Who has to buy 2 seats on a plane?

A customer is required to purchase an additional seat or upgrade if they do not meet one of the following criteria: The customer must be able to properly attach, buckle and wear the seatbelt, with one extension if necessary, whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated or as instructed by a crew member.



The requirement to purchase two seats on a plane generally applies to "Passengers of Size" who cannot fit within the armrests of a single seat or who require a seatbelt extender and still encroach upon the adjacent passenger's space. Each airline in 2026 has a slightly different "Customer of Size" policy. For example, Southwest Airlines is famous for its inclusive policy: they encourage passengers who need extra space to purchase a second seat in advance, but they will actually refund the cost of the second seat after the flight, even if the flight was full. Conversely, airlines like United, American, and Delta typically require the passenger to pay for the second seat at the current fare rate if a second seat is deemed necessary by the gate agent. This policy is primarily in place for the safety and comfort of all passengers, ensuring that everyone has full access to their own seat area and that the seatbelt can be properly fastened. It is a recommended practice to call the airline's "Accessibility Desk" before booking to understand the specific refund or booking procedures for your carrier.

People Also Ask

Customers who are not able to safely and comfortably fit in a single seat are required to purchase an additional seat for each leg of their itinerary.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A customer must be able to safely and comfortably fit in a single seat, or if not, is required to purchase an additional seat for each leg of their itinerary. The second seat may be purchased for the same fare as the original seat, provided it is purchased at the same time.

MORE DETAILS

A parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together.

MORE DETAILS

Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Passengers who cannot lower both armrests or whose torso extends into another passenger's seating space must purchase a ticket for a second seat. If no additional seats are available, you may not be able to fly.

MORE DETAILS

To book an extra seat, select 2 seats when booking. The first seat you can book for yourself and fill out the fields like your normally would. Airlines can't have 2 seats assigned to the same person, so for the extra seat you will have to make the airline aware it is an extra seat.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

While Delta allows plus-size passengers (even those who need a seatbelt extender or can't lower the armrest) to fly without purchasing an extra seat, they reserve the right to ask travelers to move to a different seat or take a later flight if they encroach on another passenger's space.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The following airlines have some seats with widths below 17 inches, making them among the smallest in the industry: Qatar Airways. China Southern. Caribbean Airlines.

MORE DETAILS

Check the seat sizes Although most airlines have bigger seats in first or business class, these are higher priced and therefore not an option for all travellers. Instead, you can check out our page on the airlines with the biggest seats in economy, to find out which airline you will be most comfortable in.

MORE DETAILS

Emirates, United Airlines and Jetstar are among those requiring some passengers to pay for two seats. Various carriers have attempted additional charges for larger passengers in recent years, however laws are unclear as to whether this type of price discrimination is unlawful.

MORE DETAILS

You may be offered a seat in a higher class of service that may provide more space; in this case, you'll be responsible for the fare difference. If accommodations can't be made on your original flight, you can buy seats on a different flight at the same price as your original seats.

MORE DETAILS