![]() ![]() I could fly an Embraer RJ-175 or ERJ-145, an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, or a Canadair RJ900. ![]() I need to know exactly which seats I fit comfortably into and whether or not I may need a seat belt extender.įor example, there's an American Airlines route I often fly where there are several flights per day but on different aircraft types. ![]() I need to be more aware of the seats themselves on the particular aircraft I fly. Tips for traveling as a passenger of size Be aware of aircraft type and seat width ![]() At my current weight, I don't encroach on anyone else's space, but it can be a tight squeeze and a bit uncomfortable sometimes with the armrests lowered. Generally speaking, the armrests must be lowered and you need to fit in that space without encroaching significantly - usually 1 inch or more - on the person or people sitting next to you. Contact your airline for the most up-to-date rules. Many airlines have rules that require a larger passenger to pay for a second seat if he or she can't comfortably fit in one seat with or without a seat belt extender. When it comes to air travel, the term "passenger of size" is used for anyone who's overweight or too large to potentially occupy one seat on an aircraft. You can read a flight attendant's advice for passenger of size here, but here's what you need to know, as well as my tips from an actual passenger of size. Over the years, I've accumulated some handy tips that ensure my flight will be comfortable and that my seatmate won't have an issue sharing space with me. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. That’s why any passenger of size, like me, has to do more research and due diligence when booking travel. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System study, "Adult obesity rates now exceed 35% in nine states, 30% in 31 states and 25% in 48 states.” So, we’ll likely hear more about these types of issues in the future. The women could fly in economy because the seats did not include airbags, and so the airline could provide seat belt extenders to ensure safe travel for their passengers.įor more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.Ī rule like this can blindside someone when they least expect it. It’s incredibly unfortunate this information wasn’t clearly communicated in advance to the passengers but, once at the airport, the airline could not break this safety rule. This type of restraint cannot be used by anyone with a waist over 56 inches. On this particular aircraft (likely Thai’s 787-9), the business-class seats the family purchased were equipped with seat belts that have airbags. While I’m sure that was a painful and embarrassing experience, the airline was not singling them out. Last week, three Auckland women of size were denied boarding when staff from Thai Airways explained they were too large to sit in the business-class seats they’d booked. And I've seen how the attitudes - and patience - of the people around you differ depending on your weight.Īnd, sometimes, it may just feel like you’re being singled out because of your size. I know from firsthand experience how just 20 or 30 pounds can make a difference in comfort on an aircraft. 27, 2019.įlying while overweight can be uncomfortable, not just for the plus-size passenger but sometimes also for seatmates and aircraft crew who might need to reinforce certain rules and safety procedures.Īs a frequent traveler and someone who's been both heavier and lighter than I am today, I have experienced flying at different weights and sizes. Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional information. ![]()
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