Second Seat Policies/Alaska Airlines

[leafspeech]

Hi, everyone! I realize this isn't a fashion-related question, but I don't really know where else to turn. I'm hoping some of you could shed some light on this "second seat" policy that a lot of airlines are starting to enforce. I know people have asked about this before, so sorry if I'm beating a dead horse, but I don't really understand what's

Comments

[eroholic]

You'll most likely fit, just barely, but most likely. At least when I had your measurements I fit just barely, although it also depends on how you're built.

[elnoradawn]

though i have never flown Alaska Airlines, the last time i did fly i fit into the seat comfortably. i'm a size 22/24 270 lbs.

[vintagehandbag]

I'm the same height as you and a really solid size 20, and I've never had a problem. I haven't flown Alaskan, but I don't think the airlines' seat sizes are that wildly divergent. I've had to go to the very end of a seatbelt, but not required an extender.

[ottermatic]

This. I'm your height, a little heavier, and reliable a size 20. Airline seats are not the most comfortable things in the world, but I've never needed an extender, I've always been able to put the armrest down, I've never been the fattest person on a plane, and nobody has ever looked at me twice. I even flew American, who has a two-seat-for-fatties policy, this past weekend.

I think the bulkhead seats are a little narrower, so if you can pick your seat, try to avoid the bulkhead. Somebody below mentioned seatguru.com but I will second it - it's great for picking the best seats.

[magdalene1]

I recommend fat frequent travelers buy a seatbelt extender - then you never have to ask for one or even bring anything up with the airline about it.

Does anyone have stories about this "second seat" rule being enforced, on any airline? I've heard a lot of worry and anxiety about it from the Fatosphere, and a lot of "LOL UR FAT, FATTIES" from the insane troll commenters of the internet, but no stories of anyone actually being charged or bumped. Anyone else?

[sun_doth_burn]

This is why I absolutely REFUSE to patronize Southwest. Ugh.

[magdalene1]

Yikes, what a nightmare. Thanks for sharing.

[jilu]

I fly Alaska all the time (you don't have many choices when you have to fly in and out of Fairbanks), and I've never had an issue.

I'm 5'11, 270 lbs, size 20-22 on bottom (all hips, baby).

I've always fit fine (besides the general armrests never wanting to stay down), managed the seatbelt sans extender, and have never had my size mentioned.

[leafspeech]

Hey, Fairbanks is where I'm going! :)

[jilu]

Oh have fun! Hopefully by the end of the month, they'll have had enough rain so you won't have to deal with all the smoke from fires that blew in all summer.

My mom a teacher out in the Bush, so Fairbanks is a frequent stop/layover for me. I actually just got back in yesterday from there, but I drove this summer.

If you have any Fairbanks/Alaska questions, feel free to comment on my LJ or send me an email (zenjilu at gmail).

[leafspeech]

Oh wow, you actually might be a lifesaver for me...I have no idea where I'm going to find plus-size winter gear when I get up there. I don't think my coat from Old Navy is going to cut it for a Fairbanks winter!