One of my biggest fears of traveling on a plane for the first time was OMG the plane! The second fear was if I was going to fit in the seat. Which I am sure is many people’s fear when plus size. Why did I have this fear of traveling plus size?
Number Driven
I drove myself crazy with this number on Jet blue’s website which was their seats were 18 inches wide. 18 inches?? I know my butt and hips are wider than that. I got them birthing hips my mama loved to talk about.
That number drove me bonkers for 30 days. I was measuring seats in my home and out in public to find something that was only 18 inches wide. I measured my hips and was really worried about getting on the plane and being told I was too fat to fly.
The fear is real
I really thought about canceling my flight, but it was non-refundable. I knew if I didn’t push myself out of my comfort zone I was never going to travel anywhere outside of my own vehicle.
I spent many nights talking to Mike about my fear and how I wish I was skinnier. The first night when I bought my ticket, I felt amazing. Soon after my fear set in because of this number. I was self-deprecating. Being skinnier wasn’t going to help, I have big hips, to begin with. They won’t go away with the few inches I could lose if I lost weight.
When the number defines you
How could I let this number ruin my happiness? Why would I let it stop me from doing something I wanted to do?
I started reading blog posts and watching videos about plus-size travelers. I would compare my body to theirs so that if they could fit, I could too. It’s crippling to think that my fear was based on this stupid number.
traveling plus size is a real fear
This fear was so irrational because once I got on the plane and asked the flight attendant if I could have the seat belt extender, just in case. I walked through the aisle of the plane with ease except for the one broad-shoulder man that I booty bumped because his shoulder was sticking out into the aisle.
If you happen to be reading this I am sorry my broad hips hit your broad shoulders.
Other than that, I made it to my seat with no problem. Jetblue had all the armrests up making the seat look like the back seat of a car. I appreciated that. It made it easier to get to my seat.
Plenty of Legroom
I sat in my seat with ease and checked the seat belt to see if it would fit and it didn’t. I am glad I wasn’t ashamed to ask for the seat belt extender. It really did help.
I had plenty of legroom for a regular economy class seat. Enough to put my laptop on the side next to my leg and my backpack in between my legs. It also really did help that no one bought the seat next to me, just the aisle seat and we shared the middle seat.
Don’t let the fear stop you
I don’t know why I let something so stupid get the best of me. Although I was so excited about my trip, in the back of my head was that little voice like “ you won’t fit, you will get kicked off the plane, there will be a scene” Which made me scared. It’s ok for me to be traveling plus size.
I want to thank those who posted videos and wrote blog posts about flying while fat. Please check out their content and let them know that Michele from Our Redonkulous Life sent you.
These body-positive women
are so amazing because…
They had my back
It’s these women right here who convinced me I was okay to travel plus size. I appreciate the confidence you have to show others that it is okay to be plus-size and it’s okay to not let it hold you back or define you. I got on my plane, got to New Jersey and I am ready to complete my Vacation Bucket List.
Please like and share this post if you found it helpful or if you can relate to my fear. Let me know what your thoughts were when you started traveling plus size.
Until Next Time, Have a Great Day!
You hit the mail on the head with “if I didn’t push myself out of my comfort zone I was never going to . . .”. That applies to so much in life. Hope you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for sharing.
It does. There was numerous times I wanted to cancel, but you just gotta do it or you will never know.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and what you found when you overcame your fear. I hope that these words will ease the minds of others as they read them ☕️
a latte of blessings & sparkles,
Jeanie{CoffeeGirl.Blog
Thank you, Jeanie. I hope they help someone too. No one should go around measuring chairs to make sure they will fit.
Asking for the extender ahead of time was really smart! I love to fly because you get there quickly, but at the same time, I make sure to always book an aisle or window seat so that I can have a little extra room. It’s sad that money triumphs comfort and that the seats cannot accommodate a large segment of the population easily.
I wanted to be prepared just in case. I had an aisle seat and watched like a hawk up until the day I left that someone didn’t buy the middle seat. Thank heaven they didn’t. I also did the same thing for my way home.
You’re gorgeous and us bigger girls definitely have to speak up and encourage each other when traveling
Preach, Cassie! Thank you.
Good to know you enjoy your flight despite your worries. Size should never be an issue.
I am so glad everything worked out because I was SCARED and STRESSED.
big women are pretty but I might agree on some part of your blog here yet all I know is that having a good heart is the most important
Yup, a good heart is most important.
So great that you went out of your comfort zone to travel! Travel is for everyone, no matter what size!
You have to do it, I wanted to travel by myself. I had to push myself to do it.
Getting out of our comfort zone at times, is the only way to go, in order to achieve our goals. Thanks for sharing with us. Hope you enjoyed your trip.
I did enjoy my trip. Everyone keeps mentioning comfort zones to me. I am writing a post about comfort zones.
Congratulations! At least you did not let that fear hinder you from finally taking that flight. In life, we just have to go for it or else we’ll never know.
Exactly, Ivan. I just needed to take the plunge.
Everyone should experience travel without fear regardless of their size! Good for you for taking the plunge!
Thank you, Ashley.
Don’t let the fear of traveling plus size stop you I love this! no one can stop you to chase your dreams to travel I hope you enjoyed your trip! I like your spirit I hope all people can apply this!
I did enjoy my trip until I got really bad sciatic pain during my last 5 days there. Had to get pain meds and muscle relaxers just to come home. 🙁
Wow! You are a great inspiration. Being plus size should not be a hindrance to travelling.
Thank you, Sarah. It shouldn’t stop anyone, but sometimes it does.
Speaking of legroom, I always book the seat next to emergency exit coz it is way spacious. The additional fee is worth it.
I was going to do that, but I wanted to look out the window since it was my first time flying.
This is encouraging and gives lots of confidence.. thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the positive feedback, Eswari.
Wonderful encouragements Michele! That statement “don’t let the fear of traveling plus size stop you” really nailed it.
It shouldn’t because I feel if I can fit in the seat on the plane with my birthing hips anyone should be able to.
The world is a phenomenal place that needs you. U go girl! 🙂 coming out from your comfort zone will give you more insights. surely you’ll enjoy travelling too. Cheers to more trips!
This is like the 10th time I have heard this month someone comment about comfort zones and mentioning it to me. I am so glad I am writing a post on comfort zones. It was a sign it needs to be published.
Whata a beautifully written post. I hope it gives many plus sized people the confidence to travel as well!
I hope so too. I was so scared because not everyone talks about what we go through when we don’t know if we will fit or not.
I love your make-up and shirt! I am skipping travel this time just staying in place for now.
I am not traveling anytime soon.
Please enjoy, one of the only ways to overcome stress and depression is to do what enjoy the most, safe trip.
I was so excited to travel, but that plane seat is what freaked me out the most.
I think I can understand the fear of traveling plus size. I’ve seen it myself and I was extremely pissed. I have a friend who is plus size and it’s disgusting how some looked at her as if she didn’t pay for her tickets (she even wanted to pay for two seats but I told her no). The ignorant received a tell off from me and even reported them to the attendants.
That is so sad. I felt so self cautious the whole time till I got on the plan.
This is such a great post to read. A new perspective. thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Nikhila.
I really enjoy reading your personal sharing here, so true & original. I also love the positivity & cheerful smile in all captures shared. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Thank you, Sienny.
Pushing your self out of your confort zone can be sacry but it is so benefitial for you.
It is so scary. I will be having a post coming up on getting out of our comfort zones. Please keep a look out for that.