Air Asia has the shortest seat pitch in economy, at 29 inches. Forty years ago, seat pitch was 31 to 35 inches. Seat width was approximately 18.5 inches. Today it's 17 to 17.5 inches.
1 Hi Air KoreaThe carrier's fleet of four ATR 72-500s offers each of the 50 passengers an incredibly generous 38-inch seat pitch. For comparison, this is the same seat pitch found in many premium economy cabins around the world, including those of United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
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.
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.
Still, seat pitch remains a decent measurement of how much personal space you'll have onboard. What's a good seat pitch? In economy class, a good seat pitch is considered 32 inches or more. Many major U.S. airlines have reduced seat pitch on much of their domestic fleet to a tight 30 to 31 inches.
JetBlue seats are slightly larger than average for economy class, but their premium economy class is where it really wins for plus size passengers. For only a small price increase, passengers can get so much value from the premium ticket, with seats with a 38-inch pitch and also priority boarding.
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.
Airbus A220 — the most comfortable economyThe Airbus A220 is a unique plane, and is arguably the most comfortable narrow body jet out there. The plane is gorgeous on the outside, from the curves, to the cockpit windows, to the winglets. Even inside, the plane is exceptionally comfortable.
Passengers who do not fit into the 17.8-inch seat comfortably with the armrests down must purchase two seats at the time of booking. The airline will then assign two seats next to each other, free of charge.
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.
Southwest's customer of size policy is a size-inclusive rule that allows passengers in larger bodies to have two seats on any Southwest flight at no extra charge. This policy helps large travelers fly more safely, 1 and allows passengers (in bodies large and small!)
The airline will sell you the second seat at the lowest available cost. If none are available, the passenger may not be able to fly. Passengers must fit within the 17 inches between armrests or purchase a seat in advance. Those who do not cannot be guaranteed boarding unless a second seat is purchased in advance.
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.