Where To Buy Seat Belt Extender For Airplanes
When it comes to air travel, the term "passenger of size" is used for anyone who's overweight or too large to potentially occupy one seat on an aircraft. Many airlines have rules that require a larger passenger to pay for a second seat if he or she can't comfortably fit in one seat with or without a seat belt extender. Contact your airline for the most up-to-date rules.
where to buy seat belt extender for airplanes
For example, there's an American Airlines route I often fly where there are several flights per day but on different aircraft types. I could fly an Embraer RJ-175 or ERJ-145, an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, or a Canadair RJ900. Here's how the seat width compares on those aircraft, according to data published at American's website.
As a passenger of size, I need to understand that there really are no standards. Different types of aircraft have different seat widths and seat belt lengths. Aircraft substitutions are made all the time, and despite my best efforts to book the best flight, it may not actually work out that way on the day of travel.
I can fit just fine into one seat but feel squished or need a seat belt extender on a different aircraft in the same airline's fleet. That was the case for me when I flew on five different aircraft across three airlines and needed a seat belt extender on two of those flights: the American Airlines Embraer ERJ-145 pictured above and an Austrian Airlines Boeing 767-300. I fit just fine on an Austrian Airlines A320, United 787-10 and United ERJ175. All seats were in business class.
Most airlines have several different types of aircraft and it's possible the seat width and seat belt length differ on each of them. Whenever possible, I try to determine the seat belt length for the airline I'm flying. Most airlines post this information on their websites or you can reach out to customer service by phone or through a direct message on social media.
I know it's not fun, but when you board an aircraft and you need a seat belt extender, ask the flight attendant for one. No one's ever judged me for that and most cabin crew members are discreet about it. Wearing a seat belt is for your safety as well as the safety of everyone around you. It is folly to fly without wearing a seat belt.
It's also possible to purchase a seat belt extender. The Federal Aviation Administration does not want you to do that, though. This is part of a memo they distributed to airlines back in 2012 when seat belt extenders first started to flood the consumer marketplace:
I agree that the best option is using the airline's own equipment. However, I do have my own seat belt extender (which looks and feels exactly like what's handed out on the aircraft) and carry it in my carry-on in case an aircraft doesn't have enough extenders to go around. This has not happened to me yet, but as I mentioned in another post, I'm a planner and I'd rather be prepared than asked to leave the aircraft due to a lack of an essential piece of safety gear.
At the beginning of this story I mentioned the recent situation on Thai Airways where several women were barred from sitting in the business-class seats they purchased due to the use of seat belts with airbags. It's important to note that not every business-class seat has a seat belt airbag. In fact, only Thai's Boeing 787-9 has that type of restraint. But, you can also sometimes find that type of belt in economy bulkhead rows or other locations.
In the case of Thai Airways, it notes the use of seat belt airbags and passenger size restrictions on its seat maps. But, you may not want to rely on seat maps. Making a quick call to ask about any restrictions on the seat you've chosen is the best way to avoid a problem while boarding.
If you have an Extra Seat Boarding document, you can choose to preboard to select seats that best meet your needs. You can also choose to board with your original boarding group and position. Once onboard, if necessary, please request a seatbelt extension from our Flight Attendant.
Andrea Godfrey, 41, is a self-employed charity worker. She is single and lives in North London. Here, Andrea, who is 26 stone and a size 28, shares her candid tale of what it's really like to be a 'seatbelt extender' on an aeroplane.
The very first time I was conscious of the fact that I might need a seatbelt extender was over a decade ago when I was on a flight to India. By this point I weighed 18 stone and I remember self-consciously forcing the seatbelt over my generous thighs and only just being able to lock the buckle. Even then, I knew I needed to do something about my weight.
Approvals and Conformities Product Attributes Country of Origin United States Shipping Weight 0.51 pounds ECCN 9A991.d Manufacturer P/N 504453-419-2251 Schedule B Code 8803.30.0060 Pack Quantity 1 Belt Type Type A Color Satin Black Length 25 in. (63.5 cm) Material Woven Nylon Webbing If you're looking for the most common form of seatbelt extender, check out the AmSafe odel A 5" personal aircraft seatbelt extender. This seatbelt extender can accommodate most passengers' needs on ATA, JetBlue, Delta, NWA, TWA, United Airlines and US Airways airlines, plus many more! Fly in comfort with the AmSafe Type A 25" seatbelt extender. em>See specifications tab for product details.
With your own airplane seat belt extender, which can adjust to add up to 24" of additional length, you will be prepared for that seat belt sign and safe from any jostling in your seat - or any flack from your otherwise delightful flight attendants.
For some passengers, airplane seat belts are not a one-size-fits-all part of travel. If you find that you fall into this category of flyers, your options are relatively limited -- especially in light of FAA policies that require all passengers to fit securely into a seat belt and be able to lower both armrests when seated. Check with your airline before departure if you are concerned that this may be an issue for you.
If you're flying coach and find that your seat belt doesn't fit -- and the flight isn't full -- see if you can purchase an additional seat and combine two seat belts. If you're lucky, the seat next to you may be an empty seat and you won't have to pay for it. Again, however, it's best not to rely on this option, especially during holidays or other popular travel times.
Economy-class seats are considerably narrower in seat width than seats in business class and first class. If a coach seat belt doesn't fit, consider upgrading your ticket so you can have more space in flight. If the flight isn't full and there's no extender available, ask the airline staff to bump you up to business or first class. The benefits of more roomy plane seats and a more comfortable lap belt may well outweigh any additional cost for obese passengers. 041b061a72