Only plus-sized passengers understand the anxiety of wondering if an airplane seat belt will be big enough. I almost always need a seat belt extender, and I've become comfortable asking for one, but this isn't the case for everybody. That's why I've put together this guide to the best seat belt extenders for plus-sized passengers, all of which I've tried and tested myself.
You may choose to purchase your own extender, whether it's for convenience or because you'd rather not have to ask cabin crew for one. But please remember that each airline has its own policy around seat belt extenders and what is allowed – I cover that in more detail at the bottom of this article.
My Seat Belt Extender Testing Process
I tested each seat belt extender on a Delta flight (Airbus A220) between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. My review is based on that specific experience but also references other airlines with which the belt has been proven to work. Here are the criteria I used for product selection and testing:
Best Airline Seat Belt Extenders, Tried and Tested
Here's a closer look at each seat belt extender and my experience using it as a larger passenger.
-
Pros
- Three in one for all airlines and belt types
- Made with premium materials (3000lb break strength)
- Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Has a convenient carry case
Cons
- A bit more complicated than standard extenders
From my research, I found that very few seat belt extenders, including most of the ones I tested, work with Southwest Airlines. This product provides a three-in-one solution for every airline and every plane type. Although I tested it on a Delta flight, many reviews confirm it works with Southwest.
I won't pretend like it wasn't a little complicated to use at first. First, I had to decipher which insert I needed, which wouldn't be a problem on a standard seat belt extender. But providing you with three-in-one inserts is their way of ensuring you only ever need one belt, and I think it's a smart solution. After I'd figured out how to use it, I had no issues removing and reinserting. The sheer convenience of being able to take this extender everywhere without concerns about compatibility is why I placed it first, despite not being as user-friendly as standalone products.
The total length is 31 additional inches, which is about average for an extender and will be enough for many different body sizes when plugged into the existing airline belt. This one also comes with a discreet carry bag that allows me to store it easily.
-
Pros
- 2 belts for all airlines and planes
- E9 safety certification
- Great value for 2 extenders
Cons
- Doesn't come with a carry case
An alternative to a three-in-one solution is this convenient 2-pack. You get a Type A and Type B extender, covering you for almost every airline and plane type. Both are E9 safety certified and extend up to 32 inches. Although it's the most expensive product on this list, you are getting 2, so it is actually cheaper than buying 2 different types individually.
It's down to personal preference whether you'd rather have 2 extenders for different planes or a multiple solution like the one above. The Type A extender is for most major airlines, except Southwest, and is the one I used on my Delta flight. The Type B extender is for Southwest. You'd only need to pack one whenever you travel if you are traveling with the same airline on all legs.
-
Most CompactE4 Safety Certified Adjustable Airplane Seat Belt Extender with Carry Case
$12.99 at amazonPros
- E4 Safety Certified (3000+ lbs break strength)
- Fits most major airlines
- Comes with a carry case
- 4,500 5* reviews
Cons
- Doesn't fit on any Southwest flights (& some JetBlue)
- Only 24 additional inches
While researching this article, this ‘Seat Belt Extender Pros' extender was the highest-rated I could find, and it didn't disappoint. The material feels far superior than I expected for a $12.99 price point, and the carry case is a nice addition that means I didn't need to untangle the belt around other things in my bag.
The universal extender works with most major airlines, including American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, United Airlines, and Virgin. It doesn't work with some JetBlue plane types and doesn't work at all on Southwest flights.
This belt is actually a little smaller than some others on this list, with a maximum additional length of 24 inches. I carry most of my weight in my stomach, and I'm a US size 22-24, and it fits comfortably. However, if you're larger than me, you might want to consider a longer extender.
-
Pros
- Black, blue, and grey colors available
- Adds a generous 32 inches
Cons
- Doesn't work with Southwest or Alaska
I'm a big fan of Coolrunner and actually own one of their yoga mats, so I was pleased to see that they also make a seat belt extender. It's one of the few available in 3 colors, black, blue, or grey, so you can buy one to match your most frequented airline for even more discretion.
I don't particularly like that they advertise as ‘fits with all airlines' on Amazon because it doesn't. The small print then explains that this excludes Southwest and Alaska Airlines. This is the case with most extenders, but very few outwardly claim to work with ‘all' in their product name. That said, it worked great on my Delta flight and I was impressed with the material quality for $13.99.
It adds 32 inches to the seat belt length, making it one of the most generous on this list (behind the XL option below). Like many others, it has a carry case.
-
Pros
- Allows up to 41 additional inches
- Works with Southwest airlines
Cons
- ONLY works with Southwest
Note: This seat belt extender is for Southwest only. I haven't been able to test it first-hand yet, so I have ranked it last (alongside the fact that it's for a single airline). However, Southwest-friendly extenders are hard to come by, and this one is extremely well-reviewed on Amazon by fellow plus-sized passengers. It's also hard to find extenders so large, so I had to include it.
This option, the biggest on this list, allows up to 41 inches of additional space. It is perfect for larger passengers who might need those extra inches or want the peace of mind that it's definitely going to fit. It is made with material that can withstand a break strength of 1.8 tons. It also comes with a handy carry case.
Can You Use Your Own Seat Belt Extender?
Yes, you can use your seat belt extender and many plus-sized travelers do it to make flying more comfortable. Although airlines often advise you against it (more on that below), you aren't breaking any laws by bringing your own extender when traveling. Some people do not like to ask, wish to be more discreet, or don't want to inconvenience cabin crew by asking for a seat belt extension. Airlines also only carry so many, so if all are in use, it's a great backup plan to have your own.
There is always the risk that cabin crew will tell you that you can't use your own belt if they see it. This depends on which airline you're traveling with and its specific policies.
How Big Are Airline Seat Belt Extenders?
The average airline-issued seat belt extender will add around 25 inches, which isn't particularly generous compared to some extenders recommended on this page. This is another reason why having your own can be quite important. What's the alternative if the airline one doesn't fit? There's no wonder we plus-sized passengers get anxious before flying.
Will You Need a Seat Belt Extender?
Whether you need a seat belt extender depends on your size and proportions. I'll presume you're reading this article because, like me, you're plus-sized. I have a large stomach, and I can't remember when I didn't need to use an extender. You'll likely need one if you carry most of your weight in the middle. It can also depend on the airline and which plane you're on.
If you're wondering if you'll need to use an extension, read our guide to airplane seat belt extenders, which includes seat belt information on most major airlines. Before traveling, you might also want to read more about airline seat sizes and the differences between seat width and seat pitch.
Final Thoughts
Personal seat belt extenders are a contentious topic because of the lack of FAA approval. As I've mentioned a few times in this article, airline policies around use can differ, and you should at least understand where they stand before you travel to avoid any issues.
Nobody understands the situation of needing a seat belt extender like a fellow plus-sized passenger. If you feel better carrying your own, that's a personal decision, and I don't think anybody should be judged for traveling how they feel most comfortable.
The most important part is understanding the risks of doing so, such as insurance technicalities in the case of an accident and the airline's stance on external extenders. If you're aware of this and still prefer to carry your own, here's a reminder of top picks:
- Three-in-one Seat Belt Extension for all Airlines @ $15.99
- 32″ E9 Safety Certified Extender for all Airlines (2-pack) @ $19.00
- E4 Safety Certified Adjustable Airplane Seat Belt Extender with Carry Case @ $12.99
- Coolrunner 32″ Seat Belt Extender with Carry Case @ $13.99
- XL 41 inch Seat Belt Extender (Southwest ONLY) @ $16.00
Have you had a good experience using one of these recommended extenders? Feel free to leave a comment!
