Don't even worry OP. We are all mashed up. I fly all the time and feel sad that you feel bad. Don't. If you are next to me, know that all I care about is that you don't have stinky breath.

Just got wanted to add not to worry too much! DH is 5'10" and about 285 lbs. we travel a lot and he's never had any I issue. You'll be fine at your weight.

Maybe it's time to realize you need to do something about your weight (diet or sleve/by pass) ... because I'm sure you're uncomfortable in other situations than this plane seat one.
I've been there (formerly fat). I would pay for an upgrade or not fly at all. At some point you need to deal with the problem itself.
Good luck and I'm hoping I didn't offend you.

Book an aisle seat next time?

Worst discovery I made when I was a little heavier than you - I couldn't put the tray down all the way because my stomach was in the way. Totally embarrassing

Anonymous wrote:I had this happen a few months ago (was voluntarily bumped from my original flight w/ comfort plus aisle seat and rebooked on another airline in crappy middle seat but got a nice voucher and it was a shortish flight.)

Anyway, you asked for tips and here's mine. Put whatever you think you'll need during the flight (phone, charger, ipad, magazines, pen, water bottle etc) in the seat back pocket FIRST THING before you even sit down, then slide you purse or whatever under the seat in front of you. Saves you from having to try and fold yourself in half to get it out later. Be organized and plan ahead. There's my advice.

This is all great advice. One of my best friends does something similar. She has a little pencil case (yes, really!) that she puts her small things in as well as a cc for the beverage cart or to purchase headsets or whatever, and she puts the little pencil case in the seat pocket in front of her.

She also carries a pashmina, which she uses like a blanket. She started doing this because someone once was unkind about the seatbelt extender.

Oh, and use the lavatory before you board so that you don't have to get in and out. Plus some of those airplane lavatories are absolutely tiny.

FWIW, it isn't you, OP. It is the dang airlines. They pack us in tighter than sardines in a tin can. Until we all revolt nothing will change.

Thank everyone. I with I didn't care so much.....but I do. I'm pretty uncomfortable in my skin, even at my smallest. The flight looks packed. looks like I got the last seat but I'll double check tomorrow. I'm happy to upgrade too. Those all looked booked as well. Great idea about unpacking my bag. Hopefully I'll sleep the entire flight. My DH (who is also bigger) scared me, he said his last AA flight was uncomfortable due to smaller seats than he is used to with Delta and JetBlue

You could also ask at the gate if any non-middle seats had opened up. They often don't know until the last minute so it doesn't hurt to ask nicely.

OP, I'm sorry that you are feeling bad about this. You have a right to exist, and to be respected and treated with kindness. You are a paying customer who has a right to a seat. You have the right to be as comfortable as anyone else on the flight. I hope you have a nice flight.

PP here, also position the bag under the seat in such a way you can pull it out with your foot if you need to.

I had this happen a few months ago (was voluntarily bumped from my original flight w/ comfort plus aisle seat and rebooked on another airline in crappy middle seat but got a nice voucher and it was a shortish flight.)

Anyway, you asked for tips and here's mine. Put whatever you think you'll need during the flight (phone, charger, ipad, magazines, pen, water bottle etc) in the seat back pocket FIRST THING before you even sit down, then slide you purse or whatever under the seat in front of you. Saves you from having to try and fold yourself in half to get it out later. Be organized and plan ahead. There's my advice.

You'll be fine. DH is that size and fits in the middle seat fine. Also, since you're already worried about it, you're going to be hyper aware of where your body is and will likely be policing yourself. The only times I've had people infringe on my seat space, it was clear it was due to them not paying attention and being clueless about how they were just sprawling out.

Do you know if the flight is full?

You'll be fine. That isn't even that big.

I'm flying in the middle seat for the first time since hitting my all time high weight. 5'5 220lbs. Super top heavy. Sigh. Any tips? I'M concerned I'll? be judged and uncomfortable and will make others uncomfortable