Debbie,

Thanks for your tips. I chuckled at your last two comments because I have also put lots of thought into how I may have to use my carry-on as a make-shift ottoman.

However, I'm hoping that I won't have to do that. I'm flying Southwest (fyi for all- at least as far as planning goes, they were fantastic! The lady I spoke with couldn't have been more accommodating and patient with me!) Anyway, they don't have assigned seating, and I will get boarded first, in the front of the plane where there is extra leg room.

What's more, if the flight isn't full, I get "first dibs" on an extra seat- in which case with a lift of the armrest, I have my own personal couch, of sorts, (or love-seat?) on which I can simply sit sideways, and with a couple extra pillows I'll be set. (I do the same at restaurants- sit at a booth on the side that has the wall to my right, and pivot to the left to prop my foot up). So that's what I'm really hoping for- an extra seat would make all the difference as to the flight experience. But as the saying goes: "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst"