Having a panic attack over seats
 

All
My friend bought me a ticket to see her birthday present.
She didn't tell me but already purchased it.. My delema is
I. A bit on the heavy side and I'm afraid I won't get the seat belt on.
She purchased a ticket on Spirit and hearing they have horrible
Customer service.. I can not afford to upgrade to a bigger seat
And I called the CS number and the poorly English speaking
Rep said I can get an extension on the belt just ask when I get on the
The plane.. Well that's going to make me so upset asking in front
Of people I don't know that I need a seat belt extension because
I'm heavy from health issues not because I slam food down my throat..
Lol.. Any advice anyone?

That sounds like a troubling situation, I'm sorry. There is very little you can do at this point, but they will certainly help you at the airport. Just get there and discreetly talk with the check-in agent who can help you out. Your hands are pretty much tied if you are not willing to maybe email them or call them again to get clarification.

There's no need to ask "in front of people". There is ample opportunity to be within a foot of a flight attendant and ask quietly. They do it all the time and will be quite discreet, I suspect. And, though I know overly anxious people don't believe this, most other folks really don't care. As long as "a bit on the heavy side" isn't overflowing into the person trying to sit next to you.

Thank you for such quick answers :)
I have a inherited disease that causes me all
Weight gain in my stomach.. I fit in a car perfectly fine and can
Use the seat belt fine.. I was last on a plane in 2007 and the belt
Was fine but I think it was at the end of the rope.. But does anyone know
do they charge you
For a belt extension?

Having a panic attack over seats
 

I used to ne a fa, it is NOT a big deal. Ask for one on ur way into ac.

They will not charge you for an extension (even Spirit won't stoop that low!).

Are you similar in weight now as in 2007? It may very well be that the seatbelt fits without the extension! As far as the seat size, from the way you describe yourself, you're probably fine. Be polite, be patient, and, above all, be professional and you'll probably have a great flight.

Having a panic attack over seats
 

Great advice from everyone. Seat belt extension requests are not unusual. Very nice of your friend to purchase a ticket for you. I'd like to suggest you use this flight to learn how things work in this situation and then come back and let us know how it goes. Don't worry. And have a great time on your trip!

Having a panic attack over seats
 

Seat Belt Extentions do not have fees
When boarding tell the first Flight Attendant what seat your are assigned and tell them quietly you request an Extention.
They will bring you one, respectfully .

that must be quite a birthday present that she bought a ticket to fly you in just to see it.

It's no big deal, people ask for seatbelt extenders all the time. In fact, the flight attendant might just see that you need one and bring it. If he/she doesn't, then just ask. You're way overthinking this.

Ask for the seatbelt extender. That shouldn't be an issue. Be aware, though, that spirit's seats are VERY cramped and of their "a la carte" pricing.

As one whose weight slides up and down, I have been in your position of not knowing for sure if I would need an extender but wanting to be prepared. If you think you may not need an extender, simply go to your seat and discreetly try the belt. If it is too tight, either use the call button or just wait until a flight attendant comes by and flag him/her over. Quietly ask for an extender and they will bring it to you. If you want to avoid even that amount of attention, just quietly ask for one as you board and they will get one to you.

I agree that you seem to be over thinking this and stressing out needlessly. Many people need a few extra inches on the belt and the airlines stock several extenders on board for that reason.

...yet.;)





OP, you will be fine. Don't stress about it.

Depending on flight length, at checkin, you may be able to buy up to the Big Front seat, which is quite nice, and typically only up to $50 more on long flights. =) ala PHL to LAS.

I just arrived back from a trip. At the airport we were at the customer service desk and there was a customer there that possibly weighed over 400 pounds with his wife who was over about 220 and child. I heard part of the conversation where the man was explaining that he had purchased 2 seats. The Customer Service Rep was lovely to the man. They chatted normally to him, were not condescending and when he had left they never spoke about him (like sometimes you hear staff talking down about someone). I guess it's a normal thing for them to deal with. I'm sorry that you're stressed about it.

I agree with the other comments saying not to worry about asking for an extender. Frankly, anybody who looks down on you for being fat wouldn't change their opinion based on whether or not you have an extender. So really nothing to worry about.

However, as noted, do expect the seats to be very cramped. And as you are an infrequent flyer, be sure to read up on Spirit's additional fees. Not being prepared could cost you a lot of money.

I called they said they do not charge extra for extensions..

I'm 5'7 and 245.. Doesn't look it but it's all in my waist.. I fit just
Fine in a cars seat and even in a corvette.. I'm just getting nervous
Because it's my first time flying alone the last time we went on a trip some kids made fun of my husband because you need an extension

You probably wont need one, but here's a secret - not all seat belts are the same length! I know - I have measured them myself since I usually, but not always do. A Flight Attendant once explained it to me - they have to check the seat belts quite frequently. When there are small issues on the ends of them, they sometimes simply cut them a little shorter. Some sometimes you get stuck in a seat with a really short belt. I have gotten to the point where I usually ask for one even if the belt technically fits but is tight, just for the comfort of it. almost every flight I have been on at least a few passengers ask for them.

You know that kind of makes sense to me because I have taken
Flights were the seat belt is perfect and I've taken ones where im
Sucking in my stomach the entire flight.. Man I've got issues.. Lol

An alternative, if you expect to fly with any frequency in the future and just want to be prepared, is to buy your own extender. They're somewhat pricey at around $40 give or take, but may be worth it if you feel embarrassed about asking the flight attendant for one.

Don't worry, you may be plenty comfortable with the regular belts. It's worth trying first.

I had to do this twelve years ago, when flying Continental to the U.S. for my gastric bypass operation. I bought two seats, but I dreaded the trip. Turns out, both ground and flight crew went out of their way to be kind. The ground crew gave the flight crew a heads up about why I had two seats. They booked me a row where the third seat happened to be empty. After checking in, they paged me, escorted me to the first class lounge to wait, and finally drove me out to the plane directly as if I were a VIP! All, just to spare me from getting upset or embarrassed.

Even though I had two seats, I was still supposed to use only the seatbelt of one, and of course, it didn't fit. The FA told me quietly to wait a few minutes. Another FA came by and very discreetly slipped me the extension and stood blocking the view so I could adjust it without nearby passengers seeing what was happening. The third seat in the row remained empty, so the flight attendants also kept watch to deter other passengers from trying to come and grab the extra space.

I never forgot just how kind they were, and also how discreet. Aftermath, I had gastric bypass surgery and lost over 200 lbs. A decade later, I always joke that I must be the only person in the universe who looks forward to an economy class seat. Or rather, looks forward to the blissful indifference of other passengers who don't give me a second glance as I go to my seat.

In conclusion, please don't let your apprehension keep you from enjoying a wonderful visit with your friend. It goes without saying that anyone who would treat you poorly because you are asking for a little help is a person who themselves is far beyond help as far as teaching them compassion, and who should remain beneath your notice.

I had a similar but different experience. I was flying last minute for a conference and the only seats open were in economy so I purchased 2 seats so I could do work without upsetting my seatmates.

I got my 2 seats and the 3rd seat vacated to be nearer to her family without anyone replacing her. I asked for an extender and made myself a little bed in the 3 seats up against the wall. Belt held me in. I covered myself with a blanket to avoid having an FA question me about it being against regulations.

Great J class substitute.

To the OP, relax and you should be fine. If you do need the extender ask for it. Or ask for it while boarding as when you walk on there are usually FAs at the entry door. It may take them a few moments but it will avoid you having to ask in front of your seatmates and others with nothing better to do than overhear.

not sure how long before your flight but ebay sell them and if you research the airline you should be able to find out which type to buy, i think there i 3 types, having your own saves you having to ask

The lady next to me on a flight last month needed an extender - she simply pressed her 'call' button, and when the FA came over, she held the two pieces of the belt, showing it didn't do up, and the FA brought her an extender with no fuss at all. The only other person who knew what was going on was me.