Plus-Size Flying Tips for Fat People: Seats, Belts and Comfort

Before you book: know your airline's size policy

This is the tip that saves the most money and stress. Airlines handle bigger passengers very differently, from "buy a second seat at the current price" (Frontier) to "within Canada, the extra seat is free with approval" (Air Canada, WestJet). Our airline customer of size policies guide compares 14 airlines and links each source.

A few things worth knowing before you click "purchase":

• The armrest is the usual test. If you can't lower both armrests, most US airlines expect a second seat. US rules let them charge for it (14 CFR 382.31).
• Buying ahead is usually cheaper. Alaska sells the second seat at the same fare as the first. Frontier charges whatever the price is when the gate agent decides.
• Refunds have fine print. Southwest refunds a second seat only when both are in the same fare class, the flight leaves with an open seat, and you ask within 90 days (Southwest).

How to pick the best seat when you're plus-size

• Aisle beats window for most bodies. You can lean out a little, stand up without negotiating, and walk the aisle on long flights.
• Look for armrests that lift. Delta says many of its aircraft have armrests that lift, and you can ask for the seat that works best for you in your cabin.
• Be careful with bulkheads. Extra legroom is great, but some front-row seats have fixed armrests with built-in tray tables, as JetBlue notes. That can make the seat narrower at the hips.
• Skip exit rows if you might need an extender. Southwest and Allegiant bar extenders there.
• Check the seat width if the airline publishes it. Few do. Delta lists 17.2 inches for standard Economy, and Allegiant lists 17.8 inches armrest to armrest.
• Ask about the empty seat. Delta says you can ask on the plane to be moved next to an empty seat. On any airline, you can ask the gate agent before boarding whether the flight has open seats.

Ask for the seatbelt extender at the door

Ask the flight attendant as you board, rather than once you're seated and buckling. Delta says to request one from a flight attendant after boarding, and Southwest supplies its own. Delta doesn't allow personal extenders, so don't plan on bringing one without checking. Our seatbelt extender guide has the full rules.

Get help through the airport, free

US airlines must assist passengers with disabilities through the airport, including between gates on connections (14 CFR 382.91), and they can't charge for help the rules require (382.31). If long terminals, standing in line or stairs are hard for you because of joint, heart, breathing or other health issues, request a wheelchair or assistance in your booking. JetBlue says there's "never a fee" to add a special service request to a reservation (JetBlue). While you're at it, ask whether you can preboard. That gives you time to settle in and get the extender before the aisle fills.

What to wear on a plane when you're plus-size

• Soft waistbands. You'll be sitting for hours, often with a belt across your lap.
• Layers. Cabins swing between sauna and freezer. A cardigan or zip hoodie beats a heavy coat that eats your seat space.
• Anti-chafe protection for the walk to your gate: balm, bike shorts or thigh bands.
• Wide, supportive shoes that slip on and off for security and fit swollen feet at landing.

Long flights: move, hydrate, compress

The CDC's page on blood clots and travel says trips over 4 hours raise clot risk and lists obesity among the risk factors. It recommends walking every 1 to 2 hours, plus stretching and ankle flexes in your seat. It suggests talking to a doctor if you're at higher risk, noting that some people may benefit from graduated compression stockings. For sizes that fit real calves, see our wide-calf compression socks guide. For everything else in the bag, see the long-haul flight comfort kit.

Pack smarter, not heavier

Plus-size clothes take more room and weigh more. That matters when Delta's standard checked bag, for example, maxes out at 50 lb. Weigh your bag at home, roll instead of fold, and use compression packing cubes. Our luggage and travel gear guide has picks.

If something goes wrong

If a crew member or gate agent handles your seating badly, stay calm and get names, times and your flight number. Then write to the airline afterward and quote its own published policy, which is easiest when you saved a screenshot before the trip. Having the airline's own words in front of you is the strongest position you can be in.