable.

• If needed, purchase a second seat to give yourself room. In the USA we have airlines like Southwest who will refund you at the gate if you had to purchase 2 seats. We also have the budget airline, Spirit, which has larger seats for purchase. The rows that have these seats have only 2 seats vs 3, so you have more room (almost like first class). 

• When you get to your gate, check with the gate agent if there are any seats available for upgrade. You may get into business or first class for a small fee if there is space available.

• Check with the gate agent if there are any empty rows and see if you can move to that empty row. It’s so nice to stretch out and have the space all to yourself if it’s available! 

• Just relax! You aren’t on the plane forever and you won’t see these people again. Enjoy your flight, get as comfortable as you can and give yourself credit for travelling! 

You deserve to travel just like anyone else. You may think that asking for a seat belt extender is embarrassing when that’s just another request to the flight crew. Don’t stress about it! Like they say in one of my favourite books, the four agreements, don’t make assumptions. You will waste energy on something that people around you probably aren’t even thinking about! 

Have fun and keep traveling!

Author Bio

Emily is a pilots wife and dog mom located in Washington, USA. She loves to travel with her dog and pilot husband (hello free flights). She’s been to 13 countries and her dream vacation would be to New Zealand. You can find her on Instagram where she shares tips to travel with your dog, ways to travel more and save money! 

Instagram: @lifeofthepilotswife 

Website: lifeofthepilotswife.com