When it comes to air travel, I think we can all agree it is not most people’s idea of a great time. The process of getting checked-in, checking bags, going through security, finding your terminal, and navigating a highly-populated airport can feel overwhelming – and that’s all before you get into the metal tube (that seems way too small and too large at the same time) that is going to carry you through the sky to your destination. On top of all these anxiety-inducing circumstances, fat travelers have to add another emotional, mental, and physical layer of discomfort into the mix.

I am very fortunate that I have not personally experienced any overt discrimination while traveling as a fat person, but that does not stop me from the mental, emotional, and physical discomfort that I have felt during my few flying experiences as an adult. Up until last week, I had only ever flown with my husband who acted as a kind of human barrier between me and any possible disgruntled passengers – at the end of August, however, I was flying solo for the first time.

Before I speak about my most recent flying experience, I want to say that there are so many folks on the internet who have done such an incredible job of eloquently communicating the experience of flying in a plus size body. Some of my favorite pieces on this topic are written by Aubrey Gordon (@yrfatfriend). I have linked my favorites below!

• What It’s Like to Be That Fat Person Sitting Next to You on the Plane

• A Toolkit for Fat Flyers

• A Letter From the Fat Person on Your Flight

MY EXPERIENCE

Aside from the extensive research I did online prior to my trip, I also reached out to my friends in the plus size community to hear about their experiences. Overwhelmingly, I was met with the suggestion of utilizing Southwest Airline’s Customer of Size policy. This suggestion both excited me and made me nervous because I have only ever flown Delta in the past. While I am a huge fan of Delta Airlines in many ways, they do not have the attention to detail that Southwest does when it comes to accommodating plus size travelers. As a whole, I found booking with Southwest to be very efficient and easy – I also utilized their payment plan option for my tickets which was really helpful when budgeting for my trip!

For a detailed Q&A page about the Customer of Size policy, click here!

24 hours before my flight time, I did not check in on the Southwest App because I knew that with the COS policy, I would be granted pre-boarding.

Once I arrived at the airport, I bypassed the self-check in kiosks (you can't request the policy on there) – there may be a customer service representative who questions why you are not utilizing the kiosk, as they are extremely efficient for most travelers. If this happens, simply let them know you are utilizing the Customer of Size policy and need to speak to an agent.

I proceeded to the counter to speak with a representative, provided my photo ID, and let them know I wanted to utilize the COS policy. From there, they printed my boarding pass and my reserved seat pass. I was recommended to double-check the boarding pass while standing there to make sure it indicates pre-board clearly on the pass – if they accidentally leave the pre-board indication off, it can lead to problems later on when boarding. 

Next, I went through security as usual and found my terminal. When my boarding time was approaching, I approached the gate agent and asked the process for pre-board travelers. I found this to be helpful on my return flight as well because not every airport has the same process for pre-boarders. For example, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there was a designated sign and waiting area for those who had pre-boarding, but at Kansas City International Airport, there was not. I personally would always rather over-communicate than under-communicate to ease my anxiety.

Because of being approved to pre-board, I was in the first group of passengers on the plane and chose my preferred 2 seats. Once on the plane, I asked for a seatbelt extender to make sure I could go ahead and get buckled in and settled! No matter what airline you fly, if you are worried about the length of your seatbelt, there is no shame whatsoever in asking for an extender (or even buying your own!)

I chose my seats (Southwest has an open seating policy so you are not assigned a row and seat number, you choose for yourself!), placed the RESERVED SEAT sign on the seat next to me, got out all the items I needed to stay entertained, stowed my carry-on, fastened my seatbelt, and next thing I knew, we were landing! I did have a moment of panic when there was an announcement over the intercom that said the flight was full and “every seat” would be taken, but I was reassured that my reserved empty seat was included in that count.

CAROLINE’S Travel Tips

• Research beforehand – utilize the airline’s website, your frequent-flyer friends, and community members who may face the same challenges as you

• If you are flying Southwest and using the COS policy, I highly recommend arriving to the airport at least 2 hours before your boarding time (if not a bit earlier). Not only does this give you plenty of time to make sure you know where you are going, it also helps ensure your extra seat will be available to reserve.

• Prioritize your comfort and safety. Wear something that makes you feel good – for me, that’s a pair of stretchy pants, a loose-fitting top, socks, and sandals (not my favorite fashion choice, but SO efficient in the security line)

• Don’t forget to take your meds, drink water, and pack snacks in case you get hungry

• Choose a travel mantra to repeat to yourself when you start to get overwhelmed (on this trip, mine was I deserve to take up space).

• Take deep breaths and stay in tune with your body. If you need to stretch, stretch. If you need to sit, sit.

• Plan plenty of distractions if you are anxious about the actual flying part of the experience

• Follow accounts on social media that get you excited about traveling – one of my favorites is Fat Girls Traveling on IG

What are your go-to air travel tips? Comment below!

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