Worried About Waist Size to Fit in Airline Seat? (Know More)

About 2 in 5 U.S. adults have obesity, according to CDC adult obesity data. But airlines have shown little sign of making economy seats roomier for plus-size passengers. That’s The Irony!

I do want to spend a few more minutes ranting about this but, guess not today. Because I’ve sat down with the intention of helping a few people facing this confusion of too narrow seats. And whether the next flight they’d like to take would be comfortable or not.

Specifically, let’s try getting an idea of the typical waist size to fit in airline seat for most of the part. Some of you might want the information to decide at what size do you need two airline seats and if that’s something to even consider. Yap, keep reading…

What Waist Size to Fit in Airline Seats Generally? – Needs Basic Idea of Seats.

Well, these are those sorts of questions that do not have a specific figure answer. However, economy seats on many U.S. airlines are roughly 17 to 18 inches wide between the armrests. Seat design and aircraft type can make a seat feel wider or narrower.

For instance, if you consider the American Airlines Boeing 737, it comes with a curvy fuselage. This causes the seat to be slightly narrower than usual ones. Bulkhead and exit-row seats can also feel narrower, because their tray tables are stored inside the armrests.

So, you can tell that the variations are pretty unpredictable. And that’s why you need to consider the seat width of your specific airlines and then figure out if it’s enough wide to keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

Also, some airlines have a customer-of-size policy that follows up with a rule for purchasing a second seat. Especially, when the larger passenger cannot occupy one seat.

So, you finding the fact that you must buy a second seat on the day of the flight, is not a very pleasant thing to experience. Make sure you take notes on such rules if any by your airlines beforehand and be prepared for it.

What Waist Size to Fit in Airline Seats Generally?

I’m Size 24 Will I Fit in an Airplane Seat Comfortably?

I am a size 24 will I fit in an airplane seat and have a comfortable flight afterward? This is just an example of a question that many passengers of plus size tend to have before the flight. Now it typically does not have to be 24.

However, let’s take an example of size 24. Size charts vary by brand, but a women’s size 24 usually means hips well over 50 inches around. Clearly, a seat typically having 17 to 18 inches width, might not be the most comfortable thing for a 24 sized person.

And so, you should take some preparation plus follow a few tips. To make that problem less problematic during the flight.

On that note, here are a few pointers that might help you.

Explore SeatGuru to find out about seat width and choose a comfortable seat that’s 24-size friendly.
Book flights on days that are typically less crowded, and check the seat map before you fly. If there are empty seats, a gate agent may be able to seat you next to one.
Ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender when you board. Airlines provide their own, and that’s the kind you should use.
Window or Aisle seats are great for having a tad bit of extra room to move. Try to avoid bulkhead seats.
Exit-row seats often have extra legroom in economy class. They come with their own seating rules, though, and some airlines don’t allow seatbelt extenders there, so check first.
Every two to three hours, make sure to stretch your body, practice some ankle rotation and toes need flexing as well. Having health conditions is not an unusual thing for a plus-size person. Make sure you give your body attention during these long hours of seated journeys. Also, wear loose and comfy clothing.

Can You Buy a Seat Belt Extender at The Airport?

Every airline would have rules if certain items are allowed and not allowed on airplane. If you are planning to get a seat belt extender of your own, then verifying whether it’s okay to bring one in the plane is important. This is for those who doubt that the seat belt of aircraft would be too short for their size.

The FAA tells airlines that passenger-provided seat belt extenders should not be used, even ones marketed as FAA-approved. Extenders supplied by the airline are inspected and maintained under its FAA-accepted maintenance program, and personal ones are not.

Travelers ask about all kinds of items, from makeup to can I take edibles on an airplane. Seat belt extenders are simpler, because the answer comes from the airline and the FAA.

So even if you buy one, you shouldn’t use it on board. Ask a flight attendant for the airline’s extender instead.

If you’re worried about fit, call the airline before your flight. They can tell you about extenders and their customer-of-size policy.

Keep In Mind: some airlines use inflatable seat belts in certain rows. Ask the crew which extender works with your seat.

Where Can I Buy Airplane Seat Belt Extenders?

You can find seat belt extenders sold online, often labeled FAA-approved or universal. But under FAA guidance, airlines should not let passengers use their own extenders on board.

So buying one for a flight isn’t worth it. Use the extender the flight attendant gives you.

Watch This!

Wrapping Up

So, we talked a bit about waist size to fit in airline seat, the dimensions of seat, and also belt extenders. I hope it helps you in some way. The last piece of advice would be checking with the airlines about overweight passenger policy.

Doing your research, on the whole, is quite important. And you need to be aware of the second seat requirement too beforehand. So, talking to a representative of the airlines would be a much-needed step you should not be sidestepping.

Once you finish reading this, get the contact information and check with them in detail. Bye!

Sources

Adult Obesity Facts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
InFO 12012: Use of Passenger-Provided Seat Belt Extenders, Federal Aviation Administration