Travel Tips & Resources for Fat Folks

Sep 26

Each Fat Fridays Virtual Social Club (presented by NAAFA and hosted by me!) involves a themed discussion and game. The following information came from our September 2022 gathering with the theme of travel. The list of tips and resources are a collaborative effort from our group discussions.

Want to join in on the fun? RSVP for our next event here!

U.S. PUBLIC FEEDBACK FOR AIRPLANE MINIMUM SEAT REQUIREMENTS

Available until November 1, 2022, the Federal Register has released a request for comments from the public regarding an update to minimum seat dimensions for the safety of air passengers. This is an important opportunity for fat folks and allies to make their voices heard in a forum that could impact all fat people who travel by air in/from the United States.

To submit your comment, click on the speech bubble icon in the gray bar on the left (it should be the second icon from the top). The form is an open form where you type in your comments and have the option to attach files if necessary, so the time it’ll take you to fill this out will depend on how much to say. Consider including your opinions on:

Increasing minimum seat size
The unlikeliness of receiving a second seat when having to wait until the day-of flights
The cost of purchasing second seats for seating accommodations
The cost of upgrading to first class for seating accommodations

Submit your comments here and share the link with others! https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/03/2022-16565/request-for-comments-in-minimum-seat-dimensions-necessary-for-safety-of-air-passengers-emergency

FAT TRAVEL TIPS

Seating

Buy a regular seat ticket. Then, when you’re checking in the morning of, sometimes first class seat upgrades are only $20-$30. American and Delta have been really good about this.
Southwest seats seem a little more roomy, but their seats are all the same (no first class).
Seat belt extenders are great! You can now buy your own from various sources online. But make sure you don’t book a seat in the emergency rows, because you can’t use seat belt extenders in those seats.
Buy a second seat on the airplane! Some airlines will refund your second seat. Sometimes, you can request a second seat the day-of (when checking in or at departure gate) without paying upfront for it. (Check below for various airlines’ customer of size policies.)

Accessibility/accommodations

Check ahead about accommodations. Get a wheelchair or scooter if you need to. Plan, plan, plan! (Check below for two resources for researching accessibility.)

Dress

Wear layers! The temperature will fluctuate.

Alternatives to flying

Taking a train is a great alternative to flying. You get to see new places and meet new people. A sleeper car is the way to go (for space and privacy) if that’s within your means.

Souvenirs

Screw Souvenir shops! They’re overpriced and basic. Thrifting in different places is really fun! And you’re certain to find unique gifts.

FAT TRAVEL RESOURCES

Researching accessibility

Mobility devices

For those with mobility issues, check out Travel Scoot for the world's lightest travel scooter. You can drive it right to the door of the plane, remove the battery and they stow it for you. It's wonderful and will take you the distance. Warrantied up to 350 pounds, but many customers weigh more than that.

Airlines research