Jen McLellan
Gone are the days of pretending the seat belt fits by discreetly draping a jacket over your lap – if you need a seatbelt extender on a plane, ask for one. Your safety takes priority!
If you need two seats so you don't have to snuggle with a stranger, it's worth it, and I'm speaking from experience. Plus, the Southwest Customer of Size Policy gives you a middle seat for free.
Another flight hack is to keep all essentials within reach! In a small bag that fits in the seatback pocket, I keep gum, snacks, tissues, a charger and a book. This way, I'm not worried about having difficulty reaching anything under my seat or needing to bother a seatmate.
When renting a car, check the seat to ensure you fit comfortably before signing anything. Sometimes, you'll get an upgrade at no extra cost.
Please hear me when I say that your safety and comfort should always come before any concerns about embarrassment.
Jen McLellan is a certified childbirth educator, published author, founder of Plus Size Birth, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast. Her work has appeared in major publications, including The New York Times, Glamour, and Huffington Post. She helps people navigate the world of plus size pregnancy, shares tips for
embracing your body, and laughs her way through the adventures of parenthood.