by @FromAnnettewithLove

As a digital nomad, fat activist, solo female traveler, and the founder of Fat Girls Traveling I’ve learned a few things about traveling in a bigger body. We face so many barriers in our everyday lives that traveling outside of our comfort zone can seem inaccessible to us. The travel industry doesn’t consider fat bodies so we’ve had to become detectives when creating size-inclusive itineraries. I’ve created a cheat sheet of sorts to get you through the initial stress of traveling while fat, with specific tips for traveling during a global pandemic. 

As we begin to explore the world again, it’s important to remember that safety is the priority. Not just our personal safety, the safety of those in our community, and the safety of the community we’re traveling to. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything it’s that travel begins as soon as we leave the safety of home. So regardless of if you’re traveling to a nearby town or a faraway country, do your research and be prepared with a mask, recent COVID test results, and/or your vaccination card.  

Getting There: 

The biggest stressor during travel usually involves getting from point A to B. Transportation options are often based on budget and comfort and as fat people, we often have to pay for more space. Air travel is usually the most efficient and the most expensive. However, depending on your destination you could get additional seats for free through the Southwest Airlines customer of size policy. JetBlue is known for having extra legroom and their economy seats are about an inch wider than most. 

Don’t worry about the seat belt size because all airlines offer seat belt extenders. Just request one as you enter the plane and tell the flight attendant where you’re seated. However, if you’re using an extender you may not be permitted to sit in the Emergency Exit Row. 

SeatGuru is a helpful resource to use when it comes to deciding where to sit on a plane. This site helps you find seat measurements for almost every aircraft. You can also see if your seat has a television, window, or a power source. The best information is in the user comment section. Here is where you’ll find out if your seat reclines if the tray comes out of the armrest, or if it’s worth the money to upgrade.

Pre-Travel Tips:

1. If you need assistance getting to your gate be sure to contact your airport the day before your flight to request a wheelchair and/or assistance. This is especially important if you need assistance getting to a connecting flight. 

2. Getting through airport security can feel particularly invasive for fat people. One of the ways to minimize discomfort is to apply for TSA Precheck or Global Entry which offers expedited security for domestic and international travel. 

3. If you plan on using Southwest Airlines' customer of size policy contact them while you are purchasing your ticket. If seats are limited you have the option to purchase additional seats and get refunded after your flight. Or to request to use the service when you arrive at the gate and risk being put on a later flight if there are no extra seats. 

Restrictions and Limits

One experience I don’t enjoy is when I attempt to try a new activity and learn that a weight or size restriction won’t let me be great! It happened to me in Bali when I went to a Bali Swing and I felt crushed. I’m afraid of heights so I had to pump myself up to get on this man-made swing over a historic rice terrace. The things we do for fabulous photos amiright!? After walking down then up huge muddy rice fields with new friends I’d convinced it was worth the trek. The harness wouldn’t close around my waist. The guys told me I could do it without closing the harness but I couldn’t risk my life for an Instagram photo so I declined. The next year I went back to Bali with a list of fat-friendly Bali Swing locations and got the shot! 

Lots of things have weight and size restrictions, including kayaks, tents, and sleeping bags. If you’re going on an excursion that includes horseback riding, parasailing or ziplining be sure to ask about weight restrictions. Try calling the tour company before booking to make sure they can accommodate you. 

Amusement parks can be unamusing if your belly or hips don’t fit safely and comfortably on the rides. If you’re going to Disney, there is a great Facebook group dedicated to informing plus-size travelers about size restrictions and considerations. You can often find similar groups for other theme parks as well. Search for details about the seat width on your favorite coasters and plan your park day accordingly.

Reentry Anxiety

A recent study by the American Psychological Association showed that nearly half of adults are anxious about returning to in-person activities. So the idea of traveling by plane right now is completely out of the question for some. However, I want to share some tips and tools to help you when you’re ready to get back out there! 

Travel anxiety typically focuses on the worst-case scenario like missing your flight or losing your passport. While those stressors can be imaginary, COVID-19 is an actual threat that you need to protect yourself from daily. After such a long isolation period it’s also important to allow yourself to slowly ease back into social situations. 

The American Psychological Association reports that Americans are experiencing the highest levels of stress since April 2020, so before you travel know your triggers. Once you know what puts you on edge you can prepare some techniques to help ease your anxiety. 

2021 Travel Tips 

Do your research. Covid restrictions and mask mandates are changing frequently. It’s your responsibility to be up to date on the rules and restrictions of the places you’re traveling. Stay informed with the CDC’s Travel Planner. 

Trust your gut. Once you’ve done your homework and finalized your travel plans don’t second guess it. We’ve been living in such an uncertain world that it might feel natural to double and triple check things but trust that you made the right choice. Everything else is out of your control so just enjoy the anticipation of a new adventure! 

Be prepared. Always have a valid form of identification with you. Check to see if you need a Covid test before exiting or returning to your home country. Bring your recent COVID test and/or vaccination card with you while traveling. Bring a pen so that you can fill out Traveler Health or Customs forms. 

I recently had to fly for work and was immediately confronted by fear as soon as I entered the airport. These are some of the things I did to help calm myself down and make a difficult journey more bearable.

1. I meditated before I left my house. Getting myself to that place earlier in the day made it easier for me to make the transition at the airport when I needed to zone out. There are meditation apps like Headspace and Calm that can help with this as well. 

2. I ate before heading to the airport. I have anxiety about taking my mask off at the airport. So I don’t eat or drink while I’m there which is why eating before I leave home is key. No one likes a hangry traveler! 

3. I bring a book, make playlists, and download podcasts so that I can keep myself distracted even when my phone is on airplane mode. 

4. If all else fails, just breathe. I like to distract myself with breathing exercises like breathing in for a count of five, holding it for two, and then exhaling for five. 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve slowly started to venture back out into the world now that I’m fully vaccinated and feeling a little safer. However, I’m still working on setting healthy boundaries with friends and family members in my life who are ready to jump back into things. Working with a therapist has helped me through the isolation of living alone. She is now supporting me while I navigate making new friends and setting new boundaries. 

I was able to find a traditional therapist that I could afford and that I identified with through Open Path Collective. Seeking therapy is the greatest tool and tip I can give to you. Having someone neutral to talk to about travel and reentry anxiety along with other stressors does wonders for your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Annette Richmond is an award-winning content creator, writer and advocate. A globe trotter and goal digger, Richmond is the creator of the body positive travel community Fat Girls Traveling and Fat Camp, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Fat Girls Guide. The native Californian got her start in the fashion industry and has used that experience to create a platform that is inspirational and aspirational for people living life in marginalized bodies. As a Digital Nomad she’s constantly on the move. After four years and over twenty countries, Richmond hopes to continue to inspire people of all sizes to see the world and be seen.

OPINION DISCLAIMER: Any views or opinions stated in the NAAFA Community Voices Blog are personal and belong solely to the blog author. They do not represent the views or opinions of NAAFA or the people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.