Plus Size Travel with Confidence

Are you a plus size traveler like me? I’m so surprised and saddened when I hear complaints from plus size people that they have had major issues with people being rude to them on their travels. I have NEVER had an issue with anyone making rude comments to me about my weight while traveling. Ever. Maybe they talk behind my back? I dunno, don’t care.

I’m a pretty bubbly and confident person in general so maybe I portray that around others. No one wants to mess with me ha ha I would give it right back. But seriously no one knows YOUR story so don’t let what anyone thinks bother you. I know it’s probably easier said than done but we all have to just pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and act confident even if sometimes we’re not.

Here are some tips for plus size travel. Please share yours as well.

Plus Size Air Travel

You can visit seatguru.com to check out seating details like width and pitch of seats, in-flight amenities, an overview of the plane and even travelers photos. I actually just learned about this and tried putting in our flight number and it doesn’t even show the seats we booked. Weird. Airlines will most likely have their customers of size policies under customers with special needs on their websites to help answer any questions about plus size travel.

On The Plane

When you’re boarding the plane, have your seat number available and ask immediately for a seat belt extender if you need one (I actually just bought one for the time remaining that I need one so I no longer have to ask, I just have to remember to take it with me when I leave the airplane). Asking in advance gives the flight attendants enough time to search for one before the plane takes off.

Ask for a seat belt extender with confidence. You should not be made to feel bad about wanting to travel because of your size.

I can’t give you much advice about using the tiny bathrooms because that’s a pain in the you know what as a plus size person but when you gotta go you just make it happen.

Don’t feel bad if you need to get up and move around during the flight when allowed. It’s better to do that than the potential of a blood clot forming from sitting too long. I actually move my legs and feet while seated. I might look like I’m fidgeting to some but that’s how I keep active on the flight. I also usually get an aisle seat so I can lean away from the middle seatmate and not bother them too much.

Never accept the exit row if you’re a large plus size. The seat arms for those don’t move!

American Airlines thought it would be a great idea to change my seat to one of them and that backfired on them. I didn’t fit. Thankfully there was a guy in the row in front of me who I thought might appreciate some leg room and I was right.

He was so happy to switch. Crises averted phew!

And let’s not talk about the tray tables. Ha! It’s rare I can put one down so I just don’t. Or I’ll use Kev’s lol

Airlines are making seats smaller and smaller and they now have so many carry on restrictions, it’s insane. I heard it best said that we shouldn’t be blaming overweight people but rather put the blame on the airlines that are only thinking about lining their pockets rather than thinking about the comfort of passengers. I wish they would consider that everyone deserves an enjoyable travel experience no matter what.

Plus Size Theme Park Travel

This is the big one for me. I really want to participate on all the rides and attractions but I just can’t at my current size. We are heading to Universal Studios Hollywood next month and I hear you can try the seats out before getting in line on most rides. That does seem a bit embarrassing to me out in front of everyone in the park but I will do it with confidence and if I don’t fit, I’ll wait for everyone else.

The price of plus size travel, I guess. I like to people watch so it’s all good. I won’t be sad that I can’t get on a ride but it will make me work harder to lose inches for the next time lol

All That Walking!

If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking you might want to invest in some biker shorts and some anti chafing products. I always have this issue so I have been looking for the most popular suggestions. The products I found that I hope will help are the Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel and the Gold Bond Friction Defense.

Plus Size Travel Clothes

When it comes to the best plus size travel clothes or even clothes in general, I am not the one to be asking. I struggle big time finding clothes I like that fit and that are comfy. Not to mention I have no clue how to put outfits together.

I still have clothes to buy for our trip and I dread going to the store to try on clothes. I have shopped plus sizes online at both JCPenney and Macy’s and had pretty good luck but don’t really have time to have clothes shipped and returned if they don’t fit.

Women’s Plus Size Clothes

Is moisture wicking something I want for travel purposes? I hear microfiber is good for plus size travel clothes too. I have seen a lot of recommendations for jersey type clothes but I don’t care for those since they seem to show every crease and roll on my body.

I also read a suggestion to wear sports bras on travel days. And biker shorts under skirts and dresses but I don’t think I’ll be wearing those on our trip to California.

Thankfully I am checking a bag and don’t have to worry too much when it comes to how much I pack (I attempted to pack carry on for my last quick trip to Florida but that didn’t work out well for me).  I’m thinking of going to our local Avenue store to see if they have any specials.

I’m also looking into Columbia, Lands End, Her Room and Zappos (yep they have plus size too) for future ideas.

I sure could use a personal shopper for this!

You’ve Got This

You can do so much no matter what size you are. I have snorkeled (our favorite thing to do) and zip lined.

Don’t be ashamed to go after what you want. It may or may not work but at least you can say you tried. Be kind to yourself.

Not all destinations are going to be plus size friendly and that’s OK. Go where you are welcome (or not) and live life to the fullest. You can still be just as amazing and healthy no matter your size. Just go out there and rock it.

Angie

P.S.

Here are some travel tips to help with fitness and eating healthy. Enjoy!