As a self proclaimed fat and paranoid person I think people are staring and judging me all the time. But I am soon to be in a situation where it is 100% guaranteed that I will be the least popular person in the vicinity...on an airplane.I am taking a six hour plane ride across the country and I am having so much more anxiety then usual. As a preface, I am a terrible flier. I have been known to sob silently to myself and have actual panic attacks. I can recite the rational facts about air travel and try to calm myself down, but nothing will make me feel better until we are in descent. Because for some reason the most statistically dangerous parts of a plane ride, the takeoff and landing, don't scare me.
But on top of my usual psychosis about flying, I am also dealing with paranoia about being way fatter then the last time I flew. I know whoever sits next to me if going to curse the gods for making me the person next to them and when they get off the plane, they are going to tell whoever picks them up at the airport that they had to sit next to a fatty the whole time. And I can't exactly blame them. I wouldn't want to sit next to me. A hysterical fat girl is not exactly the most awesome person to sit next to for six hours...
As a fat girl, I know that I will be spending the trip trying to make myself seem as small as possible. Being careful not to let any part of my body touch the person next to me. My shoulders will be hunched into themselves. My thigh muscles will be working overtime keeping my legs together. If I don't die in flight I will exit the plane a complete mess with every muscle aching.
But I haven't even addressed my biggest fear - what if I am now too fat for a seat belt??? What if my giant belly is now in the way of buckling up? I have never had to use a seat belt extender before, and I am so scared that this time I may have to. How do you get one? What if everyone hears me? What if the flight attendant is a bitch? Does JetBlue even have them or do I need to bring my own? I know I will never have to see any of those people ever again but I am still totally mortified by the prospect of having to use one. I really hope I am just catastrophising and I don't really need one - but I might!
Have any of you ever used one? What was your experience? How did you ask for one? And doesn't it particularly suck to fly as a fat person and know that everyone on the entire plane is hoping that you don't sit next to them?!?!?
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71 comments:
I've been large my entire life, and I've also been a rabid traveler in that I've flown many many flights, and I've only had to ask for a seat-belt extender once. The flight attendant was very gracious about it, and got it for me, and handed it to me quietly, without anyone else knowing. If you do need one, I think that most flight attendants will act the same way.
However, I have a story to share, since you stated that it sucks to fly as a fat person. I was flying home from Atlanta after being on vacation with my aunt and uncle. They ended up flying out the day before me. My uncle had gotten the flu while we were on vacation, and sure enough, that flu bug decided to take hold of me the morning I flew home. On top of being sick, I was assigned a middle seat. Not only am I fat, I'm tall. I'm 5'11, and when you're forced into that little area, it's not cool. Just as we started to take off, I started to vomit, and needed to use my barf bag. The flight attendant eventually came around, and was extremely loud when I gave her the barf bag. She practically screamed "WAS SOMEBODY SICK????" as I handed her my bag and of course, people 3 aisles ahead and behind me were craning their necks to see who had puked. It was terrible.
But, it get worse. I wasn't able to get up and use the bathroom because it was a turbulent ride. So, I had to borrow barf bags from the people sitting next to me. And I filled those up as well.
So, imagine being those poor idiots who not only had to sit next to a fatty. They had to sit next to a fatty who couldn't stop throwing up.
Your flight will be about 1000 times better than that one was.
I have used the dreaded seat belt extender... and yeah, the first time I had to ask for one it was pretty humiliating. Luckily the flight attendant was very nice about it and tried to be as inconspicuous as possible. Of couse when boarding there are other people close by in the small space so maybe the person behind you and the person in front of you may hear you ask for one, but I guess between the possilibity of not being able to buckle up at all thereby vastly increasing my chances of injury/death in case of in flight disaster or maybe feeling a little weird about a stranger I will never see again, and probably wont even see during the flight, hearing me ask for a seatbelt extender I'll take the momentary feelings of fatty shame over potential death. Also I have found that with the seatbelt extender I'm just more comfortable. While the rest of my body is a ball of shaking tense muscles due to my efforts to not to allow my fat to spill over onto fellow passengers at least I don't have to feel like I'm being cut in half by a too tight seatbelt. Now I always ask for one when I board a flight. I was really embarrassed once on a NWA flight though because not only am I fat I am also tall, so I (used to) like to sit in the emergency exit row when available. As usual I asked for my seatbelt extender and then proceeded to my seat. After everyone was all strapped in ready to go a flight attendant came up to me and announced loudly enough for people within three or four rows in each direction to hear that if you need a seatbelt extender you are not allowed to sit in the emergency exit row. No one had told me this before, but of course who am I to argue with a flight attendant... So shes asks "Are you sure you cant fit without it", which I wasnt and I sure as hell wasnt going to try because just incase I did actually NEED the seatbelt extender I didnt want to suffer that additional embarrassing blow of showing everyone just how fat I was. The man in the row behind me was willing to switch with me and didnt make a big deal of it, and for the rest of the flight the sassy gay male flight attendant brought me free drinks, but still it was a pretty horrifying experience. Hmm, hopefully that wont put you off of asking for one because I really have found they make me much more comfortable generally. I will say I am dreading an upcoming trip though... I will be travelling with my boss and her boss. I really wont have any excuse for not boarding the flight with them/sitting (squeezing myself in) next to them, so I will be forced to ask for the seatbelt extender in front of them which is a pretty mortifying thought, and then work doubly hard to keep my fat contained. The trip is still a month away and I'm already VERY anxious about the whole idea. I'm considering just not eating for the next month in order to avoid any fatty flying issues...
chunksofun@gmail.com
I was also going to suggest sitting in the emergency exit row. That's what I always request as there tends to be more room. I am tall also, like the previous two commentors, so I find it's more comfy.
I have to say, that I just tuck the seat belt around me, if it does up, it does up, if it doesn't, I just fake it. I always wear layers when flying. I cover myself up with a hoodie and go to sleep. Then no one bothers me about the seat belt.
I have to say that I like flying first class much better. I can't always afford to, but when I can, I certainly do!!!!
andi
I was so anxious about the fat issue when I had to fly that I booked flights with a very good chance of ensuring empty seats being available (there was no guarantee) and I think they did try to keep it in mind as they continued to book the flight. I also checked beforehand about seat belt extenders and was assured they are provided upon request. Then when I boarded I advised the flight attendant that I would be much more comfortable if I had a spare seat next to me if one was available. And then when I needed the seat belt extender I just asked if I could have one and it was such a non-issue. The attendant was lovely about it. Plus I had a whole row of seats to myself, the window view and peace and quiet. I was very comfortable.
Stop worrying!! You can ask for the extender and it should be quietly passed to you! I ask for it every time and I never have an issue with it. Also I am a dreadful passenger!! I am filled with panic and I also HATE the middle bit of flying, take off and landing are great. Very Strange! I NEVER just tuck my seatbelt round me, there can be a jolty turbulence and you need the belt to keep you in your seat so that you don't clout your head. Don't risk it. My bestadvice is to shut your eyes and try to convince yourself thatyou are on a bus. It sometimes works for me, when its a bit rocky it feels very similar! Good luck and enjoy your trip. Pippa (One Salford feminist) xx
Ohhh how I feel for you. I fear all the same things in regards to flying so I have avoided it recently. If I could get my own extender (is that possible?) I would, to avoid having to ask.
Emergency exits and aisles are the only way to go.
I'd self medicate to get through it. Not a good idea, I know but it sure would make me feel better!
If anything, do not "fake" doing up your seatbelt as Andi suggests above. Sweet jesus. Give it a go, and you if need the extender, get it and forget about it. No one cares. I would like to hug you.
I have used a seatbelt extender. Not my proudest moment, but necessary. Yes, Jetblue has them. When ppl are boarding as the stewardess is walking down the aisles discreetly ask for one. You could even lean in and ask for one as you board. This will make sure that you get one since they only have a few per flight [although I have never had a problem getting one].
Luckily Jetblue seats are slightly wider than other airlines, just make sure you put the armrest up so you have a little bit more room.
I don't know if this will make you feel better...
The worst airplan "neighbors" I ever had were a tie between:
a) the woman who sat next to me on an overseas flight and decided to change her daughter's diaper right next to me while I was sleeping. Talk about a rude awakening!
b) the honeymooners who sat next to me and had to cuddle and lay all over each other the entire cross country flight. I got elbowed and kneed and kicked numerous times.
My point in recounting these? None of these people were fat. So there are worse scenarios for a flight than sitting next to a fat person.
Just try to relax and enjoy yourself. Hope it goes well :)
If you have enough time before the flight, you can purchase your own extender and not have to worry about asking for one.
http://www.protravelgear.com/store/Comfort___In_Flight_Comfort___Seat_Belt_Extender_for_all_Major_Airlines___43?Args=
There are currently two dozen of them available on E-Bay. Just don't go over $50.00, because you can buy one retail for that.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=Airline+Seat+Belt+extender&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=20878&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search
I used to have to wear the seatbelt extender (oh I'm still fat, just not as fat). I would ask for it and if the flight crew are sensitive enough, they know what you're asking for before you do. The ones I dealt with will discreetly walk by and hand it to you. There's usually so much going on while boarding, no one notices. Don't go without out it.
I flew to Mexico this summer on USA3000 and I have to say they had comfy seats and I'm only 5'7 and I could stretch my legs out.
Just go, enjoy yourself and remember you're not out there alone. You'll never see those people again.
Oh and I lived through an emergency landing (fire trucks on the runway etc.) and have flown all over the US/Europe etc. since then. You'll be fine.
I've always had pretty good/moderately comfortable experiences flying Jet Blue. Also, I'm with Kate--bringing your own seatbelt extender is the way to go. It's subtle and is one less thing to think about.
been there, done that. here's the thing, it was humiliating the first time, but then i realised that actually the flight attendants were really nice about it and there wasn't anything to worry about. and i agree, it made the flight much more comfortable.
Thanks for the info about obtaining your own seatbelt extender... but I am not sure you are allowed to use them. Are they regulation-y enough? Does it depend on the airline?
If the plane isn't full, ask about being placed next to an empty seat when you check in. (People do this for all kinds of reasons, and if you get someone nice, they will usually accomodate you if possible.)
I usually ask for the seatbelt extender when I'm getting on board; I'll just find a flight attendant and say, "I'm in seat 18A, and could I please have a seatbelt extender?" Every time I've asked, they are always VERY discreet and polite--they even hand it to you all folded up so no one really sees what it is.
Also, on JetBlue they have certain rows with more leg room (look on the website). This at least makes it seem more roomy! I love flying them--they're super friendly and I am all about the satellite TV.
gobetty, my extender is generally a different color than the belt (so, fairly noticeable), and I've used it about 20 times and nobody has ever said a word to me about it.
i fly at least 4 times a month.
here's a list of some things i do myself:
1) get to the airport early, and ask for the emergency exit row.
2) when checking in, ask if the flight is full, if not, ask if you could sit closer to the back of the plane, and have an entire row to yourself, or at least a seat with an empty seat next to you.
3) when boarding begins, board the plane early....when they offer early boarding for people that need assistance, are traveling with children, etc. the flight crew is always friendly, and will easily accomodate your request for a seatbelt extender in a discreet manner. have a seat, get yourself buckled in, and if you want to keep it hidden, put a sweater, or a blanket over your lap, and dig into your magazines. after that point, no one cares....everyone is just trying to get to their seat, and find a place for their excess carry on baggage.
i have come across some pretty rude attendants that make a big deal out of the seat extender in front of a full plane. my advice....deal with it before everyone else gets on the plane.
also....think about your time on a plane as time that is all your own. no one from your day to day life can bother you. i always think of flying as a mini vacay from life.
best of luck!
I bet you made this whole fear up and that in reality you're tiny and skinny.
As a fat girl who is also anxious about flying (though less fat and less anxious than in the past), I can totally feel your pain on this one.
Here are my tips:
1) dramamine that will make you sleepy... you'll be so tired you won't be able to keep your eyes open.
2) I don't know if any other airlines do this, but if you fly on Northwest Airlines, you can actually check in online 24 hours in advance AND have the option for purchase, for $15, an exit-row seat -- and while those seats aren't any wider, the do offer more room in general so that helps.
Safe travels!
I'm going to echo everyone else that's had to ask for the dreaded extender. I have to use one on the smaller "puddle-jumper" planes. unfortunately, my fat is low around my abdomen and in exactly the wrong place for those little seat belts. The flight attendants have always been kind and subtle with me. I've never had a bitchy one.
I, too, used to feel guilty when flying... worrying about the people around me and how uncomfortable they might be because I'm fat.
But you know what? No more. Fuck 'em if they have an issue with my body. as long as I'm not in their seat with them, they can just get over it. I have to live with this body every day and I'll be damned if I'm going to let someone else's imaginary issues mess with my head.
so go. fly. get an extender if you need one. and remember: fuck 'em.
What I hate is when your thighs make the arm rest go up and you're this close to touching the next passenger's thigh... I actually prefer the fixed armrest, even if it encrusts itself on my leg... Less embarrassment...
I just got back from flying this past week, and had to explain to my (thin) sweetie why I was feeling so stressed out. I didn't have this problem in the past, but being 15-20lbs heavier than I was seems to be the magic number for boatloads of added stress.
I second those above on the extender - definitely ask, and know that you're far from the first person whose ever asked for one! As for the stress of worrying about seatmates, I'll pass along what the sweetie said - everyone complains about being crammed in on flights, whether they're next to thin folks or fat folks, so most people really aren't going to be bothered by it. I can't seem to take this to heart, but maybe you can!
And whoever said that Jetblue seats are a bit wider is right - they definitely are. Good choice.
A friend of mine travels so much that she purchased her own extender. Everyone is so bus getting on the plane, that no one ever notices her attaching it.
I'm like you -- I've not gotten to the point that I needed one, but I sure dread the thought of it until I actually get the belt buckled.
Whew!
I always ask the first flight attendant I see as I board the plane for a seatbelt extension, then they bring it to me after the safety demonstration. They're as discreet as can be about it. No one really cares if you need one or not.
And don't worry about what the guy next to you thinks. You'll never have to sit next to him again. You'll never see him again. If he complains, just sit on him. :)
On one flight over the summer, I sat in the very back row. Yeah, right by the bathroom. But the seats had a divider under the armrest which kept my thigh away from the person next to me. It wasn't as cramped as I thought it would be.
I usually go United, and on the larger planes the seatbelts are a bit longer than on the small planes. Not so on other airlines that I've flown. I'm a 28, so judge by that.
And sleep if you can. It makes the flight go faster. Have fun on your trip!
Well, I'll be brutally honest. I have no particular animosity towards fat people, but I'm one of the above mentioned who hopes the really fat person coming down the aisle isn't going to be sitting next to me. It's bad enough fighting off the deep vein thrombosis when flying economy without being pinned up against the window at the same time. Not to mention the awkwardness of being forced to spend hours pressed up against an invariably polite and apologetic stranger.
It's happened enough that now whenever I travel I only fly SouthWest. On their flights you rarely have anyone who is overweight. I think that's the only solution that can work out for everyone - different carriers for different people.
I just stumbled upon this blog a few days ago...and after reading a ton of the posts, I am beginning to think that all of this is fake. The authors being overweight, the stories, the problems...something just seems weird.
Does anyone else get that feeling?
Whitney can't possibly be fat.
If she ever was for any amount of time, she would have been able to relate to any number of the posts on this blog.
It's not weird. It's a fat girl's life. And I live it. And I laugh and cry along with every other fat girl stopping by!
Dear Whitney,
To answer your question: NO
Now go away
whitney - if you've ever lived a day as a fat girl, then you'd know that this blog is real as it gets. I cannot say with absolute certainty that the authors are overweight, as I have never met them. I can vouche for the accuracy of the issues they discuss here. these are the things we live with day in and day out.
You never know-- the person next to you might be an F.A. Which would be creepy and uncomfortable, still, but at least they wouldn't be terribly unhappy about it.
Dear Fatty People,
I actually wish the fat people would sit beside me, because:
1. I want to them to feel that they are accepted and loved.
2. I want them to know someone out there understands that fat can't be helped.
3. I deserve to sit next to them, because I happen to be extremely short and average weight, so I take up only half a seat.
OK, girls, look.
You can call me spoiled or whatever (it is my birthday, after all) but - 6 hour flight?
Especially if your return is to the East Coast and you lose 3 hours and will be tired as well as jet-lagged?
Three words.
Business class seat.
Oh hun, I am sorry you are so worried about your flight. Hugs, Paula
Whoever Whitney is, she must be tiny--this blog is one of my faves, because, as a fat girl, I identify with almost every post. Why would she even bother asking...that is kind of obnoxious. I love you guys and hate flying--I am six feet tall and overweight, and spend the whole trip pinned to the wall, hoping not to flop any of my parts over onto the other people...I flew with my five year old--that is the way to go. Between the two of us, we were comfy!!
I would defend Whitney's "right" or whatever to come here, read and comment. I don't love the Trucker Max trolls or anything, or those who bait the regular contributors here, or those who just come here to be assholes, but come on Sam. "Now go away". What kind of attitude is that? Surely someone can come here as a newby and question what it's all about.
What gobetty said...
...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLEM!!!!
GoBetty:
I think Whitney should go away, I read other posts on this blog where she says the same thing and then tells everyone to go to her blog so I think she's hear to basically pimp her own stuff out, which if you read it, like I did you wouldn't agree with what she's promoting, i.e., her diet plan: eat one day, then starve the next.
I did check Whitney's blog. I don't disagree / agree with what she's doing. I don't care about her weight loss method. That's her business. She just seemed to pose a legit question, not baiting anyone. As we know, the comments here aren't moderated. And new ppl come thru who don't know everything that goes on here, then say things in comments that may seem obtuse. We don't have to attack them if they're more or less genuine (as I thought she was). But, whatever. If sam or you want to tell her to go away, be my guest.
I'm going to chime in and say, when you get on the plane, ask the attendant (look for the one who seems nicest) and ask for an extender. Sometimes they have it right there and sometimes they come back and hand it to you. No one has even given me a hard time about it. They may have watched me try and figure it out the first time I used it but I really didn't care.
As for "spillage" I still have problems with that. I hope you get someone who is a half way decent person. Most everyone I know was okay; I'm sure they would have rather NOT sat next to me but it could have been a worse passenger than me. (Say the person with the loud music, the crying infant, the smelly person, the person who brought the entire buffet from home along as a snack.)
As for the anxiety; I used to be terribly afraid. Then I went to Florida with my aunt who was so obnoxious (long long story) that by the time we got on our flight some 10 hours later, I no longer feared death. I'm perfectly serious; that's how bad she was. I don't recommend flying with my aunt to combat your nerves...but the last time, I took my iPod along and listened to music. It was a great comfort. Good luck on your trip.
WOW! So much attention for me??? LMAO!
And no, I am not obsese, but I am not thin. I asked a question, gees, why does everyone get so upset? And where have I asked the same question elsewhere on this blog? Huh? No where! I commented on another post, but didn't ask if the blog was real.
Relax!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just found this blog and am so glad it was today. I have been thinking of cancelling my vacation because I didn't want the hassles of flying. Reading these comments was great. Thanks to you all.
Carrie
tapiocapdding@hotmail.com
...and another (belated) happy birthday from me, Littlem!
Groan...I shouldn’t open my big mouth but I can’t help myself!
I'm going to chime in and agree with Undine's Soul. Many fat girls I have known over the years are far better conversationalists (I am one so I can attest to that). But why is that, I wonder? Do I dare say it's because we aren't shallow? (I totally realize that’s one big, bad generalization and I'm not trying to say that skinny people are shallow on average so please don't jump all over me) Do we just lead more interesting lives? (Snort, I’m so not one of those people). Or is it that we haven’t been allowed to get by on our looks so we’ve in turn had to cultivate our stunning personalities to be appealing? (Ouch, I don’t like how that looks in print but I’m not sure how to say what I want to say here. Can anybody understand where I’m going with this and help me out?)
Did I just open a can of worms by implying there is some truth to the “Fat girl with the great personality” stereotype? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just watch a weekend of 80’s movies and you’ll see where we are supposed to land on the social food chain.
Sorry I wasn’t able to refer to the original post. But I love the site and the conversations that are generated by it! Keep up the good work, ladies!!!
Wow, I spend a lot of time feeling sorry for myself and not really thinking much about the hell others are going through....
If you're that anxious, call your doctor and ask her for some Xanax. Seriously, it will change your life. I HATE flying, and the Xanax helps.
Welcome to the human race, Matt; I think you've admitted to being guilty of being like the vast majority of the planet's population, but it was really nice of you to say.
I went on a flight once - one of those cheapy ones and had to ask for an extender. The flight attendent made a big fuss and then made me move as I was in the emergency exit aisle. The entire plane load of people watched me move. I then had to sit next to a guy who tutted the entire flight and shuffled in his seat as if he was terrible uncomfortable. Not as uncomfortable as me! I was holding back tears the entire flight. URGH! Worst flight and possible candidate for one of the worst experiences ever. Thank you Ryan Air you bastards! I've lost 48 pounds since then, not because of that, and I am still avoiding flying.
Sorry, you don't want to hear this story do you? I'm sure American airlines have bigger seats but don't sit in the emergency exit aisle if you need an extender.
i faked it twice, wrappin the seatbelt around my waist instead of asking for an extender. the first time i actually didn't know about that option. 3rd time i needed one, i asked with a smile, like i was askin for a pillow, and in return i got a smile, and a discreet handover; she had folded it several times, and it was tucked in her palm when she handed it to me, and there was no, 'oh u poor fat chick' look in her eyes when she handed it to me, i was glad. riding with the fakeout was terrible, hoping that we would never plummet, or i'd be flyin around the aircraft over everyone strapped in...
i lost 35 pounds since. i can't say the extender experience wasn't a motivation. but on jet blue, i was comfortable, and with a lil less gut, the belt fit.
No, the generalization isn't correct. There are fat interesting people and thin interesting people. As well as fat boring people and thin boring people. I think trying to argue that fat makes you more interesting is like trying to argue that thin makes you more interesting.
Everyone; I read yours and whitneys blogs on blogspot. I feel I need to reach out in order to regain my right to free speech. I tried to post this message on whitneys blog:
This is the exact problem with stuff like this diet (I am the first anonymous poster)- its a short term fix. At the end of a short term fix, everything will go back to the way it was and will possibly worsen (both eating habits and weight). Its not sustainable- you need something with more longevity to it. Think about the future; you might be slimmer now, but diets (verb) are mostly a surefire way to put on weight. Concentrate on having a mostly healthy diet, eating exactly what you want when you want. For example, I have been eating a lot of chocolate for the last few days and no longer feel compulsed to eat it as a result. Its working for all foods- I feel calm around food, not like I have to stuff it in or deny myself.
But she no longer allows anonymous comments (she did, and said she welcomed positive and negative criticism, but this suddenly changed since she's had comments in a similar vein about her eat-a-day-fast-a-day-diet for a month (does what it says on the tin) and I haven't got a blogger account. Please, someone, post it for me! You all seem like erudite people who appreciate free speech... of course, I could create an account to which I will never remember the password or use again. I'm sorry to rope you all into my argument, and completely understand if noone wants to post it. I think Whitney needs help!
Kate, Buff, you ladies rock so hard.
Eat one day and starve the next? Eeeeewwwww.
I don't know what it means, but I know more scintillating fat people, and more dull skinny people, than the other way around. Case in point - this blog and its commenters.
(Although I have been known to get on a plane with sunglasses and mineral water. *smirk*)
Where's Mikey? Has he been messing with the word verification again? 'Cause mine is suggestive.
Hee.
Although it is not the most desirable situation, I don't know why more people don't just buy another seat. Do they actually charge you full price? I would hope there is a discount.
To anon at 2:44 - here in bloggerland the blog owners don't have to let you comment; it's not a democracy. I suggest you do get an account if you want the priviledge of leaving comments in most places.
Perhaps some folks here did go read her anorexic-y blog and did come down on her. But a blog like Fatty, where the authors (and for the most part commenters) talk about being fat, isn't the ideal place to find a lot of sympathy if you're embarking on the type of diet she describes. I would think a pro-ana blog-ring would be a more supportive place for her.
And in my very humble opinion, someone who is anorexic (or almost there) isn't going to take kindly to fat people telling her off. Think about it! :-) Peace out, I enjoy all of you so much.
anon at 12:27, I've never done it, but have heard that it's actually kind of difficult. One person I know got a lecture that "one person can't legally occupy two seats," and another was told that if the flight was overbooked her second seat would be given to a standby passenger.
Fat=Different
Different=Interesting
So IMHO,
Fat=Interesting
I like people who have more to talk about then the latest fashions (I can't fit into most of the clothes and even if I could, I wouldn't be able to afford them). I like people who don't tell me that all they had to eat today was celery and vitamins (and somehow they are still coherent?!?). It makes me feel bad when I pull out my yummy snacks and munch away right in front of them. I’m nourishing my body but somehow it comes across as “the Fat girl eating yet again!”
Some fat people get on the plane and are so mortified that they have to squeeze into the tiny seats that they end up keeping to themselves in the hopes that no one notices them (me 10 years ago). But some people get on a plane, recognize what they can and cannot control in the situation (belt extender, exit row, better carrier that doesn’t discriminate) and they learn to make the best of the time they are in flight. They bring books, games, snacks, knitting- whatever keeps them busy. They look for friendly faces and talk to their seat mates and they don’t let anyone see how bothered they are by the experience (me today). They end up having a more comfortable experience in the end.
Don’t let them see that you’re distressed. If you are, they will be too. Act like you do this all the time. Act like you belong there whether your ass fits or not. Act bold and confident, even if on the inside you want to open the emergency doors mid-flight because you can’t feel your toes or the guy sitting in the aisle seat gave you a funny look or the stewardess has ignored your request for another soda.
No need to post the comment by anon at 2:44, I've read it.
And GOBETTY is correct, I do not have to allow anyone to post on my blog - it is my blog. I just didn't see the point of people posting the exact same thing over and over again under anonymously.
Others are also eating QOD and they do not receive the negative feedback...hmm...I wonder why. I can only imagine.
I cannot believe that I am still the topic over here in Fatty Blogland. I will not apologize for wanting to be healthier, thinner, and refusing to stuff my face with fattening food. Get on with your lives, or you can continue to criticize me :)
And to GOBETTY, I never tried to find sympathy here or anywhere else. I was merely documenting my weight loss journey and experience with a new way of eating.
PLEASE stop things so seriously. You all need to relax.
Fasting for one day is not 'eating healthier,' moron. There is a difference between 'eating healthily' and 'going on a ridiculous diet to try to lose weight.'
Sheesh.
Ok, I'm the same anonymous that wanted to post on whitneys page- whitney, you did post a comment on here leaving your blog link- other QOD people probably don't get negative feedback because they don't leave their urls on places that are not particularly appreciative of dieters extolling the virtues of various faddy plans. I am not saying you should apologise for the way you eat, nor suggesting that you stuff your face, just suggesting my opinion on how you could modify your ways of eating for the better. And, just to confirm, I'm not overweight or obese according to BMI charts. I read this blog because I find it interesting and have struggled with weight issues in the past- you're right above posters, fat does usually equate to interesting. Compare this blog to dieters blogs- varied issues handled humourously as opposed to the dour accounts of celeriac and iced tea. Give me fatty mcblog every time.
*sigh*
So are you saying because I was once obese and now I'm thin I get to be interesting too?
Guys seriously--the generalizations don't help anyone. Learning to treat people as individuals is going to be better in the long run than applying a very broad characteristic to one group of people that happen to share a physical similarity.
Fat people don't just share a physical similarity! They usually share public shame, private pain, trouble finding jeans, as well as acceptance. There is a whole lot more we have in common (as evidence by this blog and it's readers) than our weight!
I suspect that what Allison was referring to not applying the broad characteristic of "uninteresting" to thin people.
While I do agree with what Punkin said earlier about some people getting by on their looks and consequently not developing much of a personality, I can ASSURE you that the vast majority of thin people do not get by in life on their looks alone.
Girls! Aren't you going to recap the season premiere of The Biggest Loser? for those of us who don't have cable pretty please?
I have had to ask for a seatbelt extender for the past 10 years I have flown. It has been easier to ask right as you get on the plane. Usually not many people hear you and you can get it without the flight attendant walking through the plane and bringing attention to you.
I read through some of the other comments. I do not recommend the fake out if you need an extender - I got humiliated once for not having my seatbelt buckled. Also, you cannot sit in an exit row - another humilating experience. Right when you get on the plane and see the flight attendant - ask for one - then its over. Also - I agree with one of the anon. posters - fly Xanax. =)
I found this blog by searching. I have NEVER flown and am being faced with having to fly during, the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, no less, to my in-laws. I'll be flying with my husband and two children. We normally take our comfy mini-van loaded with our comforts of home. It's predictable and everything is within my control, which is comfort. The worries of whether or not my butt will even fit in the seat, will I need an extender, will my armrest be moveable have me completely TERRIFIED. I think about it day and night and have lost countless hours of sleep. It's just the unknown. I've been trying to find out what it will be like, how the seating arrangement will be. I'm too embarrased to call the airline and can't find info on their website. Can anyone offer any insight to quell my fears? I think I'm on the brink of developing an ulcer. :-(
HELP! Jean
I must also add that we have not purchased tickets yet (which my mother-in-law) has graciously offered to pay for and I am secretly hoping they will be all sold out. :0)
What am I going to tell my m-i-l? Sorry but we need 5 tickets so that my fat ass can have a ride too? I hate feeling this way...
Jean, if you sit in the same row with your children, you shouldn't have a problem. It's mostly having to sit next to a stranger that induces a lot of stress.
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I've never had a problem getting an extender, and most flight attendents have gone out of their way to make me and my seatmates comfortable on flights. When I flew home for my sister's wedding back in 2001, I had no idea that I'd gotten so big I needed the arm up, I was shocked and humiliated and embarrassed. The flight attendent just found me a seat with an empty beside it and said "I'm sure this will be more comfortable". I know SouthWest has gotten a lot of flak for asking larger passengers to buy two tickets, but their whole "customer of size" policy is very decent. You preboard, their front row has raisable armrests, so hello leg room. And they refund that second ticket if your flight isn't full, with ONE phone call. The gate attendant actually checked the flight before I got on and let me know that there were unsold seats, so I would be sure to get my refund. I love to fly, it's getting through the airport that crushes me like a eggshell.
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