Plus size accessibility and mobility are essentials in our day to day living. Everyone wants to comfortably and conveniently move from place to place, and be where they need to be without much hustle. The majority of people can easily navigate through basic public means such as staircases, buses, airlines Et cetera. However, being plus size makes it a whole different ball game. Here are things to note about why accessibility and mobility matter for plus size women.
Do your research. For you to be able to enjoy a vacation like everyone else you will require to put in a bit more work than the rest. Get online or call and inquire on the ‘fat friendliness’ of the airline you want to use before you book a seat. Get to know, the size of the seats and legroom for any transport mode you will be using whether bus, airline, train or anything you will require to sit on while on vacation – a boat, roll-a-coaster, a concert auditorium seat – you name it. Inquire about the floor and the fleet of stairs your suggested hotel room is situated before confirming it. Know how far away from your room is the lobby, and whether the hotel hallways are wide enough for you to fit through.
When planning your luxurious and exciting vacation, you may expend a lot of effort to ensure that your travel, lounging and site-seeing in a local or international destination, would be enjoyable. Two of the most central considerations you would have to brood over are the idealness of your destination, of course, and the convenience of the mode of transportation you would use. Whereas there is a sea of information on where to travel to, restaurants to lounge in, foods to try out, and favourite tourist attractions, the harsh reality is, there is little to no information on how a plus-size woman can get around just like everyone else. However, here are some tips and ideas that can make the quest a tad easier for you.
The trick is in the details. Get as many details as you can and access whether the conditions are suitable and befitting. If not, politely request a change of seat, room or altogether avoid booking and confirming with that service provider. Always make sure that the service provider is aware of your concerns and plus-size needs. This way they will be best positioned to at least advice, provide you with necessary tools to ensure you feel comfortable where they can, or at best refer you to another service provider that is proficient in addressing your travel and hotel needs.
Alternatively, you can opt to utilize Travel Agents or Travel Consultants who specialize or provide for ‘travellers of size’. These agents have a wealth of expertise and knowledge of the best resorts, airline seats and other convenient features for the plus-size woman. Although few in the industry, these travel companies can help you tailor-make the perfect vacation and travel experience. Take time and choose wisely. Remember, careful meticulous preparation is key.
Common Plus Size Accessibility and Mobility Concerns
As a plus-size woman, you can intimately relate with the frustration of not knowing whether or not you can ‘fit’ in a standard seat. You probably wonder if the armrests will press you on the sides or if the seat restraint will dig into your tummy before it clicks into place. Constantly you are to gamble and choose between comfort and mobility or between comfort and accessibility. It seems like; the plus-size woman need not have both like her fellow ladies, which is outrageous!
You may be acquainted with the odd and unfriendly glares you get when you sit down and it feels snug – like you are encroaching on other people’s personal space. Additionally, you are supposed to stand and wait in long queues like the average person to buy your ticket or to get into a building or amusement park. Being plus size, your body easily gets tired and you will need constant breaks. Ideally, there should be seats or benches around where you can sit and catch your breath. This is however not always the case. In most instances, you just have to endure the strain and keep on standing.
Accessibility and Mobility Solutions
Mobility and Accessibility are terminologies that are frequently used interchangeably in the world today. As much as the two terms are closely related, there exists a distinct difference between the two. One of the most common definitions and thus differentiation between the two was by Hansen in 1959. He defined mobility as the potential of movement, whereas accessibility as the potential of interaction. The terms are common in land use law and planning. The concepts enable governments to build towns and cities that have close destinations (to enhance accessibility) and shorter or convenient travel distances (to enhance mobility).
All this is to say, the degree of accessibility and mobility a person can enjoy is heavily dependent on public infrastructure and land use policy which are constructs of legislation and political directives. However, you’ll notice in the history of planning and design of cities, several public amenities and consequently private ones, very little thought was put to cater for the unique needs of the disabled, the elderly, the ill and also the plus size. Many laws have been enacted since then, to bring the disabled, elderly and those ill within the ambit of policies to legally protect and provide for their accessibility and mobility. However, the same political fervency has not been present for the plus size.
Generally, the world is judgmental of plus-size people. They don’t see the need to tolerate or accommodate them but just shove it in their faces that they need to lose weight. Nonetheless, there is a silver lining to this story; here are more tips to facilitate better accessibility and mobility on your end.
1. Carry Your Seat Extender
Most travel organizations have very stringent regulations that mandate all passengers to have their safety belts on throughout the journey. If not, any such passenger can risk being removed from the automobile. However, for most plus size girls, the average safety belt does not fit. So instead of risking the humiliation of being asked to step out of the vessel, you can carry your seat extender!
Majority of developed countries provide seat extenders upon request, though some flight or bus attendants may not be discreet in handing you one. We both can agree that it would be utterly embarrassing if the attendant handed you the extender in a manner that prompts all those around you to stare at you in shock or awkward silence. Ditch the drama, purchase an extender that is easily portable and is subtle in colour, allowing you to blend in with the rest.
2. Pick a Suitable Seat.
Seats may differ in size and legroom. Always look for a seat that is wider and has a lot of legroom, or ask the attendant to pick one for you. Interestingly, some entities provide ‘special seats’ for plus size people and tall people. Don’t be afraid to ask, especially when you do not fit in the tester seat of a roll-a-coaster ride, or an exclusive performance. There might be a ‘special’ seat just for you.
Often people debate on whether to seat near the aisle or the window. It’s never cast in stone, that as a plus-size woman you should opt for one rather than the other. Choose what you prefer and feel comfortable with. There are great advantages to sitting on either side. If you would like to stretch your legs every once in a while, you could pick the seat next to the aisle. Alternatively, if you like to view the scenery outside, sit at the window. The choice is yours! Either way, pick a seat that will enable you to have the requisite elbow room so that you avoid feeling snug or in other people’s spaces.
3. ‘Comfy seats?’ Why Not!
Don’t be shy to pay for the adjacent seat if you have to. You truly can’t put a price on feeling comfortable as you go about your traveling. Instead of squeezing yourself into the miniature seat, you can opt to pay for two, to give you the needed space. There are some airlines that mandate plus size people to pay for the adjacent seat if they are too big to fit in theirs. Most airlines have ‘obesity policies’ which in a nutshell, provide that if a plus-size person is unable to fit in their seat with a safety extension and with both armrests lowered, they should be ejected from the vessel. Further miniature details are provided in each policy and may differ from one airline to another. Be keen on knowing your airline’s ‘obesity policies’. You can peruse these policies on https://www.smartertravel.com/airline-obesity-policies/
4. Be Friendly
If there’s hardly any elbow room in the vehicle and you cannot avoid the snug and congested vibe, you can seek to have a friendly conversation with those seated next to you. Don’t be a snob, talk to them. Say hi and indulge them in short periodic casual conversation. This goes a long way to help ease the awkward uneasiness of ‘you being in their space’. If you are not that bold or not conversant with the local language there- smile and maintain a vibrant aura.
5. Time Management
You never want to run late for a ride. The sight of you charging through the human traffic to arrive seconds before your flight takes off or before your sail or bus ride leaves is not a pretty one. Arrive early so that you can have time sufficient time to settle down.
6. Choose Size-friendly Environments
Whether it is a resort, hotel or a site you would visit and lounge in, ensure it is size-friendly. This means that it allows you to freely move around without squeezing yourself through doorways, entrances and other spaces. Go for spacious rooms with spacious pathways.
7. Wear proper travelling clothes
Wear clothes that are both stylish and functional. If you will be in transit for several hours, put on clothes that are not so tight and give you enough room to move around. Choose something you can breathe in. Avoid heavy-duty clothing unless the weather is chilly.
Speaking of comfort while on transit, you can opt to:
- Open the window (if allowed) and look out at the magnificent scenery.
- Periodically, take deep breathes to keep calm and relaxed.
- Engage your mind. Don’t be idle, you can carry a book or two to read or play your favourite jams on your earphones or headphones.
- Hydrate – make sure you drink enough of water.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance where need be.
Plus Size Women with Special Needs
You may be Plus Size and disabled or plus size and ill. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your travel to help you better enjoy accessibility and mobility.
According to https://wheelchairtravel.org/hotels/ada-design-requirements/ if you are in a wheelchair you can inquire if your hotel room is compliant with the ADA (American Disability Act) design requirements. Opt for rooms that have roll-in showers or bathtubs. You should also inquire into the ease of room accessibility from the main lobby and whether the general design of the hotel allows you to easily move around in your wheelchair or crutches.
If you have an ailment and still are looking to travel, you should always consult with your physician beforehand. Make sure to get their go-ahead especially if you are planning to travel far. Also, inquire if your prescription drugs are available and legal in the country you are travelling to. And most importantly ensure you have requisite insurance cover in case of any incidents and medical emergencies while away.
Final Thoughts
Even though the ease of accessibility and mobility for plus size women may be relatively difficult to obtain, always remain positive. Being grumpy and moody will not in any way improve your situation. Choose to be happy regardless. If you can’t comfortably fit into the seat of your desired ride, you don’t have to board it. Pick an alternative means or destination if need be. At the end of the day, you should not compromise on your safety and comfort. Also, check out our article on how to find furniture that will be a perfect match for you.
