The flight to Madrid... and yes, I need two seats!

Traveling at my size can be challenging, but it's totally worth it. And I want you to know how easy it. I flew to Madrid from Tampa (with a layover in Toronto, Canada). I flew via Air Canada, and my ticket was $508, roundtrip (purchased a month in advance of my travel dates). Going in, I knew that I would need 2 seats to cover my ample hips. While the fastest way is to buy two seats from the beginning. my plan was to buy one seat and request to be accommodated for the second, hoping they would have extra seats on board.

After speaking with my mother, and discussing the peace of mind I would get by simply purchasing the second seat, I decided to follow the instructions on their website for purchasing an additional seat by calling reservations. First buy your ticket (do NOT pick/pay for a seat assignment), and then call. I could already feel my anxiety getting better! (https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/plan/medical-mobility/special-seating-needs.html)

International flights require you to pay for a second seat, which I was prepared to do. In my uphill battle with an upset (and frankly rude) customer service agent, I took to twitter to vent on my experience. I'm not sure what the travel or twitter gods did, but my second seat cost me an upgrade charge of $45. While I have had conflicting information as to how to get the second seat, the best thing to do, is call the medical hotline (if it's Air Canada). Regardless of which phone number to call, when you get an agent on the line I find that saying "Hi, I am a customer of size, and I require 2 seats to fly. Can you assist me in making sure I get two adjacent seats with movable armrests?" is the best way to start the conversation. Smile, be confident, it's your travel, and you deserve to be comfortable and treated with respect.

The second agent at Air Canada I spoke with was a doll, and she got me squared away. My seats were assigned and I got my own row of 2 seats by myself. Checking in was a breeze, and I was able to pre-board (since I need a little more time to get to my seat). Please don't be afraid to speak up for assistance!

As I boarded the plane, I immediately asked the welcoming flight attendant for a seat belt extender, and let them know what seat I am in. I tend to take everything I will need for the flight and have it with me from the start versus having to get up to look through my bags, but that's just me. The flight from Tampa to Toronto was short (3 hrs) so I really didn't need anything, and I just slept. The flight from Toronto to Madrid was a different story (7.5hrs).

My first flight was delayed due to weather and I barely made it to my connection. They hadn't boarded yet, but they actually announced my name as I made it to the gate. Since the airline saw my previous flight was delayed, they were asking me to check in! Phew, all good, except I didn't have a chance to go to the restroom since I was hoofing it to make it on time. I had requested a shuttle, and sadly it was delayed, and I was not going to miss the flight! Thankfully, I did make it on-time and because I pre-boarded, I had plenty of time and I went to the restroom right away. Continue reading for more info on airplane restrooms ;)

After getting situated and finally departing (flight was delayed another 1.5 hours due to weather related issues and refueling).I was super pleased that they had new releases onboard on the little tvs on the headrest, and I was able to watch "A Quiet Place", "Crazy Rich Asians", and "Night School"... I feel like I'm missing one haha, and I finally went to sleep during "Night School", which was due to sleep, and not due to laughs. Around 5 hours into the flight.. and lots of water later... it was time to go to the tiniest restroom ever.. the airplane restroom!

Don't fret, my fellow fatties.. everyone thinks the restroom is small! If you gotta go, please go! Walking from row 15 to about 45 was more of a challenge then getting in the bathroom at night. This has to do with people sleeping and having their feet sticking out the aisles. While I was walking facing the side (versus walking straight) I was like a ninja, slow and steady. I'm pretty sure I booty bumped or belly bumped at least 2 people, but oh well! I took my time, and honestly no one cared, no one stared, and if they would've honestly, I would've not cared. I was on a mission to go to the bathroom. The bathroom while small, honestly not too bad. The door opened french door style and I squeezed in. More room, than you can expect. And compared to other airline bathrooms I've, the side opening door is way more comfortable.

The flight was overall great. With it being an overnight flight, that landed in the morning, they served dinner and breakfast.

Dinner: Bottle water, salad of corn/peas/shredded carrots, bread and butter, Chicken with veggies and quinoa, and a brownie cake. Plus I had a Diet Coke (not pictured)

I did bring snacks, and my empty aluminum bottle (for free water refills) so I was good! My feet did get a little swollen, but not too bad. I always have to remind myself to stretch out and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

The long haul, connection, delays, ninja moves to the restroom and slightly swollen feet, was all worth while when I saw beautiful Spain out my window!

I finally arrived en "La Madre Patria", the motherland! Although my maternal family is from southern Spain, it's time to explore my cultural roots! And now, my adventures begin!

xoxo,

Tiana