Travel advice....

[jamie]

I can't believe it, but I am going to be going to Ireland sometime this coming year. The trip is being paid for by my company, but they are leaving the planning of it up to me.

1. I have never been on a plane.
2. I have never been *anywhere*
3. I am scared to death.

I have always wanted to go, but now the dauntingness of it all is starting to scare me off the whole thing.

Has anyone ever been to either Ireland or England and could give me some information? I am worried about the flight over and the just being there. I am afraid of fitting period. I was looking at seat guru...and well let me just say I was a little worried about my bottom being plane appropriate.

Any help you can give would be very appreciated so I can plan appropriately.

Thanks in advance.

[CurvyEm]

I don't know about the flights, but in the UK and Ireland i've not really had any problems about not fitting.

[Zandoz]

I have no first hand experience with Ireland, but I can say that my uncle and his family love it there. They go back every few years...and every time they rave about how much more they like it over England and other European destinations they've gone to.

[Jes]

I can't believe it, but I am going to be going to Ireland sometime this coming year. The trip is being paid for by my company, but they are leaving the planning of it up to me.

1. I have never been on a plane.
2. I have never been *anywhere*
3. I am scared to death.

I have always wanted to go, but now the dauntingness of it all is starting to scare me off the whole thing.

Has anyone ever been to either Ireland or England and could give me some information? I am worried about the flight over and the just being there. I am afraid of fitting period. I was looking at seat guru...and well let me just say I was a little worried about my bottom being plane appropriate.

Any help you can give would be very appreciated so I can plan appropriately.

Thanks in advance.

I have fit into every seat on every plane I've been on, so I don't have much experience, but I have found that having a discussion with an airline rep. often yields more info than any other source. Perhaps call a few carriers and talk it out? Ask them what they recommend.

Travel is one of my (maybe the top) favorite hobbies. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I always do!

[Boteroesque Babe]

There was a good thread on the old main board last Spring, begun by Tina, I believe, containing much big booty flight advice. I've flown a few more times since then, but still, my post in that thread included most everything I know on the topic. It's linked from the Dimensions home page, but the link is dead.

Maybe someone reading this knows how to access it. Had lots of good stories.

Sounds like big fun, Jamie. Enjoy yourself!

[Carrie]

Oh, Jamie, I'm really excited for you. I'm positively dying to go to Ireland - what a great trip for your first grand adventure! I would also definitely advise calling the airline you'll be using and asking some questions about seating. I don't suppose you'll be flying with a skinny colleague who could sit next to you?

I don't know if you'll need a seatbelt extender, but if you think you will, it's a breeze - just tell the flight attendant who greets you when you get on the plane that you'll be needing one, and he/she'll bring it right to your seat, no fuss or commotion at all.

Flying and traveling can be a bit of a challenge, but if you just do a bit of planning ahead and ask some questions, you should be just fine. And the rewards of going on such a cool trip will make it totally worth it! :)


(And BB's right, that was a really good thread in the old forum, if anyone can find it).

[Miss Vickie]

Jamie, how exciting! I'm green with envy, but so pleased for you. We went to the UK in 2002 and I didn't have any problems fitting, although everyone is miserable on planes for long trips. Somewhere is a website that has the widths of seats for various carriers. Maybe someone can post it?

We took the Underground everywhere in London and it was just fine. The only thing that was tough for me (besides the fact that it seems that cigarette smoking is EVERYWHERE!) was that there is a LOT of walking in London, and it seemed like limited elevators; however, there were escalators in the Underground stations. My feet were killing me so bring some comfortable shoes and be ready to change them out during the course of the day (I've found that switching shoes mid-day helps reduce foot pain). That was my biggest problem, was the foot pain and even my svelte then 10 year old daughter's feet hurt too 'cause you do a LOT of walking on vacation.

We spent a week in London, and then a week traveling up to Scotland. We rented a car and drove; it was a lot of fun, but it's not for everyone. Also, if you ever DO rent a car, don't rent one in downtown London like we did -- it it at one of the outlying airports or train stations or something. Because while driving in the UK isn't bad in general, driving in London was AWFUL. I still have nightmares. Lots of people take the rail system and do very well. I wanted the freedom of coming and going when we wanted to, and I love to drive, so for us it was a good choice.

Where are you planning to go? Do you know yet?

Oh and those Fodor's (?) books are very helpful; you can probably get them on the cheap from a used bookstore. I loved our guide books; very entertaining and helpful.

[Cat]

Jamie,
How exciting for you! You can't beat having a trip on the company's dime. And Europe! Man, oh, man! Lucky, lucky you!!
Don't be afraid! This is a great opportunity!! Probably the start of many fun flights in your future!!
(Crap, I'm using too many exclaimation points. But can you tell I'm excited for you?!?)

I haven't flown overseas, but have flown domestically a lot, lot, lot. I heard from a friend who has flown overseas that British Airway's seats seem to be bigger than US domestic flights *and* they were really very accomodating.

Let's see...tips...If you are flying alone, book an extra seat if you can. I don't normally say to do this, but because it's a LONG flight, it's probably going to be your best option. But, if you can't, when you check in, ask the attendant if there are any open seats and whether or not you can be put next to an open one. They're usually really very accomodating. Only a couple of times did I get a crabby service person. OR, if you're flying with coworkers, pick a friendly skinny one with whom you can sit.

OH, also most of the time when you're booking flights online, you can see what seats and how many are available. While this isn't a sure-fire predictor as to how full the flight will be when you actually take off, it's does seem to predict fairly well, especially if you're booking shortly before your departure date. Obviously you look for the flights where there's 250 open seats! Much better luck at getting the extra seat next to you.

One last tidbit of knowledge from another friend who has flown overseas a LOT. On most 747s there is a row near the back of the plane (row 63 or so. here's an example (http://www.nwa.com/travel/trave/seatm/747400/747400.gif)) that has a bunch of room to the side of the row towards the window *and* the seat arm goes up. Apparently this is one of the best kept secrets in big butt air travel. There's the extra room there 'cuz the two sides start to narrow and the rows go from three-four-three configuration down to two-four-two. Anyway, that's worth looking into too.
OH, another thing came to mind that I've recently discovered on domestic flights, which is probably the same on international...there are "handicapped" rows where the arm towards the aisle lifts up.

Good luck and keep us up to date! Oh, and we want pictures of you in Ireland!!!

[LillyBBBW]

I went to London and Edinburgh and flew British Airways. I didn't have much trouble on the flights except for at one point I was sitting next to this really rude couple. It was okay but I made a mental note that the next time I fly on any airline I'm going to try to ask for the bulkhead seats. The bulkhead seats are the ones that are right up front behind the wall that separates the regular seats from first class. The wall is far enough ahead of those seats so that the legroom is way more than any of the other seats, even first class. The pull down trays adjust to extra girth a bit better too. Make your reservation over the phone and tell them your special needs requiring the bulkhead seats. Just bear in mind that if an NBA playertype person is flying or a person in a wheelchair, you may just have to make do with the regular seats unless your company is willing to spring for first class. If you get first class you will have no worries at all. The seats there are like an easy chair at home.

That is so cool that you're going to Ireland! I've never been but if it's anything like Scotland you are in for a real treat. Scotland is the most beautiful place I've ever been.

[Jes]

A reminder: the bulkhead seats don't allow for storing any carryon items under the seat in front of you (as there is none). I haven't found this to be much of a prob., but it's helpful to know ahead of time when packing.

[Cat]

Make your reservation over the phone and tell them your special needs requiring the bulkhead seats.
If you get first class you will have no worries at all. The seats there are like an easy chair at home.

The bulkheads I've had on domestic flights suck wads. The arms don't go up 'cuz the tray tables came from the arm area. Not good. Make sure to ask before going this route.

Oh, I agree, Lilly, first class is the way to go! The times I've gotten bumped up to first class were dreamy!! The first time I got bumped up to first class on Christmas eve...'twas the best Christmas gift ever! :)

[Durin]

My Wife and I went to Ireland on our Honeymoon.

I have been to Ireland four times and I want to go back again whenever my finances will allow it.

If you are traveling around in Ireland anwhere else other than Dublin you are going to want to rent a car. If your plans don't include Dublin I would reccomend flying into Shannon on the west coast and starting your trip there because you will be driving in a rural area. Getting used to driving on the left side of the road is easier if you practice where there isn't a lot of trafic.

You can book your flight online on Travelocity or another travel site, get yourself a rental car that way too.

I reccomend staying at B&B's because they are fairly inexpensive and they have their own character to them. Check out the internet and I am sure you will find a good list of B&B's.( Bed and Breakfast)

I believe the Irish Government oversees the licensing of all B&B's and there are lists of them for whatever town you are going to.

If your pocket book can afford it check out the Karen Brown Guide site for different inn's and hotels.

As far as actually flying, bring a buddy and put the armrest up and it will be smooth flying the whole way. My Wife and I sit together and put the armrest up and we are cozy. My Wife hated asking for a seat belt extender every time we traveled so I just took one and put it in our bag. "borrowed it"

Everytime we travel we use that extender and Nik doesn't have to ask for one.

Have a Great Trip!

Ceide Mile Failte!

[Totmacher]

Just fly first class and all should be well. Are you allowed to do that?

[AnnMarie]

Yeah, ditto on the bulkhead thing... no raising of armrests, no deal!

I actually bought two seats on a flight once, and they put me in the bulkhead aisle... I don't know WHAT that was all about. Sort of akin to the time Heather and I purchased a third seat to share (and explained at check-in, as we always do), and they put us 2 seats on one side of the aisle, and 1 seat on the other.

Yeah... physically not going to happen, people... think!

:)

[Boteroesque Babe]

Agreed about the bulkhead seats. Not only do the armrests not go up, the seats are generally narrower, to accomodate the tray table storage.

First Class is mos def the way to go, if possible, but oddly, one of the few times I've needed a seat belt extender was in First Class.

Since no one's come up with a working link to that old thread, here's what I can remember saying:

Seat Guru, Seat Guru, Seat Guru. Not only are there seat dimensions in the upper part of the page, but if you mouse over the seating chart, you'll get extra info on each individual seat.

www.seatguru.com

Select your seat assignment as soon as you're able, and choose a seat next to one that'll be among the last ones assigned. This'll vary, depending on the aircraft, but the back rows are usually the last to be filled.

When you get to the gate, ask the gate agent how full the flight is, and ask to have the seat next to you blocked. This'll hold it open unless and until the plane fills up. If you already have someone next to you, ask whether there are two open elsewhere, and if so, ask to be moved.

I have a trick for getting that seatbelt buckled. Raise up in your seat a bit, and pull it across beneath your tummy. This doesn't help much with hips and thighs, but it does cut down on your overall circumference. And it's safer. But if needed, getting and using an extender is really no big deal.

And I recently discovered another trick. If your seatmate is at all pissy, it helps if your boyfriend is a) awfully cute, and b) meets you at baggage claim and kisses you all up in front of pissy seatmate.

[jamyjam224]

It'll be okay, just think business people fly all the time. Planes are really safe, but really boring, thats the only down side, but you might enjoy it if you've never flown before :) Bring gum to chew so your ears don't pop, that's the only tip I got.but Have a Great Time!!!


:)

[EtobicokeFA]

Yeah, ditto on the bulkhead thing... no raising of armrests, no deal!

I actually bought two seats on a flight once, and they put me in the bulkhead aisle... I don't know WHAT that was all about. Sort of akin to the time Heather and I purchased a third seat to share (and explained at check-in, as we always do), and they put us 2 seats on one side of the aisle, and 1 seat on the other.

Yeah... physically not going to happen, people... think!

:)


When Urszula and I fly, they allow us to preselect the seat ahead of time (depending on the airline). So, we don't have any surprises like that.

[Jes]

And I recently discovered another trick. If your seatmate is at all pissy, it helps if your boyfriend is a) awfully cute, and b) meets you at baggage claim and kisses you all up in front of pissy seatmate.

gah. I could die, this is so cute. Me likey.

Ok, another crazy tip that I once used and god knows how it'll ever work for anyone but keep it in your arsenal:

I used to fly a middle eastern carrier a lot (first, Kuwait air, then Royal Jordanian). It was often oversold, and the planes only flew 2x/week, so you were really stuck if you couldn't get on.

I ordered the vegetarian meal in advance and when it came time to getting on the plane, that actually made a difference! I don't know that this is always the policy, but apparently this airline only had X number of meals, and couldn't give a vegetarian meal (or, in this case, I'd assume a non-halal meal, or whatever) to a passenger who hadn't requested it. So basically, they had to give me a seat, b/c they already had a meal for me, and it would've screwed everything up to NOT accomodate me. I got lucky in that sense.

[Boteroesque Babe]

Great tip, Jes!

I know peeps who intentionally fly the most overcrowded flights in an effort to get bumped. For the vouchers. This'd probably be good for them to know, too.

[Trisha]

Hi Jamie

How exciting!

I flew from Chicago to Dublin and back 2 years ago on Aer Lingus (which is likely the same airline you'll be using, yes?). It was my first flight and I was concerned about being unable to fit in the seat. To my relief, no mention was made of me needing two seats, and after boarding, I realized that I truly wouldn't have needed one. I asked the flight attendant immediately upon entering the plane for a seat belt extender, which MORE than sufficiently fit around me. The armrests, well, I had bruises on both my outer thighs from them, but after takeoff I raised the one on my right side and spread out a bit - I was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me on an otherwise fully-booked plane. I requested a window seat, because I figured if I am going to be overflowing into someone else's space, best to just have it on one side! And I liked being able to see out the window - I was moved to tears when I got my first glimpse of Ireland out the window!

As far as BEING in Ireland....I spent my time there in and around Dublin, and I was EASILY the biggest person everywhere I went. I only saw one girl remotely approaching SSBBW territory! But, I paid it no mind, and had a wonderful trip. Just don't plan on purchasing any clothes there!!

To sum up...I was freaked about my size being an issue for the flight but honestly, it wasn't. I wasn't what you call comfortable, but I don't think ANYONE, regardless of size, can stay comfy on an eight-hour trans-Atlantic flight. Just stay hydrated, bring a book or some sleep aids, and remember....at the end of your flight, you'll be arriving in a gorgeous country FULL of cute boys!

Have a wonderful time, and if you have anything you'd like to ask, feel free to PM me.

Trisha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/taw52977/DublinMountains102703.jpg

[jamie]

Thank you all so much for the travel advice..I really appreciate it.

I will definitely be asking for a seat belt extender when I board. I am afraid though..what if there are a bunch of big people on the plane, and they run out..see, I can always find something to worry about.

Thanks for the info on the bulkhead and back row seats..I checked out seat guru and was a little worried when I saw all the 17" seat widths..that seems very incongrous with my bottom measurement, but British Airways did have larger spaces. Aer Lingus wasn't listed, so I will have to research that one.

I am not sure if they would let us get away with first class or not. My boss told me to just go to the travel agent and work it out and they would take care of it... so mmms, I guess if I pay off the travel agent to stay quiet.

I have the seatmate, cute boyfriend and kissing thing covered..hehe. They are sending Justin along with me, so at least I know that if I can get a window seat he will be the only one I am smushing on and he usually doesn't mind..but after all that time in the air he may start to not like it so much.

I will pack the chewing gum..thanks.

I have been researching it for a week now, and I think we are going to do a self-drive tour of the south. I really want to go to Cork, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula..so we will probably be renting a car and staying in B&B's. I think the fall will be the best time. We have too much work to do this spring and all the guide sites said it was *very* busy in the summer. I thought it would be a nice fall treat.

Again, thank you all for taking the time to help me out!

[Cat]

I have the seatmate, cute boyfriend and kissing thing covered..hehe. They are sending Justin along with me, so at least I know that if I can get a window seat he will be the only one I am smushing on and he usually doesn't mind..but after all that time in the air he may start to not like it so much.

Oh, I well, then perfect! You will have no trouble at all. The seat widths they mention on guru are not including the width of the arm rest, so you'll get a little extra room that way and Bean won't take up that much room, so he can share. Awesome!! Lucky, lucky, lucky!! Have fun and again, don't forget to share some photos of your trip!

[Cat]

I will definitely be asking for a seat belt extender when I board. I am afraid though..what if there are a bunch of big people on the plane, and they run out..see, I can always find something to worry about.


I forgot to mention, too, that the seat belts that they use as demo belts when they go over the safety information before you take off are also used as seat belt extenders. Because of that, sometimes they won't give you the extender right away, but they'll find you at your seat after the demo. If they forget about you...which could happen, just ring the flight attendant button above your seat. So, the demo ones in addition to the regular extenders on hand should accomodate all of the fat folks on board. So, no worries, darnit!

[TallFatSue]

To all the excellent advice above, I can only add: just go and enjoy. Many fat women hate to travel because we're afraid our sizes can't be accommodated. My fat and I have been as far afield as France and Australia and Argentina, and had wonderful trips. There have been some challenges here and there, but nothing we couldn't handle. More than a few times some people have had those "biggest lady I've ever seen in my life" looks, but all is well with a big old smile on my face. Besides, you just might have some very pleasant surprises. If I hadn't risked putting myself out there, I would have never experienced that unforgettable night on the dance floor at a tango hall in Buenos Aires, to give just one example. This big tall fat woman just might have been the most popular lady there. ;)