Flying as a plus-size passenger: Tips for a comfy flight
Booking a holiday should be exciting. You picture the sunshine, the delicious food and the break from normal daily life. But if you are overweight, the thought of actually getting on the aeroplane can bring on a lot of anxiety. You might worry about the seat being too small, the seatbelt not fitting or the person sitting next to you looking annoyed.
These feelings are incredibly common when flying as a plus-size passenger. Aeroplane seats have not exactly grown over the years. In fact, many airlines have made them smaller to fit more people on board. If you are a plus-size traveller, you are definitely not alone in feeling stressed about this.
The good news is that you can do plenty of things to make your flight more comfortable. From knowing how to book an extra seat to understanding the rules about seatbelt extenders, a little bit of planning takes the fear out of flying. Let us look at the best ways to prepare for a stress-free journey.
Research your airline before you book
Not all airlines treat plus-size passenger comfort the same way. Before you hand over your hard-earned money, take ten minutes to look up the seat dimensions. Seat width and legroom vary quite a bit between different companies.
A recent study of commercial airlines found that 86% of airline websites provide specific seating information. You can usually find the seat width (the distance between the armrests) and the seat pitch (the legroom) on their help pages.
You also need to check the armrest situation. Some aircraft have fixed armrests that do not lift up. This happens a lot in the front rows or in premium economy cabins where the tray tables are stored inside the armrest itself. If you carry weight on your hips or thighs, fixed armrests can make the seat feel much tighter. Always check a site like SeatGuru to see if the armrests on your specific flight can be moved.
How to book an extra seat for comfort as a plus-size passenger
If you know that one economy seat is going to be a tight squeeze, booking a second seat is the best way to guarantee your comfort. It removes the worry of overflowing into a stranger’s space and gives you room to breathe.
Different airlines have very different rules for plus-size passengers doing this.
Flying with Ryanair
If you are flying as a plus-size passenger with Ryanair, they have a specific system for buying a second seat. You purchase two full-fare flight tickets. You book the first ticket in your normal name. For the second ticket, you type “EXTRA” as the first name and “COMFORT SEAT” as the last name.
When you check in online, you just put your own passport details in for both tickets. It is a very simple process, but be aware that buying an extra comfort seat does not give you any extra cabin baggage allowance.
Flying with British Airways
British Airways allows you to book an extra seat for personal comfort (known in the travel industry as an EXST). However, you usually need to do this through their contact centre or a travel agent.
Be very careful if you are booking Premium Economy with British Airways. Because Premium Economy seats have fixed armrests, booking an extra seat will only give you the space next to you. It will not actually increase the width of the seat you are sitting in. If you want two seats with an armrest that lifts up, you are better off booking standard Economy.
All about seatbelt extenders
The seatbelt is often the biggest source of panic for a plus-size passenger. You sit down, pull the strap across your lap and realise it is just a few centimetres too short.
Please know that this happens all the time. Flight attendants hand out seatbelt extenders on almost every single flight. They are completely used to it and they do not judge you.
Asking for an extender on the plane
The easiest way to get an extender is to ask the flight attendant as you board the plane. You can just quietly say, “Could I get a seatbelt extender, please?” as they greet you at the door. They will usually discreetly slip it to you or bring it to your seat a few moments later.
If you prefer to wait until you are seated, try to catch the eye of a crew member before the safety demonstration starts.
Can you bring your own seatbelt extender?
You can buy aeroplane seatbelt extenders online, and many plus-size passengers prefer to carry their own to avoid asking the crew. However, you need to be very careful with this.
Around 24% of airlines clearly state that plus-size passengers are not permitted to use their own personal extenders. This is due to strict aviation safety rules. If you bring an extender that is not certified by that specific airline, the crew might ask you to remove it and use one of theirs instead. It is always safer to use the equipment provided by the airline.
Picking the best seat on the plane
Where you sit can make a massive difference to how comfortable you feel as a plus-size passenger.
An aisle seat is often the best choice for larger passengers. It gives you the option to lean slightly into the aisle (when the food trolley is not coming past, of course). It also means you do not have to squeeze past other people if you need to use the toilet.
If you like looking out the window, booking a window seat allows you to lean against the wall of the cabin, which can free up a bit of space between you and your neighbour.
You might be tempted to book an emergency exit row for the extra legroom as a plus-size passenger. Unfortunately, aviation rules state that you cannot sit in an emergency exit row if you require a seatbelt extender. This rule is clearly stated by airlines like Ryanair. You also cannot sit in these rows if you have booked an extra comfort seat. It is a strict safety policy, so save your money and pick a standard row instead.
Making use of special assistance
If you struggle with mobility due to your weight, airports can be exhausting. The walk from the check-in desk to the departure gate is often surprisingly long.
Under the rules set by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), you have a legal right to request free special assistance when flying out of or into the UK. You just need to request this through your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before your flight.
The special assistance team can help you navigate the airport using a wheelchair or an electric buggy. They can also help you board the aeroplane before the main rush of passengers. Boarding early is fantastic because you do not have to squeeze down the aisle while people are blocking the way with their luggage. It is a perfect way to help you as a plus-size passenger.
Packing for a comfortable flight
What you wear on the plane matters just as much as where you sit. Aeroplane cabins can be very cold, but feeling anxious might make you sweat. Dressing in loose, comfortable layers is always the best plan.
Plus-size bodies can be prone to swelling during flights. Wearing compression socks helps to keep your blood flowing properly and stops your ankles from swelling. Make sure you wear shoes that can easily slip on and off, just in case your feet swell up a bit.
If you are looking for more ideas on what to pack for a relaxing holiday, take a look at my other travel tips and packing guides on the blog.
Dealing with flying anxiety
Sometimes the physical discomfort of the seat is nothing compared to the mental discomfort of worrying about what other people think of you when you are a plus-size passenger. The fear of an unkind comment or an annoyed sigh from a stranger can ruin the start of your holiday.
Try to remember that you have exactly the same right to be on that aeroplane as anyone else. You paid for your ticket, and you deserve a lovely trip. If someone is rude about your size, that is a reflection of their poor manners, not your body.
Practise advocating for yourself. If you need the armrest up, politely ask your neighbour. If you need an extender, ask the crew with confidence. For more advice on building up your self-esteem, check out my posts on body confidence and mental wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do airlines charge for seatbelt extenders?
No. Airlines provide seatbelt extenders completely free of charge for you as a plus-size passenger. You just need to ask a member of the cabin crew.
Do I have to buy two seats if I am overweight?
Very few airlines force you to buy two seats. However, if the flight is fully booked and you physically cannot safely fit into a single seat with the armrests down, some airlines may deny you boarding for safety reasons. If you think it will be a very tight fit, buying a second seat in advance brings total peace of mind.
Will the tray table fold down flat?
This really depends on the aircraft and how your weight is distributed. For many plus-size passengers, the tray table will rest on their stomach rather than sitting perfectly flat. If this happens, you can often balance a tablet or a book on it comfortably. If you cannot fold the table down at all, you can ask the flight attendant to hand you your drink rather than placing it on the tray.
Ready for your holiday?
Travelling in a larger body requires a little bit of extra planning, but it is entirely manageable. By researching your airline, considering a second seat and knowing your rights as a plus-size passenger regarding special assistance, you take control of your journey.
Do not let the fear of a small aeroplane seat stop you from exploring the world. Book that flight, pack your favourite comfortable clothes and focus on the wonderful memories you are going to make when you land. Have a fantastic holiday!
