Plus Size Travel Hacks REVEALED: TSA, Flights, & Accessible Excursions! Must-Watch Tips!

[@cauret8640]

Something else that helps with cancelled flights: If you have an international leg, booking through European airlines gives you much better T&Cs. Even if it is a code share and the delay is on a US leg/carrier, if you booked via an European carrier they have to give you the EU standard benefits if there are delays or cancellations. So, for instance, I was on a multi flight trip. I had a connecting flight from Chicago to Albuquerque that was cancelled and I was rescheduled to a flight the next day. Initially the person at the counter told me no one was getting room vouchers, but then I told her to please double check because I made my booking via BA and they are required to provide accommodation in these circumstances due to EU regulations. She checked and I did in fact get a room voucher.

[@heatherhermans8153]

Love that you acknowledge that you don't know everything about accessibility. You are so honest. Love this about you ❤

[@NickaLah]

I think one thing should be addressed, some people just can't afford to buy an extra ticket, even if refunded after. There is just the reality that some people have just enough to get where they're going, do what they are there to do, and come back. For those situations, my hubby and I have used Southwest because they're still very nice to us. I'll also be honest and say it was often family paying for our tickets so we can visit them. There are times we couldn't afford to pay extra on top of the basic tickets, because I know someone will think it and I wouldn't dream of buying extra seats on someone else's dime, I felt bad enough already. A majority of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck prepandemic, couldn't afford a $400 emergency and it's only become worse. It's okay if you can't even afford one economy seat, it is what is... just wanted to mention it, because people act like buying more than the bare minimum is no biggie or like we don't deserve to go anywhere if that's our reality.

[@zackfrank8149]

All I hear are excuses. Everyone has a $1,200 iPhone but you can’t spend $20 a month on a gym membership? Walking is free as well

[@sarahlittlefield3790]

I’d love a plus size packing for carry on and personal item only vs checked bags Maybe an Amazon store front of travel faves for packing, carryon, etc!

[@kirschdiebin]

I love your videos! 😍 I’m also curvy/plus size - what ever, but I never need a seatbelt extender or struggle with those issues you were talking about. But I now know, I have to care more about the people around me to give them a better feeling. I sometimes struggle with myself when it comes to weight, but I will definitely take more care about others and speak up for them when I will ever see someone who doesn’t feel good in some situations. These videos really opened my eyes!!! Thank you so much.

[@rnyteevee9596]

You are ABSOLUTELY right about TSA! I was 381 pounds and TSA always flagged me. Now that I lost 204 pounds, TSA doesn’t even bother me.

[@wenchyfoodwench4098]

Great incentive. Congrats on getting healthy😀

[@samanthag6077]

@@wenchyfoodwench4098 she didn’t say she was healthy, she said she lost weight. Those are not the same thing.

[@wenchyfoodwench4098]

@@samanthag6077 oh ok

[@angussneef]

@@samanthag6077 being 300+ lbs is NEVER HEALTHY.

[@JM9.]

Well done on changing your life for the better some other people in here could learn from you

[@AndreaHernandez-sc3mw]

You're clothes look so comfy and cute. I would love to see a video on travel wear and travel packing. Thank you for this channel. 💖

[@carolconickmcclellan6992]

The comment about being nice is so true! I was bumped up to first class a couple of times because I did not scream at the staff because of a mechanical issue or weather delays.

[@selfhigher7677]

You have helped me so much. I always wear black all black. Now I am looking at prints that I have purchased and never wear. Thank you. Thank you. You're a beautiful person inside and outside. Rock on...

[@bonniethomas6421]

Thank you for touching on the mobility issues. One thing I would appreciate for your future video about that is how to deal with TSA when you're in a wheelchair. I don't do any traveling due to medical issues, but it would be good information to have. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

[@LRB9498]

I always get the TSA pat down because I have a lot of loose skin around my panni and the skin shows up as a dense area. I've also found that wearing fitted leggings and a fairly fitted top help rather than wearing anything baggy.

[@andreas4268]

Love your channel! It’s time and thank you for sharing your tips, tricks and enthusiasm for travel! Everybody deserves to see the world! ❤ keep up the great work you are doing! Cheers 🎉🎉🎉

[@natalieunderwood4123]

Just wanted to leave a caveat regarding the body scanners and TSA pre check. While it is true the majority of the time that you can just go through a metal detector, we’ve arrived to the airport at odd times before when the pre check line is closed. They still let us keep on our shoes, etc, but we had to go through the normal body scanner line. Just mentioning so it doesn’t catch someone completely off guard on the off chance that happens!

[@amberbeaty7353]

Really great video. You covered sooo much. Looking forward to deep dive videos in the future. I have been holding off going to Europe for a while because of my size, I never considered booking two seats. Thanks for sharing all these tips to open up travel possibilities.

[@aprilmiller3200]

Thank you so much for the great travel site resources.

[@readzalot]

Thank you so much. I used to travel but since I retired and through Covid I am now larger and I have bad knees. You are giving me hope that I will be able to travel again, just in a different way.

[@nicolee.dianee]

I just found your channel today! I’m a plus size traveler and your videos are so helpful!! Thank you so much!🫶🏽

[@glitterandlazersadventures]

I'm so glad! Have a great day!

[@denisefromdc1796]

Bring a tip for your wheelchair attendant, especially if they are willing to stop for you to buy food and/or sundries. 💙 Anna, would you please do a video about Disney as a person with limited mobility? Thanks!

[@bumper21]

I’m appreciating the interactive vibe of this video

[@ladyk6829]

Thank you sooo much for making this channel! I worry so much about traveling and haven't been on a proper vacation in 15yrs, my husband and I are taking our grands on a Cruise in November, and although clothes have been a bit of an issue, I'm also trying to make sure everything we do will be amazing regardless of my size.

[@traceyrusthoven2097]

I used to weigh over 340 pounds, I always got stopped by TSA I weigh about 200-210 now and I still get stopped every single time. I had a very nice TSA agent tell me to stand as wide as possible and it “might” help. Well I am almost 60 with knee problems and I can stand as wide as possible and still get stopped EVERY Single time. It used to embarrass me now I just make light of it with the officer that’s patting me and down and tell them I understand they are just doing their jobs. 9/10 times they appreciate it and quickly pat me down and send me a long. It’s all about going with the flow and being nice

[@debbiekoenig7376]

I don't fly because i don't want to be patted down by a stranger or go through the machine thats shows all your parts. I find the whole thing unacceptable. But I'm a homebody mostly so no problem 😂

[@sabrinalavdisarnold825]

A tip for cruisers: sometimes the older ships have the biggest seats in their theatre venues. And bigger staterooms. New ships are built to cram in more people in smaller places. I'm 2X and TSA doesn't really bother me, maybe because I'm traveling with kids.

[@GeekOwl]

Great video thank you for bringing up accessibility and I look forward to more videos, including it. I've all but stopped traveling since my mobility declined further and I'm excited to hear more about your and others' experiences, tips, and tricks. Thank you Anna!

[@c0unt1ng]

I am planning to travel internationally soonish and this has so much good information for me. Definitely gonna rewatch so I can take notes!

[@thestampingzoo6757]

I also say to have cash on hand to tip those wheelchair helpers if they can accept it. Well worth the money and usually very kind people!

[@mars4697]

Love this idea. I was just thinking about a agent that got a chair and pushed me all the way from curbside to the ship and was on so kind. He truly treated me as a human and a friend.

[@kerrypanes5759]

You're an answer to a prayer!! I'm going on a cruise this coming Christmas and I've been searching for information in regards to plus size and mobility travelling. Thank you so much for having the courage to put out these videos. I'm definitely a new fan.

[@judyneedspockets]

I would love to see city specific reviews by you. I'm going to DC in 2 weeks and trying to figure out what will be accessible with my rollator is sorta hard!

[@glitterandlazersadventures]

We are working on a couple of videos, some day trips, some longer more adventurous stuff. We planned to share those earlier but realized there was a huge need for just basic info to get people started. So, stay tuned!

[@Foo007]

DC Native here: All of DC’s metros have elevator acsess- but check with WMATA before you go because many times the elevator will be temporarily out

[@thestampingzoo6757]

Omg great information! I learned some of this through my own experience but wish I would have had someone like you helping me 20 years ago. Good job, Anna. ❤

[@feestor5660]

Exactly. Learning the hard way wasn't pleasant so the fact that this info is being shared is priceless.

[@also-cheri]

Anna - I love this new channel! You’re giving me the confidence to being comfortable with traveling 😊 I know this isn’t necessarily just plus-size issue but I have the hardest time packing. What to bring, how much, and best ways to pack. A video of Packing 101 would be so helpful! Just a thought- I love watching no matter what the topic!

[@caylaarmitage7846]

I am so excited to see you over here on KZbin! I love watching you on TikTok and so happy you are on YT!

[@betsy8962]

Shout out to my other sleep apnea babes! I have to use a cpap machine at night too and I am so self conscious about it. I feel so much better and have so much more energy now that I’m using it.

[@debispilker4392]

Just found your second channel. I love all your videos! Thankyou!

[@dreamingmusicgal]

A whole lot of great info. thanks for doing all the work to help if anyone that is plus size figure things out. Blessings!

[@amandadomyan7377]

Thank you so much for doing this{ both} videos! Great information. Your a blessing~

[@robinknapp483]

Thank you Anna, I would so appreciate you doing more information on traveling with a wheelchair and how you don’t have to be a burden on the friends your traveling with. ❤❤❤

[@debbieambeau2816]

Love your dress. It looks great on you

[@awakenow4048]

Agreed!

[@lisakeenan6895]

Be nice is such great advice for any situation

[@katymcdonald5481]

I’d love a video on things that you take for yourself to avoid not being accommodated like robes and where you suggest buying them.

[@Hummingbird709]

You're so pretty, Anna.

[@pamelalambe1356]

Thank you .

[@michellemama2520]

Thanks for including Canadian airlines 🇨🇦

[@Charese-om3li]

I’ll never forget the first airplane ride I took 15 years ago I measured my butt at home to see how wide it was when I sat down and then searched the average seat size on a plane. I was so nervous to fly period BUT extra nervous because I wasn’t sure if I would fit comfortably. Travel anxiety being plus size is SUCH a real thing. I’m really happy to watch these stories and videos because for once everyone here just gets it. The flight should have been so exciting but I had to do extra work because of my size. It’s like we live a secret life of always being committed to thinking am I too big for that? Is there a weight limit? Must be nice to just get on a ride or jump out of plane as an average person 😂

[@WomanTakenBytheWind]

You’re fully in control of your life…if it causes anxiety, why continue living that way? Some of these travel vids about not fitting in seats/Disney rides should be a wake up call for some people that they need a lifestyle change.

[@Charese-om3li]

@@WomanTakenBytheWind I would hope leaving a comment on a genuine post of mine just trying to honest and vulnerable would also be a wake up call for you to be more compassionate and understanding of others instead of putting us all in a box. I’m a size 14/16 the average size of a woman. I workout and actually spent the last two years of my life healing my relationship with food. I’ve also come to terms that I have one life to live and I refuse to spend it hating my body since it does such incredible things for me. I run half marathons, I get out and see the world, and I treat everyone despite their differences with respect and kindness. I used to see words like yours as hurtful but then I allowed myself to have some grace and realized peoples view on me had less to do with me and more to do with them. However, I completely appreciate your motivation to make that change in my life. What would I do without you in the comments. Enjoy your day!

[@gamingwaffle1171]

Great and much needed video. Thank you

[@juliemcclure8177]

Thank you SO much for the tip re: Air France and the policy re: discounted 2nd seat. We personally experienced hassle after hassle while trying to book our flight to Papeete. Tried booking through Delta-they ended up refunding us because they were unable to book the extra seat for my husband. We booked directly with Air France, but we were not given 25% off for the 2nd seats-something to note, luggage is not included with the 2nd seat. After watching your video, I went to the Air France website and saw they did not follow their own stated policy. Called the Saphir service (as the policy recommends), but they are unable to help with a refund. Gave me an email address to make the request. I’m hopeful we do get the refund. Would never even thought to look or ask, if I hadn’t seen your video. Thank you for the information. Keep it coming!!

[@salimas7979]

Great info. Thx!

[@karendowdy2933]

omg I love some of your outfits . I’m in Australia and we don’t have a lot of plus size shops

[@flamingohurricane7602]

You are an absolute blessing ❤thank you for this channel 😊

[@hopecandelori9081]

I stumbled on your channel today and absolutely LOVE it! As a plus sized and limited mobility (due to Lupus) person I often spend a great deal of time feeling anxious about upcoming travel. I agree 💯 that knowledge and prepping is the key to relaxed and enjoyable travel! I also use google maps a ton to plot out how far a walk places are which is really helpful. Like yourself, I’ll push myself for a fantastic experience but like to look for convenience in choosing hotels, restaurants and shopping. Looking forward to more videos!

[@DeliaSlucutt]

Great detail and strategy! 🎉

[@talks2squirrels953]

I am loving this channel. Such needed service.

[@-cMc-]

I think you have covered all the bases very very well wow.

[@bookladydavina]

for the cpap.. just leave it in the bag it came in and get a medical device tag for it.. I have flown with mine for over 10 years, never had any hassle or problems.. never had an airline take it out of the bag, just send it through with all my other things.. also send my cane through.. also as a warning, even if you have your ticket flagged as needing wheelchair assistance, they sometimes forget to send one for you and you may have to wait at the gate or try and flag someone.. or just suffer and have to walk.. (I was in a car accident in 2007.. was left with chronic pain and some limited mobility.. long flights are not kind to me... so some flights i need a chair, some i can manage without..)

[@glitterandlazersadventures]

Thank you for sharing. I know there’s way more to cover as far traveling with a wheelchair and cpap will be sure to include this!

[@samanthag6077]

I’m so excited to start traveling more when my back injury is fixed!

[@deborahingrim2168]

Amazing tips, I have lost 100 pounds but still need to be aware of my size. Love you Anna!

[@queenjray]

I am flying to Louisville, KY, and havent flown in over 10 years. I am so anxious about everything. Ty you for your info.

[@CourtneysCockpit]

Tsa scans are good to point out where ur retaining fluid 😅 last time they patted my ankles. I was like yeah, that makes sense.

[@ddroxy33]

Thanks! I actually just booked two seats on Air Canada and they charged me for both seats, and the fee for reserving my seat for both seats. I’m off to their website to check their disability policy!!

[@katherinebabcock55]

Love the information, thank you so much!

[@lisakorch229]

Great information!!!

[@lauraellerman9443]

HOW AM I ONLY JUST NOW REALIZING YOU HAVE AN ADVENTURE CHANNEL❔❕❓ I appreciate these plus-size travel videos so much = God’s work Anna ❤🙏🏻

[@tammywarfield742]

I have watched your videos and all the shorts. Love the content as well as your message for plus size people. Would you also share where you buy your clothing. You have the most beautiful and fun outfits. Look forward to seeing your next video! Thanks again❤

[@rachelizabeth331]

I know you go to Disney a lot, but do you have any tips for Universal Studios as a plus size woman? I’m stressing about my trip coming up (I’m size 22/24 for reference)

[@ataneAtine-pw8ue]

J aime la video

[@Lamdennison]

The other row to avoid is the last row of the plane as they do not recline, and often you need a little recline to deal with the tray table, especially on longer flights where you are more likely to eat or drink something or want to use it for your laptop or other entertainment while traveling.

[@kal-i568]

Thank you for another wonderful video! Really looking forward to more of these. Thanks also for speaking about Canadian airlines 🙏

[@pattyinsoflo5431]

I sm s plus sized traveler and I found tha Quantas if very cooperative in accomodating passengrs of size. In fact I would only fly Quantas if it was an american airine

[@swfern777]

When I get to the gate (early) I ask if they can put a "t-block"(temporary block) on the seat next to me, and when they are able, they do.

[@johnelleturner2179]

I would love any information you have on cruising. We have a cruise planned the first week in April

[@angelawood8502]

I absolutely love this channel. This will help so many people including myself. Thank you so much! I do have a request. Can you do a video that includes cruise tips? I’ve done a few and the long walks down the ports are scary to me now. I recently developed issues with my legs that make walking even less than a mile difficult for me. What are the options for those that have mobility issues?

[@janmeyer9602]

Taking a cruise with after broken ankle surgery the port had a wheelchair for me. I thought I could do all the walking but was struggling. You can also rent a wheelchair/scooter and have it delivered to the port/ship. Don’t hesitate to use one in the port or on the ship!

[@lilybug362230]

This was very informative

[@cryingoverspilldmilk]

I'd love to hear more about how you deal with your plantar fascitis. I'm struggling with mine and it's hashing my mellow. :(

[@vampgaia]

I’m 5’2” and 260 lbs and TSA always gets me. I’m glad to know it’s not just me. I have question: is there a place to check to see if it’s safe to travel to certain countries or areas with expensive camera equipment? Or do you just have good insurance and hope for the best? Where do you find information about renting a car in another country, specifically if I would need a special license or if my US license is good enough?

[@delaneyclark]

What about bathrooms? Can people of size fit in the bathrooms? No one has addressed this that i have found

[@AntoniaLMarrero]

Great video 😊❤👏🏼

[@alibur19]

It's not just TSA. I've come across this in multiple countries. I was told by a lady in Australia that it was due to the heat signature and or baggy clothing worn.

[@plusimagestv]

Fantastic info. Thanks from all of us who travel.

[@lightningbug276]

Great info!

[@FatRhaenyraTargaryen]

Oh! I didn’t even know you had another channel! I just subbed! 😊Love your content, love your confidence, and love your personality! What an inspiration you are Anna Miss Glamma! 🌸✨You go guuuurrrrlll!❤👍🙏

[@CashAndSpanglish]

I get a pat down by TSA every single time, it doesn't even bother me anymore. Your outfit is so pretty, I love it!

[@hideyable]

I''m fortunate to live in a country where "the OE (overseas experience)" is a rite of passage, so I've travelled to ~30 countries. Despite being neither a travel novice nor plus sized, this video had some useful advice for me. It's also helpful to get an appreciation of all the considerations larger people have to make, when they travel.

[@Grace2010H]

Do not select an exit row seat if you require a seatbelt extension. It’s an FAA rule ..if your require a seatbelt extension you can’t sit it an exit row..same as if you are under 15 years of age.

[@rvmush3883]

Another thing of note regarding the wheelchair assistance (at least at LAX) is that NO One other than their “trained professionals” may push you in an airport owned wheelchair due to “liability issues” despite what any other airport personnel may tell you.

[@keric791]

I can help with the TSA question. I'm a registered x-ray technologist of 27 years, and at one point I actually interviewed with TSA. The scanner you're talking about does use a low level of radiation to look for metal objects. Not just the metal in guns and knives, but smaller metals such as wires and circuit boards that could be used to construct a bomb with the nitroglycerin you've hidden in your travel size bottles of shampoo and conditioner. That being said, the level of radiation used is SO low due both to health concerns at higher doses, and metal usually shows up fairly easily. But when the denisty of the body tissue that the scan is trying to penetrate gets up to a certain amount the machine just can't compensate and the scan will fail. That is why proportionally pos are more likely to be pulled aside by security. I also wanted to thank you for this information. I'm only medium big but my loving husband of 20 years is about 450lb and refuses to travel because of the perceived embarrasment. I am going to force him to watch and learn.

[@bryan7938]

My daughter is in a wheelchair due to psoriatic arthritis (as well as being on the autism spectrum) We travel from the UK to Orlando annually and oh my, people are so obnoxious. However one incident sent me nuclear. As a party of 6 we split up to go through TSA at Orlando. Don’t take liberties and all 6 go through the shorter mandatory wheelchair lane. As we got to the front an operator came over to the guy organising our queue and said out loud and in front of everyone ‘look, you cant let these people get to the front….it’s not fair’. THESE PEOPLE? I just lost it. My daughter is so thankful she needs a wheelchair so that for 2 weeks out of 52 she gets to, sometimes, get through a queue quicker 🤬. It isn’t even quicker sometimes as they do her and then the chair?? No one can comprehend how a disability affects a person until they see it for themselves. My daughter was 22 when the arthritis kicked in.

[@LadyWinterHawk14]

Could you do a carry on only packing video it would be nice to see how to do it for a plus size woman and still have room for extra shopping

[@markbennett5812]

My experience was that people are more cruel than kind and people don’t want to talk to you or want you unless you have something of value which I don’t have

[@rickgonzalez1218]

Deb here. I have experienced that, too. To them you only have worth if you can do something for them.

[@lenitad3948]

Hi! I love your content! I am a plus size woman who loves to travel. I have a slight mobility issue also. I do have experience traveling using wheel chair assistance from the airlines. You are spot on! Call the Airlines for clarification is always best. Question...How do you travel when you need a mobility vehicle in other cities and countries? Also! Where can I buy a Robe for plus size?

[@plumpcosplay8562]

I always get pulled aside on TSA. I’ve gown to anticipate the extra padded down.

[@kxolsen]

TSA Pre Check is 10000% worth it, even if you only use it once or twice a year. SO Much worth the trouble and expense.

[@MarylandMermaid]

I STILL get frisked

[@heatherhermans8153]

❤ I flew from Canada to US and the flight attendant was so rude to me, until they knew I had a first class seat. Then I was OK to fly.

[@NickaLah]

I've had attendants be rude even though my hubby and myself were on a large flight where there were two seats by themselves on each side so it's not like we were bothering anyone by not buying extra seats. It was the most uncomfortable flight though, Hawaiian Air seats are horrible. Thankfully the rude stewardess mostly dealt with first class and a much nicer lady helped us get extenders even tho the first one "forgot" to get them for us.

[@mars4697]

So sorry!

[@rockinrolldog]

Re: the scanner where you stand wide certain hairstyles will flag it too! I like to wear a French braid to keep my hair neat, and I always flag it/have someone pat down my braid. But its always quick and I've never had issues.

[@Natalie_11188]

Yes a lot of women I know who wear wigs, fros or locs get patted down.

[@parisjohnson2405]

BRAVA

[@berta3890]

I bought a seat belt extender from Amazon. That way I don't have to ask for one. Tsa approved

[@lindajohnson6155]

Just be aware that some airlines will require you to use their extenders regardless of TSA approval.

[@lilybug362230]

What does flag you mean?

[@roxazaloah]

it alerts TSA agents that there may be something illicit on the person. When a person is larger though, 'warmer' areas tend to trigger the scanner.

[@bncooltina9]

When you call ahead for bigger seat how do you phrase it when you call in for tickets

[@mohammedelmahmoud1832]

❤❤bon swar amis bon courage ✌✌👚👖👙👘🧦👗🧥✌✌

[@truciepetty9811]

On Cpap- I was told- you have to take the card out and it has to be in the original bag. But do not put anything but the Cpap stuff in that bag.

[@tammyt870]

The TSA machine reads density that's why it flags for knees, hips and arms. Also, my advice is wear a thin bra with no wires. If you do get patted down, they feel those thick wires and want to refer you to a room for private search.

[@lexizager3547]

Have you ever flown Ryanair in Europe?

[@daveo2992]

TW:ED