4 Tangible Tips for Flying Fat with Limited Mobility
One of the ways I began healing my body image was living my best and most unapologetic life in the body I currently have. In theory – this sounds like the fun, sexy parts of body image. But in reality, living your ideal life in the body you have means you will most likely experience discomfort.
Let’s take traveling for example. I have always loved to travel. I loved to jetset + experience new places + see things I haven’t before.
This is a photo flying into Mexico in 2017
I remember in the fall of 2017, I was traveling for thanksgiving. I hadn’t really thought or connected to my body intentionally in ages. So when I tried to close the seatbelt + almost couldn’t do it, I was overwhelmed with shame. Here is an excerpt from my journal from that fall:
As I sit here on the plane to thanksgiving I am hating my body. The seats are really tight. I feel the need to narrow my shoulders & legs not to touch the guy next to me. It’s moments like these that I'm very aware of my body. It’s a problem I isolate as a big girl problem.
Seats too small. Belts too tight. Aisle too narrow. Body too large.
Fast forward to fall 2023, I’m getting ready to host my very first Fat + Body Positive Retreat in Costa Rica. And though I no longer feel the way I did in 2017, I know that not everyone has healed their body image in the same way I have. So I wanted to write down some flying tips for the 21 incredible humans coming on my trip. I’m sure there were people who have opted not to travel out of fear of flying – so I decided to share with all of you this very first blog post.
Here are some of my best tips for flying fat (with limited mobility)
1. Dress For Comfort over Style
This goes without saying – but it is really important that you prioritize comfortable clothing – including really good walking shoes.
Personally – I prefer to wear compression or athletic wear because that helps with sweating + potential chafing. [This also includes putting on my Megababe anti-chafing when I’m getting ready!]
I have plantar fasciitis – so I need shoes with a good arch support. My go-to sneakers are the sketchers slip on. Slip on shoes are great for convenience especially if you struggle with being able to tie your shoes. And let’s not shame ourselves for this either. You are not a criminal or a failure for struggling with mobility — and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
2. Take Your Time or Ask For Assistance If Needed
From a mobility standpoint, take your time while walking through the airport. Along all the sides of the airport are these back support bars as seen in this reel I made.
You can put your foot up and stretch a little while while you're walking to your gate and make sure you leave plenty of time for you to get through security without needing to run. Also – peeping the Sketchers in this photo!
Also, there is no shame in requesting mobility assistance when you purchase your ticket or arrive at the airport. Someone will meet you with a wheelchair and bring you to your gate.
3. Get a seat belt extender
As soon as I get on the airplane, I ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. They either hand me one right there or bring me one. I also bring my own sometimes but just be aware they might not fit every airline.
There is absolutely no shame in asking for a seatbelt extender – it is such a normal thing. The flight attendant will be discreet in bringing it to you + will not shame you for any reason.
I read somewhere that airline seat belts can vary in size because as repair is done to them they can be trimmed and cut up to a certain length. This may be why you have no problem buckling on one airline, but struggle on another.
4. I opt for a window seat
I will always opt for a window seat because I think it creates an additional space and offers a little bit more comfort especially if you have broad shoulders. Plus I don't mind the view. This photo was from my trip to Bozeman Montana.
Some people prefer the aisle – and that is totally fine too! It’s all about figuring out what works for you + your body best.
Other things I wish I had known earlier:
Southwest has a customer of size which allows you an extra seat at no additional cost. you can request the seat upon arrival or book it in advance and they will give you a refund.
With other flights I will compare costs to flight first class vs buying two seats.
I'm not going to lie to you.
Sometimes flying in a larger + less mobile body can be uncomfortable— and certainly can feel unfair with the fat tax (having to pay more just because we’re in a larger body).
But what I think about is this: is the discomfort worth it?
Are the experiences I'm going to have, the people I’m going to see, the adventures that will take place be greater than the discomfort I will experience.
The first time I traveled in a larger body—
I wasn't mentally prepared so I was accosted by all of the things that caused me discomfort and places my body didn't fit.
But now as an avid traveler, I can prepare and anticipate my body's needs before ever stepping into the airport. I also anticipate potential worst case scenarios and do my best to prepare for anything that is in my control.
For example, while I can't change the fact that airplane seats don't fit me, when I have the ability I will opt for a first class seat. I know and recognize this as privilege. I recognize that the situation can be frustrating but that doesn't mean I have to take out my frustrations on my body.
Bri’s Final Thoughts:
Ask yourself: Is getting to see and experience the world worth the discomfort?
For me, a few hours of discomfort is cope-with-able + worth maneuvering around are worth the memories + experiences that will last me a lifetime.
There are so many other things that can prevent you from traveling – don’t let your feelings about your body be one of them. You deserve to take up space.
