Tips for Flying with Elderly Obese Parent.

if you are willing to pay?? there is business and first class with wider seats.

While I agree that it's "discrimination" to make her buy two seats? You could call the airline directly and ask them how this will work. Tell them how big she is and what she needs.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/flight-ticketing-for-larger-pas...#

Good luck. I would either upgrade to first class and pay through the nose for it. Or find another way to travel, such as train or car. If you have to buy two seats? Why not just upgrade?

You will likely get further dealing directly with the airline you want to book vs using a third party.

I always use the airline, hotel, rental car direct website for the most efficient planning.

I fly my dad on a 2 hour flight to see me once a year or so. He is 79, NOT obese so I can't answer to those issues, has a hip replacement and is diabetic. He has never had any issues with security or seating.

As far as the seat, it depends on how obese she may be. I have been on a flight when someone wanted to raise the arm rest and take over 1/2 my seat and I am not a nice person when that happens. If you know ahead of time that 1 seat will not work, book 2 together for everyone's comfort level and manners. The customer service rep at the airline may be able to help you without incurring more expense. Also ask for a senior Citizen discount.

I always book directly through the airline, and if I have questions or it is a complicated booking I just book with someone right over the phone. There is a small fee for booking with a live person but you can make sure to get all your answers that way.

You could also try business class.

It might be best to talk directly with the airlines that fly from where she is to where she is going.
Buying an extra seat might be the best way to handle the situation and if it's a 2 hour flight she can probably manage without using the bathroom on a plane - those are very cramped spaces.

https://www.cheapair.com/blog/5-helpful-tips-for-flying-w...

https://www.cheapair.com/blog/airline-policies-for-overwe...

If you can't find any airline that will work for your mom you might want to check out Amtrack and see if train travel would be any better.
It would take longer than a flight and bathrooms are about the same size as they are on planes.

It's kind of a pain but your best bet is to probably call the airlines directly and speak with them for suggestions. I like American, United and Jet Blue, so I would start with those (assuming they serve the cities your flying to/from.)

well - how is a seat where armrests can lift fair to the person beside her?... If you can get a flight with 2 across and be next to her, seems fair. Or you take a middle seat and her at the window. But her extra size should not be her neighbor’s problem. I understand cost and all but also means person next to her didn’t get a bargain. If I’m next to someone who is at all taking part of my seat, sorry but I will raise a fuss. I have paid for 2 seats for kids, extra comfort etc. So I would say get a plane with 2 seat sections or buy a 3rd to avoid problems. Her weight is in addition. to other issues... Flying just stinks these days with crammed seats and full flights. We have to pay up for adequate room or don’t fly... I’m paying almost $1k per person this summer to fly cross country. It’s just expensive these days.

You can get two seats together and just squish beside her - family can do this. I know that business class is more expensive, but you need to do this for her. Get the belt expander set up, and ask for a wheelchair for your mother. I agree with the poster who said to call to make the reservation.

I have a friend who is considered obese, and they have to provide you with an extended for the seat belt. I know she was worried about this, but they handed her one discreetly. As for having to purchase an extra seat, I don't believe she did this. She didn't mention it if so. She traveled with a relative though and I assume she was on an end, so that she wasn't up against another passenger. I think her main concern was the seat belt.

Perhaps there are seats on the plane that are best suited (positioned) with room - like with no seats in front, etc. for getting in and out. I have a very tall relative who purposefully seats himself in such areas when he travels so he doesn't have to worry about legroom. You could talk to the airline directly or a travel agent specifically who could talk to the airline for you. I am not familiar with AAA myself.

Good luck :)

I would either buy her two seats or pay for first class. She will be so much more comfortable.

Southwest will accommodate her, my niece is considered obese and they allow her to board early and they also give her a reserved place holder for the seat next to her so know one else will sit next to her (no extra fees), providing it's not a full flight but that has never happen so far.