Fattrip

Overweight people find airplane seats too small. Even some of my smaller friends find the seats cramped. On Qantas and American Airlines, anyone overweight or taller than 5 foot 5 ends up crunched.

And don't think first class is better. On a recent American Airlines flight, I found first class worse than economy. More leg room but a permanent arm rest between the seats meant I couldn't push the armrest up and spread out like in economy.

You won'tnecessarily have to buy two seats. Friends over 300 pounds have travelled on one ticket.

Elaine, my travel agent, says that seats at the front of economy are roomier because you sit in the wider middle of the plane. If the flight isn't full, the back will have the extra seats. Flying during the week and during the off season, means more of a chance of getting a half full plane.

Once the plane is in the air, the flight attendants don't mind you changing seats to a spot with an empty seat beside it. When I fly with family or friends or have an empty seat beside me, I put up the arm rest as soon as the plane is air borne. It must be returned to its down position for departure and arrival but that is only a short uncomfortable time.

By law and for your own safety, you must wear your seat belt. If it won't go around you, the flight attendant will get you an extension. Flight attendants call those who won't give in and get an extension, "squishies". So follow their instructions.

Get an aisle seat. Even thin people have to make the whole row move out for a washroom break. I always book my seat early for an aisle seat. Then I can put up the armrest and spread out to the relief of the people flying with me. Once I was booked for a middle seat and I mentioned my weight to the booker at the airport and wondered about my seatmates. Suddenly  my seat was changed to the aisle.

When the meal comes, you may find that the tray runs into your lap and won't go down all the way. On some airlines like Qantas, the meal tray folds in half. You can keep it folded in half and the meal container will fit on it without a problem. Other airlines have a full sized tray. Even though all seats are supposed to be upright for meals, move you seat back a bit before lunch or dinner comes. No one complains if it is only a little bit, not a full lounge.

My last flight on Canadian (now sadly gone but Westjet is great), I rode in a newer plane. The space between the seats gave plenty of room for long legs and putting down the tray. First class on this plane looked like it had a lot of space between seats and the chairs stretched out. I didn't have to walk sideways down the aisle as an overweight person usually must on a regular plane.

Everyone finds airplane washrooms small. I haven't found them any more of a problem than when I was slim, but some overweight friends have told me they find them extremely cramped and you will have to sit on the seat.

On a long flight, your feet and ankles swell from water retention. I find walking up and down the plane a few times helps. Also rotate your ankles when sitting. If you have a layover of a few hours, walk around instead of more sitting. In rare cases, staying still can cause a blood clot in the legs, so make sure you move.

Drink all the water and liquid provided and don't drink alcohol. Flying is dehydrating and, strangely, not enough liquids make water retention worse. Your back and buttocks will hurt on an overnight trip, from trying to sleep sitting upright. I use a neck pillow then place the airline pillow behind my lower back. Walking up and down the plane helps back strain as well.

The good news: We're all getting fatter. Fatter people mean more weight for the plane to carry. New wider seats mean less passengers for the airlines but more space for us.