Plus Size Flying

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Where to?

Dates

Passengers & Class

1 Adult, Economy/Coach

What Are the Best Airlines for Plus-Size Flying?

The following list is some of the best airlines for plus-size travellers to use. This information is based upon many things, such as their policy, attitude and most importantly their seat size. However, the seat widths and sizes vary depending on the aircraft used, so be sure to check details such as aircraft type when booking. The average seat width in the economy tends to be around 17-18 inches, so anything above that is considered more spacious.

rows of aeroplane seats with red armrests

Aegean Airlines

Aegean Airlines is one of the only airlines which provide 18 inches of seat width in economy class on long-haul flights.

Aeroflot

Although not ranked highly for economy class, this airline’s business and first class are a great option for passengers who are willing to spend a little more for their short-haul flights. With most aircraft in the fleet having seats with 21 inches of width, and 38 inches of seat pitch, the airline is roomy for short-haul flights.

Air Canada

Air Canada is one of the best airlines in the world for short-haul flights, with economy class seats in its Beechcraft 1900D being 20.2 inches wide. Air Canada’s policy (read more below) also means that obesity is classed as a disability, and so passengers are permitted to request an additional seat free of charge.

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airlines is one of the best Asian airlines for plus-size flying, with a seat width of 19.8 inches on three of its Airbus planes.

China Southern Airlines

This Chinese Airline is only slightly behind Bangkok Airlines for Asian airlines, with seat width measuring 19.7 inches, with other planes in its fleet providing 19.5 inches. This airline is also great for its first and business class seats on short-haul flights, with most aircraft in the fleet providing around 24 inches of seat width.

Delta Air Lines

Passengers flying domestically within the U.S. will be pleased to know that Delta does not require passengers to purchase an extra seat. In addition, they have been known to make extra efforts to seat plus-size travellers next to any extra seats for their own comfort.

JetBlue

JetBlue seats are slightly larger than average for economy class, but their premium economy class is where it really wins for plus size flying. The premium ticket offers seats with a 38-inch pitch and also priority boarding. In addition, JetBlue announced in 2018 that they do not require passengers to purchase an additional seat, as it is totally up to the passenger.

Singapore Airlines

Looking for economy class seats for long haul flights with lots of room and good seat width? Look no further than Singapore Airlines, who provide 19 inches of seat width on many of their aircraft. Singapore Airlines is also roomy for long-haul business class seats, with seat width mostly at 30 to 28 inches.

Spirit Airlines

It may surprise people that this ultra-low-cost airline is generous for its seat width. However, this airline provides passengers with 20 inches of seat width on many of their different aircraft, making it a great option for cheap North American and domestic flights.

United Airlines

United Airlines have the facility on some aircraft to provide special seating for passengers who are flying plus-sized. These larger seats have a maximum of 20.5 inches for the seat width, so it may be worth investigating which routes United fly with these seats to find out where you can be most comfortable.

Uzbekistan Airways

This airline is considered one of the best for its short-haul economy seats. On the airline’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, passengers can enjoy 21.25 inches of seat width in the economy. In addition, its short-haul first class flights on the same aircraft have almost 24 inches of seat width!

Airlines that require you to Book an Extra Seat

Do you want to know what airlines require you to book an extra seat? Check out the airlines' rules on extra seats and get clued up before you fly.

Airlines with a Customer of Size Policy

These two airlines offer a specific 'Customer of Size' policy that accepts specific requests from passengers who are requiring a larger seats. Both Air Canada and Southwest Airlines have notably larger seat widths and can accommodate customer's of size.

Air Canada

Air Canada is noted for having one of the best plus size traveller airline policies, partly due to the fact that obesity is recognised as a disability in Canada. Passengers can contact Air Canada directly at least 24 hours before departure and request special seats with liftable or removable armrests, additional space and legroom for when flying between the U.S. and Canada. For those flying elsewhere, passengers can request an extra seat when disabled by obesity.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines simply has the best Customer of Size Policy. When flying with Southwest you can purchase an additional seat and then get a refund. You can also request an additional seat when you arrive at the check-in desk. Southwest Airlines seat width is 17.5 inches.

Plus-Sized Flying Tips

Check out our top tips and tricks for plus-sized flying, including an exclusive interview with a plus-sized travel blogger.

Choose your airline wisely

Some airlines have policies for passengers of size, so make sure to see if your airline has one, and what the details of it are. Some airlines have different names for their policies, so look out for policies such as ‘passengers of size’, ‘obese policy’, ‘overweight policy’ or ‘plus-sized policy’.

Contact the airline

If you can’t find enough information on the airline you wish to travel with, especially with regards to their plus size policy, the best option is to contact them directly to see what they can do to help you travel. Don’t be afraid to ask if they can book you an additional seat free of charge, or at least select your seat where you can be most comfortable.

Request a seatbelt extender

Although not a solution to being uncomfortable in your seat, passengers can request a seatbelt extender for their flight. This will make the seatbelt less restrictive and tight, whilst still complying with safety standards.

Consider add-ons

You may want to consider booking an aisle seat on the plane so you'll have more space around you during your flight. Alternatively, you may wish to ask to board last or book priority boarding, this way you don't need to squeeze past people trying to put their bags in the overhead compartment, and instead just walk on board and straight to your seat.

Check the aircraft you will be flying on

On Alternative Airlines, you can check what aircraft you will be flying on. Although it varies from airline to airline, newer planes tend to be more spacious and comfortable so try looking for flights using the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350.

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. In addition, make sure you do your research before travelling, especially if your airline isn’t on that page, to find out the airlines with the widest economy seats.

Have your armrest up

Many airlines require you to have the armrest down when the plane is ascending and descending. However, as soon as you can, lift the armrest, as this can cause some discomfort during your flight journey.

Discover other people’s experiences

It may be helpful to know that you are not alone as a plus size traveller. Read our interview with plus-size travel blogger Kirsty Leanne, to find out about her experiences and travel tips for plus size travellers.

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Plus Size Flying FAQs

What airlines have the widest seats?

There are seat regulations that must be followed - according to FFA regulations seats must be at least 16 inches wide. At this moment in time, all US airlines offer more than the federal minimum width.

Southwest offers a 17.5 inch seat in standard economy, which isn't the widest out of all the US airlines, however, Southwest is the most generous airline when it comes to flying as a plus size. Passengers who require extra room can purchase another seat at the time of booking and receive the money back after contacting customer service.

The airlines with the widest seats among US airlines are JetBlue Airways and Silver Airways. 18 inches wide. Spirit Airlines' average economy seat has a width of 17.75 inches. Breeze, Delta, Hawaiian has a seat width of 17.6 inches.

What seats are recommended for plus size passengers?

This all depends on your preferences. However, aisle seats are usually more comfortable as you can stretch your legs out. The first row and the emergency exit seats tend to have more legroom and offer more comfort. Pre-book your seats at the time of booking or after.

How do I book a bigger seat?

If you're looking to book a seat for a plus-size passenger, simply get in contact with our excellent customer service team, who will be able to assist you with booking an aeroplane seat with a larger width.

Is American Airlines plus-size friendly?

American Airlines is a plus-size friendly airline. The airline offers some accommodations for plus-size travellers such as seat belt extenders and the option to book an extra seat if the passenger's body extends more than 1 inch beyond the armrest.

Is Spirit Airlines plus-size friendly?

Although Spirit Airlines does not have a direct policy stating they're a plus-size friendly airline, Spirit does have features to make them a more accessible airline. Seat belt extenders and extra seats can be booked for plus-size flyers.

Is United Airlines plus-size friendly?

United Airlines can be deemed as a plus-size friendly airline. United has accommodations designed to help plus-size flyers feel more comfortable during their flight. Seat belt extenders and extra seats can be booked, as well as seating options with extra legroom for more space.

How wide are Southwest Airlines seats?

The seat width on board a Southwest Airlines seat depends on the type of aircraft in operation, however, the general seat width on Southwest planes is between 17-18 inches wide.