Scared to fly....help!

Ok, I really need some help here. I am scared to fly. It's really the biggest thing I have still on my post surgery list to do. I am afraid for some reasons, like, oh, the plane may fall out of the sky......but also because of horror stories I have heard about seats. I have NEVER even attempted to fly because of my weight....but I have places I want to be....and see. So, how long should I wait to be "comfortable" flying? I now weigh about 254-260ish (depending on my scale or the one at the gym) I am pretty proportionate...have some skin issues on the thigh area....but really want to not have the scary embarrassing, I can't fit into one seat issue. Or that I need a seat belt extender. I  so respect those who can go where they want without the worry, and are ok with the extenders and such. But, I know I can't do it. It is my greatest fear always, sitting in chairs at places. I have sat in every chair I come upon everywhere I go now....with no problem. (Yes, I realize it's a weird obsession) But how will it be on a plane! There will be enough anxiety for me having never done this, and I also am going with my friend who is much thinner than me, and though she would be good about it, I am the scared one. I really want to get out there and see places.....and don't want to wait any longer! I have lost over 160lbs and want to go somewhere!! So, any thoughts for this crazy lady  would be really appreciated..... Thanks to all always for your support!

It really depends on the airlines.  Some seats are just smaller.  I was at/or about your weight, give or take 15 lbs (so about 240ish), when we flew American to PA (ex-fiance, over 5 years ago).  I was miserable.  I had to get an extender, and when the chair arms were down, they pressed against the side of my thigh, and I wound up with some big, hideous pressure bruises. Best bet, would probably be to look for the possible flights you were going to take, on which airlines, then ask if anyone in the weight range you expect to be has flown with them, and how comfortable they were in their seating.  Did they need an extender, did the service tray fit down all the way, etc. At least, that's what I would do.

It wouldn'tmatter how much weight I lost..I will always be scared to death to fly. I congratulate you on wanting to do it.

It really does depend on the airline.  Last September, I flew JetBlue - who advertises the comfort of their seats.  I fit in the seat ok but the seatbelt did not fit me by a long shot.  Long ago, I had my own person FAA approved seat belt extender (which you can still purchase on your own) but on this trip I did have to ask for one.  I'm a very tall 5 feet even and probably weighed in the vicinity of where I am now - which is 283. My middle is my huge part - my wide bodied part that doesn't want to fit in wide bodied planes.  One good reference for the seat widths is http://www.seatguru.com/    And just in case you want to have an extender of your own.. http://www.airlineextenders.com/typseatbelex.html

Thank you all so much for all of the advice!! I will look into those seats!!

I flew to Vegas weighing about 240 or 245. I didn't have to use an extender, and I was able to get the tray table down (but barely). On part of the flight I had to sit next to a stranger and I had trouble keeping my arms and shoulders in my own space. I was really glad that the armrest between my seat and my friend's seat was able to be raised out of the way, or I would have been extremely uncomfortable. There wasn't much space to move or shift positions, and my legs got cramped because of it. I'd say it was do-able, but not really enjoyable.  I don't think you should limit your travel experiences no matter what your weight is at, but I definitely understand your worry about being embarrassed and uncomfortable. For myself, I think I'll be more comfortable flying when I'm around 225. And don't worry, the fear of falling out of the sky will be eased by the excitement of seeing new, fun places!

The seat just seem so much smaller these days, and they planes are all packed. I remember the good old days when you could find an empty seat to give some extra room, but no such luck lately. I have lost from 275 to 210. At 210 last week I fit fine into every seat and the seat belt had 3 or 4 inches to spare. At 275 I was always worried and usually ended up using a seat belt extension for comfort. Good Luck! Kim

Thanks Kim........I think the airline is Spirit.....so I am gonna check out that seat site....maybe see if I can measure any seats around to get an idea...

I just flew last month to Europe. So I had two 11 hour flights across the Atlantic ocean. I currently weigh 270lbs down 113lbs from my other plane flights which were always miserable events. ----and am 5'10. So not only am I still obese--but I am TALL too. I did NOT need a seat belt extender. NONE on any of the flights. I wish I had more leg space---but even "normal" sized people do. I had problems with the tray going down--cause my legs are so large---but it sat flat enough for my drink to stay there without siding off---and flat enough for my inflight meal to stay put. Flying is SAFE----if that is your worry---put it aside. You are more likely to die in a car wreck within 5 miles of your home--than be seriously injured/killed in a plane crash. Now---if you feel you WILL need a seat belt extender---the flight attendent will give you one. This is how I always asked for one discreetly. I would put my seat location on a post-it--and hand it to the attendant as I boarded--and asked for him/her to bring one before take off. They always did. No fuss--no muss. I always handed it back as I disembarked.

Cindy, that is EXCELLENT news. I am 5'6....so I think I may be good on the leg room, and for me, I am small around the waist....its more the hips I worry for.  I am not going...if I go...until later this summer. So, I am hoping to be another 25lbs down or so before I head out. Thank you so much for your response. I knew posting here would be a great idea!