How safe are seat belt extenders?

Unfortunately, extenders are often advertised to “solve” lots of problems. We've seen them advertised as a way to make it easier to buckle a child in a booster, and as a way of repositioning the seat belt fit on a pregnant woman. It is NOT SAFE to use a seat belt extender in either of these situations.



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There's no need to worry if an airline runs out of seat belt extenders. Airplanes are equipped with a number of them and, in the rare event that there aren't enough, the flight attendants will call through to the airport to have more delivered to them.

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Airlines do provide seat belt extenders on flights as they are required by law to do so at no charge. Travelers are discouraged from bringing their own seat belt extenders, since the FAA would not be able to ensure that extenders brought by passengers are compliant with safety regulations.

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You should be fine. You could try and google the largest seat in your class category and try to book it. 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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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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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.

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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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I am 6'3 and pushing 400 pounds and I have never had a problem on BA flights. Yes I need a seatbelt extension but only so I will be comfortable. I admittedly do fit between the armrests. I do feel bad for people next to me because my shoulders are quite broad but I try to get an aisle seat so I can at least lean out.

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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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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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Seat belt extenders range from 6 to 18 inches, in increments of 3 inches.

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