Can I buy my own seatbelt extender for a plane?

While the FAA advises airlines not to allow personal seat belt extenders, this has not stopped travelers from purchasing their own just simply because they feel more comfortable bringing a belt than asking for one. Airlines do provide seat belt extenders on flights as they are required by law to do so at no charge.



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Avoid emergency exit seats because you're not allowed to use a seatbelt extender here. The front row of seats is also a bad choice because the armrests do not raise. Ask for a seatbelt extender when you're boarding.

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Ask early if you know you need it. If you haven't flown for a few years and don't know for certain, try the seat belt first, then ask. Sometimes, you can ask but they won't give it to you until after they have done the safety demonstration. Some flights have a video demo so they'll give it to you right away.

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Seats are usually 3 in a row, but sometimes 4. I haven't flown many different planes, but on my last trip when I was around 350, I chose an aisle seat, so I could put the arm rest up and have a bit more room to uh.. 'spread into'? But honestly since it'll be the 3 of you, you should be absolutely fine.

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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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If you are in your seat and find that the seatbelt is too short, again just ask a member of the cabin crew for an extender and they will bring it to you. Members of the cabin crew are experienced professionals who deal with this issue on every single flight, so they will not be fazed by your request.

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Measure from the back left of the seat cushion (where your body meets it) to the back right — stretching the tape measure over your hips and stomach. That will give you an idea of how many inches of seat belt you'll need on the aircraft.

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I am a bigger person, size 24-26-28. Will I fit in an airplane seat? You will probably need to buy two coach seats and ask for a seatbelt extender (or to have yours). Remember, two coach seats are generally much cheaper and more spacious than a single first class seat.

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Typically, most airplane seat belts are between 18 and 45 inches long, and can be extended to fit up to 62 inches. However, on certain flights, such as business or first-class flights, the seat belts may be larger or adjustable to better accommodate larger passengers.

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According to travel review site the Points Guy, Delta's seatbelts range in size from 40 to 45 inches. That's shorter than American Airlines' and JetBlue's belts, which measure from 45 to 47 inches and 45 inches, respectively, but still longer than Southwest's belt, which clocks in at just 39 inches.

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The airlines with the widest seats among US airlines are JetBlue Airways and Silver Airways. 18 inches wide. Spirit Airlines' average economy seat has a width of 17.75 inches. Breeze, Delta, Hawaiian has a seat width of 17.6 inches.

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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. The aisle must not be blocked by a passenger.

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American's website states that passengers who need a seat belt extender and whose body extends more than one inch past the armrest will need to buy a ticket for a second seat.

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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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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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