Several airlines have established "Customer of Size" policies to ensure comfort and safety. Southwest Airlines is the most famous for its generous policy; if a passenger encroaches into the neighboring seat, they can purchase a second seat and, after travel, request a full refund for that extra seat—even if the flight was full. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines generally recommend purchasing an additional seat if you cannot sit comfortably with the armrests down, though they don't typically offer the same "automatic" refund that Southwest does. In 2026, Southwest updated its system to accommodate its new "assigned seating" model, but the core refund benefit for plus-size travelers remains a pillar of their brand. Other carriers like Alaska Airlines also provide refunds for extra seats if the flight departs with at least one open seat, while many international carriers like Air Canada have specific policies for domestic flights under "One Person, One Fare" regulations.

Yes, you can absolutely put Apple AirTags (or similar trackers like Tile) in your checked luggage when flying with Emirates in 2026. This has been a topic of much debate in the aviation world, but major international carriers and regulatory bodies like the FAA and EASA have clarified that the tiny lithium-cell battery in an AirTag is so small that it does not pose a safety risk. Emirates aligns with these global standards, allowing the devices to stay active throughout the flight. Using an AirTag is a "pro-tip" for 2026 travelers navigating massive hubs like Dubai International (DXB), as it allows you to see exactly where your bag is in the system, providing peace of mind during tight connections or if a suitcase is delayed. Just ensure your device is properly synced to your phone before you drop the bag at the check-in counter.

This is an excellent and important question. Many airlines have policies and physical accommodations that can make a significant difference for plus-size travelers. The key is to look for airlines with generous seat dimensions, clear and respectful policies, and options for extra space.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for and specific airlines known for better accommodation:

What to Look For (Key Metrics):

1. Seat Width: This is often more critical than pitch (legroom). Look for seats 18 inches or wider.
2. Seatbelt Extender Availability: All major airlines provide these for free upon request. You can often ask a flight attendant discreetly.
3. Customer-of-Size Policies: Some airlines have formal, published policies for purchasing an extra seat with a refund guarantee.
4. Aircraft Type: Newer planes (like Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, A220) often have wider seats in Economy than older models (like some 737s or A320s).

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Airlines with Formal “Customer of Size” Policies (Best Options):

These airlines have the most transparent and traveler-friendly approaches.

• Southwest Airlines: Often cited as the most accommodating. Their policy allows you to purchase an extra seat at booking and then request a refund after travel if the flight wasn’t full. They also provide a “boarding verification card” to show at the gate so you can pre-board and secure your two seats together.
• JetBlue: Has a clear “Extra Seat” policy. You can purchase an additional seat at the time of booking for your comfort. They also offer some of the widest standard Economy seats in the U.S. (18-18.4 inches on most aircraft).
• Delta Air Lines: While not as formalized as Southwest, Delta is generally known for courteous service. They recommend purchasing an extra seat if you’re unable to lower the armrests. You can contact them after travel for a refund of the extra seat if the flight had empty seats.
• American Airlines: Similar to Delta, they advise buying an extra seat if you need it. They have a process to refund the cost of the extra seat after travel if you contact their customer relations.
• Alaska Airlines: Has a documented policy encouraging passengers who need more space to purchase an extra seat in advance, with the possibility of a