The Current Policies Affecting Plus-Sized Passengers
Here’s a fun fact: airplane seats are typically just 17 inches wide. That’s barely wider than a laptop! For many people, this simply isn’t enough room. American Airlines states that passengers who need a seatbelt extender and whose body “extends more than 1 inch beyond the outermost edge of the armrest” may need to purchase a second seat. Southwest has its “customer of size” policy, offering passengers a complimentary additional seat if they book in person at the ticket counter.
Delta doesn’t have a formal written policy, but suggests passengers who need extra space purchase an additional seat in advance. United Airlines requires passengers who “cannot fit into a single seat” to purchase an adjacent seat or upgrade to a larger seat in another cabin. These policies exist, but enforcement varies widely from flight to flight, often depending on how full the plane is and the discretion of gate agents.
