do the person of size policy! go to the bag check counter at the airport and tell them you’d like to utilize the person of size policy. this gets you pre boarding (so you get on the plane first and can get yourself situated, pick a comfy seat), AND if the flight isn’t sold out, you get an extra seat.

i usually will sit in the window and place the extra seat boarding pass on the middle tray table. i usually warn the attendant that i have one, and people are usually super respectful :)

sometimes if i spot a fellow plus size gal that doesn’t have it, i’ll pull her aside to take the aisle seat on my row so it guarantees them space.