Flying the Friendly Skies - Garnerstyle

Flying the Friendly Skies

I had to make a quick trip to NYC and I got to snap a few photos, but I really want to touch on the subject of flying while plus size and offer some of my tips for making it as bearable as possible.  Since I moved to California, flying has become a real pain.  I am generally have to fly all the way to the east coast, which is generally around a 5 hour flight, not counting possible layovers and at this point I'm on a plane at least 8 times a year.  I have to be honest, 99.9% of the time I am perfectly fine with my own fatness, but when it comes to flying  that's when I wish I had collapsible hips. 

Here's some of my own tips of making flying a little comfortable:
  1. Sometimes I have to ask for an extension belt and sometimes I don't.  It depends on the plane.  Some people are uncomfortable or embarrassed asking for an extension belt.  These can actually be purchased online here in the case that you don't like to ask.
  2. Now this tip will change your life.  You know the arm rest on the aisle and by the window. The one that won't allow you to lift it up. Well there's actually a button underneath the arm towards the back of the chair that if you press it that arm will life up.  This is awesome for giving you extra room, especially by the window, where I would often think...if I could only lift this bar...I would be so comfortable. Keep in mind that aisle arm rest have to be lowered during take off and landing. 
  3. I generally try to avoid flying Delta, in my experience,  they have the smallest seat and leg space. Personally, I've found United and American to have the most comfortable coach seats.  You can also check out this seat width comparison chart on TripAdvisor.
  4. Upgrade if you can.  We all know that airline tickets are pricey, but I've kind of just accepted that when I can upgrade my seat to economy plus or first class, I do. Depending on the distance, the prices will vary.  I've upgraded to economy plus for as little as $35 and my recent trip to NYC it was $99 to upgrade.   First class upgrades are steeper, but if I'm going for work and I need to be fresh when I arrive at my destination I generally will just take the hit.  This isn't an option for everyone, but I tell you life is much better at the front of the plane.     
  5. Take care of your ankles. Ever since I had my knee surgery, swelling in my ankles has been a big issue.  To minimize swelling, I really watch my salt intake a week prior to my trip.  I drink nothing but water and during the flight I get up ever couple of hours to move around and stretch. This is also huge in preventing blood clots that form in your legs from prolonged sitting while flying.  You can also wear compression socks to help as well. I also try to put my handbag in the compartment space above me, so I can give my feet room to move and not be so cramped. 
Style Note:  I just want to give a quick tidbit on this dress, fit, etc. This dress is gorgeous and very complimentary to a variety of body types.  It has a layer of tulle underneath the skirt portion to give it some flair. The dress has a bit of stretch and the arm space is decent. 


Dress - c/o City Chic, Bracelet - Lane Bryant, Shoes - Lane Bryant
Photo Credit: Lydia Hudgens

46 comments

  1. That dress is gorgeous! Looks great on you.

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  2. I so LOVE this dress.. I must get this like yesterday....Colors are POPPPING and the flowers are not to big, but big enough
    www.flygurllovespink.blogspot.com

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  3. So beautiful and cute. I love it

    www.jayla31.blogspot.com

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  4. So gorgeous, oh my goodness!

    bisous,
    www.bighipsredlips.com

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  5. I mean... I mean I don't know if I have words for how much I love this look. It is absolutely beautiful. The fit is perfection! Great post! I so didn't know about the hidden button! I will always look for it.

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    1. Thank you Jeniese and that hidden button is golden!!! LOL

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  6. Gorgeous as usual! Would you wear this dress to a semi-formal wedding? Also, how does the sizing run? Arms a concern for me. Thanks! :-)

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    1. This would work great for a wedding. I would size up one if you are worried about the arms. Sizing is true to size.

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  7. what a beautiful dress! gorgeous fit and design! i would love to rock this with a flower headband in my hair!
    cookieschaosncestlavie.blogspot.com/‎

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  8. You look stunning! Do you mind sharing the size of your dress? Never bought from city chic and wondering if clothes are true to size

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    1. I got the size 18 or the Medium. It's pretty true to size.

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  9. I love that skirt on you! amazing

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  10. You are so awesome! Love this entire look and your plane tips are great! Never knew about the button or extender for that matter.

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  11. You look beautiful! I love the dress and I think this will be my Easter outfit.

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  12. Oh geez... airline seats seem to only fit small and short people. And they keep trying to cram more people in!

    Anyway... you look AMAZING in that dress. So beautiful and perfect for spring!

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  13. I'm plus size with wide hips and a big booty, oh and I'm also 6'2"!!!!! flying is not always fun, but I love it. I've worked for an airline for 8 years and I travel anywhere from 15-20 times a year. I've had days where I really hated my body when flying, it's like a conflict in my heart down to my soul!!!!!! basically now I feel like I can't hide my size from anyone and if they dont wanna deal witjh a lil thigh rub action, they can ask to change seats!

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    1. I don't think my nerves could take flying 20 times per year. Wow and you are tall too! I'm only 5'9, but I know I'm uncomfortable with my knees hitting the back of the chair. Sigh!

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  14. You look absolutely beautiful.

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  15. All I can say is HOLY MOLY!!!!!!! I am loving this dress and you look great!!! Of course now I want to order this but I will refrain! As far as flying goes, I love it. I don't have too many issues because I am short (5'3 1/2" to be exact lol) and have no hips. But I am busty and it can sometimes be annoying when I have to pin my arms to my side like chicken wings due to tight seating. I personally like JetBlue and United for flying.

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  17. Great tips! I'm 6feet and hippy! The option to pre-purchase a seatbelt extender was a great tip!

    And you look super cute!

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  18. Beautiful dress! I just checked out that bangle at LB this weekend and it's been on my mind ever since :)

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  19. That dress is gorgeous! Good tips on finding the "hidden" buttons on arm rests.

    I like Jet Blue myself.

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  20. Gorgeous dress. You look beautiful! Thanks for the plane tips.

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  21. This dress fits you perfectly, you look beautiful !

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  22. Thanks for the blog post. I am traveling in the next few weeks and was concerned about DVT. Thanks for the tips and advice!

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  23. You look so gorgeous! I like your dress , it's so beautiful:-)

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  24. Dress looks great on you! Also, thanks for the tips on flying!

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  25. I love this dress on you. It's so pretty! Also, great tips!

    ~Whitney

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  26. Hello,Ciao...lovely photos...great outfit...always your outfits are so creative,unique,breathtaking...and fabolous...Stunning Style of yours...you're a great Artist of Style!
    ciao from Italy

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  27. I absolutely love the confidence you exude in your photos! This dress is perfect for the spring season. Very feminine. Thank you for your style inspirations :)

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  28. I've been a quiet reader of your blog and love everything you post. You give great style advice, and you've given me a lot of new stores to shop at. I just wanted to say thank you for the flying advice. I hate flying small planes because they tend to be old planes with short seat belts. I had no idea about the arm button, and I am going to check that out in a few weeks when I fly to Pittsburgh for work. I also didn't know about seat belt extenders, available on a plane or to purchase. I feel like crying from happiness just knowing these options exist. So the flight attendant will really give you one if you ask?

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    1. Also you look really great in prints. I just started breaking out prints and they changed my life.

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    2. Hi Sylvia, Thank you for reading and for coming out and commenting. Extender belts are available if you ask the flight attendant for loan while you are on the flight, but you can also purchase one via Amazon. You want to make sure if FAA approved. :)

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  29. What I don't understand is how seat size and seat belt length vary so much from place to plane. I was on United for a very long trip last week. First flight, my ass fit fine in the seat but I could barely get the seat belt latched. Second flight, the seats were actually too small and my hip kept nudging the middle arm up no matter how much I tried to keep myself wedged in there... but the seat belt had several inches to spare! I know the seat width changes with plane size, but why do the seat belt lengths change?!?

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  30. You look absolutely lovely in this dress; the cut and print is just lovely.

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  31. Love the colors and design of the dress. Great Look!

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  32. OMG! I know I'm late but I absolutely love this dress on you! ♡♡

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  33. Just dropped by to let you know that I ordered this dress thanks to your post here. You are an influencer!
    I'm planning to wear it to a wedding soon with sheer hose and heels, chandelier earrings and an updo. Very 50s.

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  34. Genuinely while i enjoy your energy you used to reveal the data. This matter the next i stumbled onto really was potent towards issue i have also been studying for many years. along with My wife and i likewise desire to reveal information regarding.Economy Class Airfare

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  35. Gotta love city chic! An amazing company out of Australia. Imagine that. Australia having something first.

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  36. These tips are golden!!!! I am bookmarking this post. Thank you!!!! Also, great dress. :)

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