5 Airlines with Plus Size Policies

Summary

• Air Canada is best suited for overweight passengers and offers accessible accommodations.
• Southwest Airlines will refund the price of additional seats booked by overweight passengers.
• Delta Air Lines’ flexible Customer of Size policy provides seating accommodations for overweight passengers.

If you are an overweight passenger who dreads squeezing into “tiny” airplane seats, we have a list of the top airlines that guarantee a comfortable flight experience for all passengers. These airlines offer excellent policies and customer service to accommodate the needs of large passengers.

1 Air Canada

Plus size is considered a disability in Canada

Air Canada is undoubtedly the best airline for overweight passengers. Since obesity is considered a disability in Canada, the national carrier asks passengers to contact the airline at least 24 hours before departure to request an accommodation. The airline offers one of these things:

1. Seats with fold-up armrests
2. Special seats with removable armrests
3. Seats with more space and legroom
4. An additional seat

The airline states that passengers with an oversized disability can request additional space and extra legroom on flights between Canada and the United States. However, on all other flights, including domestic flights, an additional seat can be requested.

Of particular note is that Air Canada offers slightly larger seats than usual on its short-haul flights. According to SeatGuru, Air Canada’s Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, which serve many short-haul flights, are equipped with seats that are 20.2 inches wide by 30 inches wide.

2 Southwest Airlines

Request a refund for the second seat after the flight

• Book tickets for two adults
• Enter the passenger name (first, middle and last name) for the first passenger.
• For the second passenger, enter the same passenger name (except the middle name). In the middle name field, add XS (for extra seat).
• Request a refund through the feedback question or by calling toll free at 1-800-435-9792.

The US-based airline, which follows the low-cost model, is one of the best airlines when it comes to overweight passengers. While the airline’s customer service is exceptional in most areas, it offers more flexibility to larger customers. The airline’s seats are larger than the industry standard and provide ample space to passengers. Moreover, the airline does not impose a weight limit on its seats.

The airline has a generous “Customer of Size” policy that allows plus-sized customers to purchase an additional seat at the time of booking and be refunded after the flight. This optional purchase policy allows the airline to schedule its passengers accordingly without having to rebook passengers at the last minute.

If a second seat is not booked in advance, travelers can discuss seat requirements with the airport agent at the time of booking. If a second or third seat is deemed necessary, it will be provided to them at no additional cost.

3 Delta Air Lines

• Create the new Passenger Name Record (PNR) with the passenger’s last name and EXST as the first name for the additional seat.
• Other information should match that of the passenger.
• Assign seats next to each other.
• For both tickets, add the appropriate ticket notations to the fare.

The world’s largest airline does not require overweight passengers to purchase an extra seat, but it is recommended to avoid discomfort in the event of a full flight. According to Delta Air Lines

“Delta does not require a passenger who requires a seat belt extender or cannot fold down the armrest to purchase an additional seat.”

“Please note, however, that a passenger who obstructs another passenger may be asked to move to another seat with more space or, in the case of a full flight, to take a later flight with available seats.”

The airline can be flexible to accommodate passengers’ needs on a case-by-case basis without incurring additional costs. Airline staff will try their best to offer an additional seat if it is empty or provide a seat with more space and legroom.

4 Air France

The seat width varies depending on the travel class

• Economy and Premium Economy*: 40 to 45 cm (16-17 inches), corresponding to a maximum waist circumference of 135 cm (53 inches).
• Business* and Premium Economy**: 47 to 48 cm (18.5 inches), corresponding to a maximum waist circumference of 150 cm (59 inches).
• La Première and Business**: 50 to 53 cm (20-21 inches), corresponding to a maximum waist circumference of 200 cm (79 inches).

*Europe, North Africa (except Algiers), Israel

**Long distance network

The French airline recommends its tall passengers to book a second seat if their waist measurement is larger than the seat width. When you buy an extra seat in Economy Class, you automatically get a 25% discount, which gives tall passengers some relief.

What’s even more interesting is that if there are free seats on the plane in the same cabin, passengers can request a refund for their extra seat. While there is no extra baggage allowance for the second seat, a 75% surcharge and the possibility of a refund for the extra seat is still generous.

5 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

The airline offers spacious seats in all classes

KLM also has a similar policy for tall passengers on board their flights. There is a 25% discount for a second seat in the economy cabin, but the fee can be refunded if there are free seats on the flight. KLM offers generous seat widths on its aircraft. Here is the breakdown by cabin class:

Plus-sized passengers can request seat belt extensions. The size of the seat belt extension depends on the class of travel.

• Business: between 107 cm and 155 cm in
• First-class comfort: 124cm
• Business: between 124 cm and 148 cm

According to KLM

“If you need a seat belt extension, you can request one from our crew on board. These extend the seat belt by 63 cm. For safety reasons, it is not possible to use your own seat belt extension.”