Hi! I am about to take a plane trip for the first time in YEARS--I have gained alot of weight since my last trip, and am worried about needing either a seat belt extender, or even reserving two seats. Does anyone know what the weight or size limits for one seat or needing the seat belt extender is for the major airlines? I don't think I will need two seats, but I am very interestd in what size person can use just the regular seatbelt.(any idea about how many inches of "waistline" a regular seatbelt will accommodate?) Thanks for all replies--I am embarrased to call the airlines, and am travelling with friends, so I'm really hoping neither will be necessary. THANKS SO MUCH!!! Pat

I think it depends on where you carry your weight. When I was 212 I fit into the regular seats with the regular belt. I think you'll need to know your weight and hip measurement to decide. I'm sure the airline can give you the seat size info. You can always say you are calling for a friend.

ABD WElcome to 3FC, a good place for info and support for weightloss.

It's going to vary depending on the airline and the particular model of airplane. Your best bet IS to call the airline. You can do so anonymously, just tell them which flights you are on and ask for the information.

BTW, I used to have to get seatbelt extenders and it's no big deal, the attendants are discreet and kind in my experience.

Also, the seats in first class are A LOT bigger, and more comfortable. I needed an extender (I'm 345) but, the my butt fit into the seat fine. So if you think you have to buy two seats, that might be an alternative.


I also heard you can buy your own extenders if you want.

I'm not crazy about sitting in Coach anyway...I belong to a couple of mileage programs and instead of saving the miles for free flights I use them to upgrade to business or first class when I do fly.

The only downside to doing that is that Jim is now totally spoiled...he dearly loves to be able to recline ALL the way back, turn on the seat massage, turn on his CD player and take a 2 hour snooze. I've NEVER been able to sleep in flight (even from SFO to London - 11 hours!!!) so I just make sure I have plenty of reading material - once I forgot to bring enough and had to resort to watching the movie "Scooby-Doo" twice. (ugh...)

I usually fly United, since they're the airline we use at work and most of the time I fly it's for business. I just looked, though, and didn't see any guidelines on their website.

Southwest Air's website has a detailed page on seating policies for "customers of size".

At 262 pounds i have never needed a seat belt extender and have fitted into a normal cattle class seat. Not overly comfortably, but have travelled from Australia to England and was ok. So it really does depend where your weight is. Airlines are used to all sorts of enquiries and won't judge you, they will be most accommodating and helpful I'm sure. Do try and get an aisle seat so if you are feeling squished and uncomfortable you can get up and move about. On the long haul flights I tend to kidnap other people's babies and walk up and down the aisles, the parents are grateful to get a break and it makes you feel like you are wandering with a purpose.

Hey, Thanks everyone for the rplies--When I actually book the flight, I will definitely check with the airline i choose--( I'm looking for the lowest fare--it will only be a 2-3 hour trip, so , if I can fit, I definitely will be using only one seat...Thanks again! Miss Pat