Bigger People + Airplane Seatsbelts

I am a size 16 and feel squeezed into the seats. I would call ahead. If it were me, I would rather get it taken care of before hand then be embarrassed if they were to hold the plane up to have to move someone seats (not saying you will have to)

There are seatbelt extenders. Please keep in mind that if you need an extender and can't fit with both armrests down, airlines reserve the right to charge you for an extra seat. You should check the policy of the airline on their website before you go.

Here is an article, but I'mt not sure how up-to-date it is.
http://seniortravel.about.com/od/airtravel/f/LargerAirPas...

As others have mentioned, please check with the airline before you fly. If the flight is not full, they could move you to be next to an empty seat so you can lift the armrest and be more comfortable. The last time I flew, I was assigned a middle seat. I'm very tall and a size 10 - I fit in the seats, but there's not a lot of extra space. A plus-sized woman and her big-and-tall husband were sitting on either side of me, and literally there was nowhere for me to sit. The airline moved me (which was fantastic, as I was moved into first class - woohoo!). But I felt badly for the couple, since I had to point out to the flight attendant that I literally could not sit in my assigned seat. I tried to be discreet about it, but still people around us took notice and looked to see what was going on. It would have been better if the couple had called ahead and then there wouldn't have been any discussion about it on the plane. :)

Definitely ask for a seatbelt extender. The largest I have been is a sz 20, and I only had about 1/2 an inch to spare with the Southwest Airlines seat belts.

They do have accommodations that can be made, so please call ahead to arrange this. You want to be safe in your seat, with a properly fitting seatbelt, so this is very important. Have a great trip!

In addition to the seat belt extenders, some airplanes have armrests that actually fold back (so you can literally combine two seats into one). When I fly with my son I always raise the armrest between us so I can take up some of his seat! If you don't have someone sitting right next to you, you might be able to do this for comfort. Have a safe trip!

It was very tight when I was a size 26 but I still fit. You may want to contact the airline before hand and ask them.

I'm a size 22/24 and its a VERY tight squeeze. The seat belts themselves are not an issue because like the others have said, they have extenders that just makes your seatbelt longer so it fits. Its the SEATS that will be very uncomfortable for you and likely the person sitting next to you unless they are super skinny. This is one of the major reasons I don't travel unless necessary. And I heard that some airlines are making the seats even smaller so they can fit more in. Ugh. Good luck!!!

Ditto Diane C.

Also, as far as the arm rest goes, it is only ok to do that if you are sitting with your children, family, etc. and it does give a tad more space.

As a family we raise them but before you make assumptions and raise it between you and stranger, please ask the stranger.... I was quiet annoyed once when someone took it upon themselves to raise it between her and myself just so she could be more comfortable and not be required to pay extra fees. I would have been happy to have complied with her and allow the arm rest to remain up for her comfort if she had only asked me nicely vs attempting to bulldoze me.

Just make sure you know all the facts Ahead of time which will save you extra time, possibly $ and keep your trip more relaxing.

Enjoy your trip!

Some airlines, for a price, have a section between First Class and Coach. I think some airlines refer to it as economy plus. The seats are a little larger. I flew on United once and it was only $29 extra per seat, and that was 6 years ago, so it might be more. Check with your airline and see if they have something like that, it maybe worth the extra money to have some extra comfort.

you need to contact the airline you are flying with to see how their seats can accommodate you. Do it PRIOR to flying so you aren't stressed at the airport or once you get on the plane.

I don't know who you're flying, but when I was a size 16, it was a tight fit in the Delta seats. Call ahead.

it will be tight. The plane should have a seat belt extender you can ask for when you board, but you may want to call ahead to be sure they have one for you. Also you can ask at check in about a bulk head seat. Those with lap babies get priority, but if none are on your flight you may be able to get a little extra room that way.

when you step on the plane ask the flight attendent for a seatbelt extender. she will either hand it right then or bring it to you. it makes the seatbelt wider.