Question:
Does anyone know what size the seatbelts on airplanes are?
This may sound a little odd but I am wondering if when I travel this summer if I can go without the embarrassing seatbelt extender. I have always had to use one and am hoping this time might be different. I know everyone carries weight differently but any examples of when you could use the seatbelt without an extender would be good to hear. Thanks! — Karen Q. (posted on May 2, 2002)
May 2, 2002
Well, I traveled last year at my top weight of 264 and most of my weight is
carried in my abdomen. On the little prop plane, I definately had to ask
for an extender. For the second leg of the flight I flew on a 777 jumbo
jet and the belt ALMOST fit...it was short by about 1 inch, darn!!! On the
bigger planes I was told that the belts were a little longer! I hope this
helps!
— Rosario T.
May 2, 2002
I would agree with the previous poster. Airline seats max out at about 250
lbs. If you are heavier than that, chances are you will require an
extender. I'm 230 now and have flown without an extender being necessary
for some time. I would estimate that the maximum waist measurement would
be about 45".
— Terissa R.
May 2, 2002
I have flown most airlines even at a weight of 325 and didn't have to use
an extender. Weight above that, I had to. I have also been on some small
commuter planes and have not had to use the extender. I would call the
airlines though and see what they say.
— Sue F.
May 2, 2002
Prior to surgery, I have flown as big as 325lbs on my 5'6" frame
without using a seatblet extender. My last flight was back in August, and
I didn't need one then. It was a way tigh,TIGHT fit, but it made it and
that's all that mattered to me! For a point of reference so you know how I
carry my weight, the day before surgery I was 314 pounds, but the
circumference of my hips was 60 inches!
— PaulaM
May 2, 2002
...Excuse me, I meant that before surgery my hips were 65 inches! Trust
me, it's a huge difference...especially when the tape measure is only 60
inches - it felt so good when I was small enough to fit inside the darn
thing!
— PaulaM
May 2, 2002
I was extremely lucky in October when I flew Columbus/Tampa and back. I
booked my tickets on Delta.com and chose the back seat section where there
were only 2 seats instead of the 3 in each of the other rows. The stewards
and stewardesses were located behind that and I was able to quietly ask for
an extender which they in return were very quiet about. My husband and I
lifted the arm rest between us and even though I crowded him some, it
wasn't bad. However, I absolutely HATE to fly now but THAT'S another
story! Can you believe I've made numerous trans-Pacific AND trans-ATLANTIC
flights with no problems? I'm becoming a scaredy-cat in my old age (40 -
hah!).
— Nell C.
May 2, 2002
The last time I flew I was at 220. Note that I carry my weight up high
(apple shape) and when I had my surgery done at 250 my waist was 48",
which is very large for that weight. When flying at 220, the belt was very
uncomfortable and my hips overlapped the seat a bit on both sides. I am
flying Saturday for the first time since WLS and look forward to being
comfy. 5 mo. post-op, 30lbs. to goal!
— Cheri M.
May 2, 2002
I fly 2X a month and haven't had to request a sb extender (pre or post op),
BUT I noticed something weird my last flight. I usually fly Delta and
their belts are TIGHT, but last time I was on Air-Tran and the belt seemed
much longer/looser. I dunno, perhaps it depends on the airline. I will
tell you with one monht and approx 20-25 lbs off I can now fit in Metro
seats better, and actually sat in a small "love chair" with my
roomie last night without hanging over the side. Quite exciting!
— rebeccamayhew
May 2, 2002
I have travelled at 300-325 without an extender. However, I noticed on a
trip to California several years ago that the plane I was on to California
was way more comfortable than the one coming back. Different model
airplanes can make a difference. I had only been gone from Friday night to
Sunday afternoon, so I know I didn't gain enough wait in that time to grow
out of the seat belt.
— garw
May 2, 2002
I asked a flight crew about this once. Unfortunately theres no answer.
Planes get upholstery cleaned regurally and the belts shrink each time. So
two identical planes have different length belts depending on how many
cleaning cycles and if any belt has been replaced. Sorry theres no better
answer. I havent flown since surgery and am looking forward to fitting in a
seat like a normal person...
— bob-haller
May 2, 2002
I am 5'2" and wore size 24 and when I flew on Southwest I had to
struggle to get it on and it did fit. The bad part is my friend sat there
looking helpless and not knowing what to do. so later told her "I
thought for a minute there I'd have to ask you to help me" she laughed
and said she almost did but remembered I wasn't one of her kids!
— blank first name B.
May 3, 2002
I am 5'6, 270 pounds and I fit in the US Air belts. I am in California for
a week (from PA) and just flew here. It was a little tight, but I could
manage no problem. Plus, with US Air, they have the arm rests that go up
so there is more room for you to reach your belt. I wouldn't worry about
it.
— emilyfink
May 6, 2002
If all else fails, you can always order an extension from
www.amplestuff.com.
— Ginger J.
May 6, 2002
Karen, I'm sorry you feel consipcuous about asking for a seatbelt extender.
I fly 3 or 4 times a year and have never had a problem, I just quietly tell
the flight attendant as I board the plane that I will need one, and usually
they are very discreet about bringing. Several have even thanked me for
asking. At 5'7" and 382 I cannot fly without one at this point.
Most average sized (yeah right average.. pfft)people are not comfortable in
airline seats. Please don't compromise your safety by trying to 'work'
with a belt that is too small. You paid for your ticket just like everyone
else, you have every right to be safe and comfortable. Good luck and peace
to you!
— Joscelin
May 6, 2002
Hi Karen...I work for an airline and you can call ahead and ask that one be
ready for you once you board the plane. Usually when I get to my seat it is
lying there ready for use. With all the buckles and other stuff lying
around...no one notices. I keep one w/ me now so that I don't have to ask
but in the beginning...they were always really discreet about bringing it
to me. Enjoy traveling...just think...one day we can pass them on to
someone else....Ann
— Ann H.
May 7, 2002
When I was 250 (5'4"), I fit just fine. I wanted to mention - I had
to travel last December (356 lbs. / same height <heehee) - I had these
small little business cards I had filled out prior to my flight - I put on
there - "After you are finished with the safety presentation, may I
please borrow the seat belt extender". It was discreet and they
airlines (all 4 of them) were exceptionally gracious and tactful. Believe
me, if you have to use them, your not the only one. Best of luck to you.
— Lisa J.
May 7, 2002
Hello! I work for an airline too...and its a great idea to ask for one
prior...only problem with that is with everything the boarding agents have
to do..it is possible they will forget...a great tip for anyone is..( and I
do this when I fly..out of embarrassment of course) is request your seats
if you can...and ask to be sat in the back in a window...they have more
room..and alot of times if the flight is not full..no one will have to sit
next too you in the middle...because no one wants to sit in the middle. If
you are traveling with a partner...when you request your seats ask for the
configuration of the plane..if it is one with three seats in a row..request
for the window and the aisle...leaving the middle row empty..(it
discourages people from sitting there even more!)..and if you are in the
back..the coach flight attendants ..at least one hang out there alot..so
you can discreetly ask them...believe me for years I have been squishing
myself into those seats...last time I flew I decided why am I doing
this..this hurts!!!So I decided to buck up and ask for one...also you can
always use the excuse you just wanna stretch out and of course you wanna be
safe at the same time!! Hope this helps!!!
— Jessica L.
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