Can big people fit in airplane seats?

In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane. Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule.



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Policies around plus-size travelers tend to vary from airline to airline. While a number, including United Airlines, require “customers who require extra seating” to buy an additional seat in advance, some refund the purchase if one or more seats are available after takeoff.

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How fat is too fat to fly? Even though there are no weight limits for fat passengers, there are normally three basic requirements for flying while overweight: Passengers must be able to sit with both armrests down. Passengers must be able to buckle their seatbelts.

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You will be fine. at size 24 your bottom will fit in the seat BUT you may need a seatbelt extender (ask stewards as they pass) and you may find the table in front doesn't come down full.

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Most likely, it won't be comfortable, but you'll still fit at 300. Try and book next to an empty seat, if you can. I assume you already do that anyway, but I don't know how often you travel, or whether this is your first time. There's a Plus Size TikToker who gives tips for air travel.

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You will be fine, you probably won't even need an extender on your belt. A size 22 won't have difficulty fitting in a airline seat, and doing up the seat belt.

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The Best Airlines for Plus Size Passengers:
  • Delta Airlines. Delta Airlines is the best airline for plus-sized passengers. ...
  • JetBlue. ...
  • Southwest Airlines. ...
  • United Airlines. ...
  • American Airlines. ...
  • Air Canada. ...
  • Hawaiian Airlines. ...
  • Spirit Airlines.


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Plus-Sized
  1. Choose your airline wisely. Be sure to check out the best airlines for plus-sized passengers further down this page. ...
  2. Contact the airline. ...
  3. Request a seatbelt extender. ...
  4. Consider add-ons. ...
  5. Check the aircraft you will be flying on. ...
  6. Check the seat sizes. ...
  7. Have your armrest up. ...
  8. Discover other people's experiences.


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Can a 700 pound person fly? There is no legal weight limit for passengers on U.S. commercial flights but some airlines such as Southwest ask customers who cannot fit into one seat to book two. It says if a passenger cannot lower the armrests on one set they must buy another - whatever they weigh.

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Choose Your Seat Wisely
While some passengers prefer window seats, aisle seats are often better for overweight passengers that are only purchasing one seat. Window seats are often the better option if you purchase an additional seat.

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? If your seatbelt does up but is still tight, consider asking for an extender. It's so much better to feel comfortable when you're flying, especially if you've got a long journey ahead of you. The extra little bit of room can make all the distance.

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Second seat is required if you are greater than 1 inch outside of the armrests and need a seatbelt extender. Second seat is required, with a possibility of a refund. Required to book two seats prior to travel.

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Airlines with the Most Seat Space in Economy
  • Jet Blue. Jet Blue is the leader in the “most pitch” and “widest seat” contest because the majority of their economy and coach class seats are roomy. ...
  • Air Canada. ...
  • Virgin America. ...
  • Hawaiian Airlines. ...
  • American Airlines. ...
  • Cathay Pacific. ...
  • Emirates.


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Seatbelts and Extenders Chances are if you're a size 24 or above, you'll need a seatbelt extender to be comfortable. You can ask for this when you board or once you've sat in your seat.

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Aircraft Specs The larger planes used on these long-haul flights might have an inch or two more leg room, but the seat width usually remains the standard 17 or 18 inches. SeatGuru.com provides information on whether your airline uses planes with more legroom for international flights.

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A standard airplane seat on Southwest and some Delta aircraft are 17.2 inches wide. Some planes, including Frontier, AirTran and parts of United and US Airways' fleets, have seats as large as 18 inches wide.

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Generally speaking, most airlines implement a maximum size policy of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Your baggage allowance could also depend on your ticket type. Some basic economy tickets only allow for a personal item, such as a purse, rather than a piece of carry-on luggage.

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Carry-on: Combined length + width + height of baggage must not exceed 45 linear inches. Individual length, width and height measurements may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, with no weight limit.

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Checked bags must be no longer than 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and must weigh under 40 pounds. Bags weighing more than 40 pounds will incur additional charges per bag per direction. Bags weighing 41-50 pounds will cost you $50 more and bags weighing 51-100 pounds will cost $100 more.

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Delta Airlines Delta Airlines is the best airline for plus-sized passengers. On top of being one of the most friendly airlines, Delta also has one of the largest average seat width figures in the industry.

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What about stepping on a scale? Many reacted less-than-fondly to an announcement earlier this month that Korean Air, a South Korea-based airline, planned to weigh passengers before boarding. A representative for the airline told CNBC the practice would last for about three weeks, and is required by law.

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