A guide to travelling as a plus-size person

September 25, 2019

Whether you love to explore the world, you travel regularly for work or you're simply going on your summer holiday, travelling as a plus-size person can have its difficulties.

But just because you could run in to the odd problem here and there, don’t be deterred from hitting the road! Here are some tips:

Choose size-friendly airlines

Sharing arm rests, scrunching yourself up in your seat, the person in front of you reclining their chair — flying to your destination isn't always the most pleasant experience, particularly when you're a plus-size person. Unfortunately, flying is a one-size-fits-all endeavour, and nowadays, seats are getting even smaller as airlines attempt to carry more people per flight.

But fear not: you have a few options when it comes to flying. First, you could upgrade your seat to business or first class to give you more space. That said, this can be pricey, and is not always possible if you're sticking to a budget. When flying with cheaper airlines, it can also work to simply book two seats for yourself. Some allow you to do this by booking your second seat as an “extra comfort seat.”

Not only this, but some airlines are more size-friendly in general, so before you book your flights be sure to do your research. You can even call up ahead and have a chat with customer-service providers about the best option. If you're also worried about battling to get past other passengers as you board the plane, you can book priority boarding to ensure you're one of the first on, and ask for a seat belt extender if you’re worried that the belt will make you uncomfortable.

Travel comfy

Don’t wear jeans or restrictive clothing when you travel. Whether you're going by boat, car, plane or train, comfy clothes are a must! Light tops with leggings or loose trousers are your best bet. This will keep you from getting to hot or uncomfortable in transit, especially if you're going long-haul. You could even put some spare clothes (like pajamas) in your bag, just in case.

Decide between carry-on and checked bags

While you might not want to pay extra for a checked bag, it might be worth it. Plus-size clothing can take up just that bit more room and, while we’ll look at packing smart in the next section, you first need to decide whether to stick with just a carry-on case or choose to check-in your bag. This should be based on the type of holiday you're going on and how long you plan to be away. Anything over a week and you’re probably going to want a full-sized suitcase.

Pack well and dress for the weather

This section is really important. Overpacking is something we’re all guilty of, but you don't want your case to end up being over weight, so the best course of action is to plan your outfits ahead of time. Rolling your clothes can make them easier to pack (and helps to stop them from creasing).

If you're going somewhere hot, choose light layers to keep you cool. These will also take up less space in your bag. If you're going somewhere cold, this can be trickier. At this stage it’s important to be realistic with your clothes and plan carefully.

Prepare for chafing

Unfortunately, as a plus-size person, chafing can be a very real problem. If you're going on a city break or a holiday that’s going to involve a lot of walking or exploring, you don’t want this to ruin your trip. There are creams you can buy to help alleviate this, or you can wear anti-chafe shorts under your clothes.

Pack good footwear

On a similar note, if you're going to be doing lots of exploring, you need to make sure you’ve got good footwear. Nothing can ruin a day out like blisters or painful shoes that are rubbing your feet. It’s a good idea to pack your comfiest pair of trainers or walking shoes.

Choose your activities carefully

Some people are misled into thinking that, just because you're a plus-size person, you're not very active — this isn’t always true! So, if you’ve already started looking into day trips and adventurous activities, be sure to check for any weight restrictions before booking.

For more great travel tips, visit mybaggage.com


Getting there

Ready to go? Check out our collection small group tours here.

Previous Article
Tips for travelling with picky-eating kids
Tips for travelling with picky-eating kids

Families with selective diners needn’t shy away from seeing the world

Next Article
A coffee-lover's guide to the Scottish Highlands
A coffee-lover's guide to the Scottish Highlands

There's more north of Edinburgh than good whisky (though there's that, too)

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Sign Up Here