Seat Belt Extenders for Airplanes: A Complete Guide

Every time I get on a plane, I have to ask one of the flight attendants, ‘do you have a seat belt extender?'. This used to be something I dreaded, until I realised that I deserve to feel comfortable, and the average aircraft isn't designed for a passenger of size. If you're still nervous, this guide to seat belt extenders for airplanes will help.

By understanding everything you need to know about airplane seat belts, and extenders, I hope that you can enjoy a stress free flying experience.

How do I know if I'll need a belt extension?

The easiest way to know if you will need a seat belt extender is by researching the length of the seat belts on the airline you'll be flying with. Chubby Travelers has done this for you, and below, you will find an overview of existing seat belt sizes on US airlines. Based on our findings, the airlines with the most generous seat belts are Aeroméxico, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

Extenders will typically add around 25 inches to these numbers. All you have to do is simply click it into the buckle of the existing seat belt and adjust to size so that it's secure but still a comfortable fit.

Note: We've bought and tested 10 different seat belt extenders, and written a guide to the best ones to purchase.

Seat belt length by airline

Note: There are some airlines that didn't respond to our request for information, and don't have the sizes on the website. We apologise if your airline is missing.

How to ask for a seat belt extender

Honestly, there is no secret code. If you need to ask for a seatbelt extender, there is no reason to feel any embarrassment. You have to remember that flight attendants meet people of all shapes and sizes, and you won't be the first (or the last) to request an extender.

How you approach the question depends entirely on who you are as a person. You can press the call bell once seated, and politely ask for a seat belt extender, regardless of the audience. If you're worried and would rather be discreet, you can approach a flight attendant quietly as you're boarding. They will ask your seat number and bring it to you before takeoff.

Does every airline carry belt extensions?

Yes. All airlines are required by law to provide seat belt extenders free of charge for those that need them. Most airlines carry plenty, especially those with a ‘people of size policy'. But if you're worried, you might want to ask ahead of time, before your flight. You can usually do this through special assistance requests, but I recommend double-checking with the airline to find out the exact process.

Can I bring my own seat belt extender?

There are many reasons why you might want to bring your own seat belt extender, but each airline has its own policy and it's really important to understand what the rules say before you do. Seat belt extenders should be FAA-compliant, and those provided by airlines meet these requirements. Belt extenders purchased from Amazon or other marketplaces may not be FAA-compliant and so may not meet safety regulations.

You might read conflicting information online, but I've heard so many horror stories of passengers having their extenders confiscated by the crew (who are only there to do their jobs, I should add.)

You might get away with bringing your own seat belt extender once or twice, but it only takes a vigilant flight attendant to notice. Again, it depends on the airline. Some allow them, and some don't. It's up to you if you would feel comfortable bringing your own, but remember, they are provided by the airline completely free.

We've covered the best seat belt extenders if you are looking for recommendations.

What happens if the airplane seat belt extension isn't big enough?

Unfortunately, if the seat belt extender isn't big enough, you will not be able to fly. Please try to remember that this is down to safety, and the flight attendant cannot permit you to fly without a properly fastened seat belt. You will likely be entitled to a refund if you cannot fly.

I strongly suggest that you never put yourself in this situation. It may affect your travel plans, and the hassle might prove to be very stressful. Before you fly, take your measurements, so that you have nothing to worry about. If you think it might be really close, wearing light clothes might just get you in, but it's best to be sure beforehand.

Forget the seat belt, will I even fit in the seat?

The belt is only one part of the problem for us bigger customers – at least they're adjustable. The first concern is the seat. Seat sizes can depend on a number of things, including the plane model, the airline, and the cabin class you sit in. For example, a first class seat on a Boeing 787 will be considerably different to an economy seat on an A330.

Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, have really good policies for larger passengers. Southwest allows free seats for those that need extra space, and Spirit Airlines has the famous ‘big front seat‘. If you're concerned about the size of a seat before you purchase (or even after you have already purchased) take a look at our guide to seat sizes on US airlines.

Related: Pitch and Width on an Airline Seat: What's Most Important?