I'm fat, so I always check the seat width and pitch before booking a flight. This is the reality of flying as a plus-sized passenger, and it can make a huge difference to the entire travel experience. If I had the choice of multiple airlines, I'd choose the one that gives me the most space every time. But what does this look like? What is a good seat width? What does seat pitch even mean? What is most important when looking at airline seats? I'm going to cover those questions and more in this article.
Remember that this is a first-hand account. I will discuss the facts regarding seat pitch and width and touch on my experience and preferences as a seasoned large passenger. For comparison purposes, my dress size is 22-24 in the US, 26-28 in the UK, or 54-56 in the EU. I carry most of my weight in my stomach.
Seat width and seat pitch definitions
These two measurements are different. Here is an explanation of each:
- Width: The width of airline seats is measured from armrest to armrest. It is literally the space between the two and is usually measured in inches. For us larger travelers, the bigger this number, the better.
- Pitch: Seat pitch is the distance between the row of seats. It is measured from your seat to the exact same point on the seat in front. The bigger the pitch, the more legroom and general space you will have.
Is seat width or seat pitch more important?
The truth is that the decision is a personal one and will depend massively on your build. I'm only 5'6, so legroom isn't a concern. If you're tall, the pitch is going to be really important. If you're shorter, you might prefer to have a wider seat and sacrifice some pitch. A wider seat might be more beneficial if you have particularly wide shoulders. There are so many variables.
As somebody who carries much of her weight in her stomach, I will vote for more pitch. I'd choose a tight armrest if it means more room between me and the seat in front. Plus, more pitch means that I might be able to get my tray table down for a more comfortable flight.
A combination of both is the sweet spot, but this doesn't happen for a big passenger sitting in economy seats. You'll need to upgrade to business class or first, which can be very expensive.
Things that can impact pitch and width on an airline seat
You might be wondering why most (standard) aircraft seat seats don't have the same width and pitch. So many things can result in varying seat widths and pitch space. I've outlined the important ones below.
The aircraft
The aircraft is one of the biggest variations when it comes to seats. For example, the Airbus A380-800 is significantly bigger than the A318. This doesn't just result in more seats but often more space between them, too.
The aircraft type will depend on your chosen airline and flight length. A long-haul aircraft prioritizes passenger comfort far more than a plane designed for short routes. For example, You'll likely get a little more legroom, even in economy class seats.
The cabin class
Naturally, first and business classes will always have wider seats and more pitch. This is for passenger comfort and so that the airline can charge premium prices to seat in these sections.
First class has the biggest seats, followed by business class and premium economy. Economy class seats are the smallest on the plane. There is no standardized sizing, though; two seats in the same class can look very different across two airlines. We cover this in detail in our guide to airline seat sizes.
Where the seat is
There's a common misconception that middle seats are smaller or window seats are bigger. It's not true. All three seats in a row are the same size and have the same pitch (yes, even the middle seat). The window and aisle seat debate is as old as time. I prefer aisle seats because they give me a feeling of more space, and I find window seats claustrophobic. The downside to an aisle seat is the knocks whenever somebody passes.
The best option? Pitch becomes irrelevant if you bag yourself a front-row seat. Nobody is in front, so you will have all the legroom you want. They are more expensive and are often booked first, though.
The middle ground is an exit row seat. There is a row in front, but it's further away, increasing your pitch by a few inches. The catch? You must help evacuate the plane in an emergency, and you can't have your bag on the floor.
Note: Do you need a seat belt extender? Most airlines will not allow passengers who require an extender to sit in an exit row. I found this out the hard way. Double-check the policy before booking an exit row. Otherwise, you may be asked to move.
Seat shape and material
Look, I'm a big girl. Every single centimeter counts on a plane. That's why things like seat thickness can make a difference in how much space you have. It's marginal, sure, but margins matter when you're already squeezing in.
Slimline seats might look smart, but they are my worst nightmare. So is a large backrest. I much prefer a seat with less padding so I can sink in and make the most of the (very little space) I have.
Other passengers
Although a large passenger next to you (as a fellow large passenger) will make for a much tighter squeeze, it doesn't technically change the seat size or pitch. Unfortunately, reclining does.
If the person in front of you reclines, your seat pitch is significantly reduced unless you recline, too. I won't get into the reclining debate, but it's worth noting, especially on long-haul flights.
Tips for additional comfort
I've covered some of these points throughout this article, but here's a summary of my advice on how to feel more comfortable when flying as a fat person. Some things will result in more space; others are more about a perception of space.
- Book your seats in advance: Choosing where you sit on the airplane beforehand can make a big difference. You might select your preferred aisle seat over the window seat or even bag the front row before somebody else does.
- Book an extra seat: If you can afford to, book a second seat. Some airlines even have a passenger-of-size policy (like Southwest) and will provide an extra seat for free. Paid or not, this guarantees nobody will sit next to you, so you can lift the armrest and get comfortable.
- Ask to move: If the flight isn't full, politely speak to the cabin crew and ask if you can move after take off. Look out for an aisle seat with nobody in the middle; if you're lucky, you might even find an empty row. It doesn't hurt to ask; it will improve your air travel experience.
- Put luggage in the overhead bin: While keeping a small bag with you is tempting, space is at a premium. Putting your purse or backpack overhead will give you more legroom if you're mobile and don't need to keep it for medical reasons.
- Got the money? Upgrade: If you're in the position to be able to fly business or first class, do it. You will get significantly more space than in economy, including width, legroom, and pitch.
