First - our Lipedema tissue can easily set off the TSA body scanners, which require an agent pats you down. A couple suggested reasons are scar tissue will set them off, so maybe all the fibrotic tissue is causing it. Hot spots or wet spots (sweating) can set them off, think about all that extra compression and anxiety about flying - a possible sweaty scenario for sure. Even loose fitting clothing - too much space between clothing and skin might set it off, too.
Second - swelling can be an issue, so wearing graduated compression is even more important when flying, because the cabin pressure decreases as we rise, so our blood and lymph circulation slows down. Add to that sitting for hours on end, with limited room to move, means even those without Lipedema experience swelling.
Third - our Lipedema hips can make fitting in the seats painful, especially as the size of airplane seats continues to get smaller and smaller.
As you might have noticed, I used a @southwestair plane in my graphic, I did so as a thank you to them for their COS (customer of size) policy, with it you can purchase a second seat and fit more easily, and they will refund your second seat after the flight.
You don’t need to purchase a second seat, but one will only be available if the plane does not get sold out. On the last trip we took, three of the four legs were sold out and I would not have gotten an extra seat in that scenario.
With the COS policy, you can also board first and bring someone else traveling with you for assistance, that went a long way in getting situated and not feeling like you were holding up other passengers. My daughter and I boarded after anyone needing assistance and easily found three seats together.
I wrote a 2 part blog post about flying with Lipedema in 2019, if you want to check those out for more info. Part I, and Part II. I find researching to help get prepared went a long way with making me feel comfortable flying.
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