11 Plus Size Travel Tips for Flying Comfortably

Traveling isn't always comfortable, and airplane seats certainly aren't one size fits all. But there are ways to make your time in the sky more enjoyable, even as a larger pilot.

Here are our top tips for traveling comfortably as a sizable passenger.

There is no standard size or angle for an airplane seat. Each airline designs its planes a little differently, which can make it difficult for taller passengers.

Knowing the seat width can help you decide how to proceed with your reservation.

So, how big are airplane seats? Here are some general dimensions of economy class seats, broken down by airline:

• Alaska Airlines: Alaska plane seats range from 16.5 inches to 18.2 inches.

• Allegiant Airlines: Seats on Allegiant planes range from 16.5 inches to 17.8 inches.

• American airlines: With several aircraft types, American offers several seat types ranging from 16.2 inches to 19.3 inches.

• Delta Airlines: Delta offers a wide variety of aircraft and therefore a wide range of seat dimensions, from 17.3 inches to 18.6 inches.

• Border airlines: Seats on Frontier range from 16.5 inches to 19.1 inches wide.

• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue seats are a bit wider than many other airlines. Seats range from 17.8 inches to 19 inches.

• Southwest Airlines: Seats on Southwest planes range from 15.5 inches to 17.8 inches.

• Spirit Airlines: The Spirit's seats range from 16 inches to 18.5 inches.

• United Airlines: Seat widths on United planes range from 16.1 inches to 18.5 inches.

The variability in airline seat width highlighted above is due to different aircraft types and seat configurations. For example, in Alaska, passengers on all aircraft types except the Embraer E175 can expect a seat width between 16.5 inches and 17.3 inches.

The armrest between the seats is often the deciding factor in whether a single seat is comfortable for your flight. If the armrests do not lower completely or if any part of the body encroaches on the next seat, another seat may be necessary.

Airline policies regarding who needs an extra seat and the cost of that seat differ.

Here is an example of airline policies regarding purchasing additional seats:

• Alaska: Alaska requires the purchase of an additional seat if a customer does not sit comfortably in a seat with the armrests lowered. Alaska allows a second seat refund if the flight departs with empty seats available.

• Allegiant: Allegiant requires customers to purchase an additional seat if they cannot lower the armrest and/or occupy part of an adjacent seat.

• American: American requires an additional seat if a customer needs additional space to travel safely, and the airline encourages customers to “address all seating needs when booking.”

• Delta: Delta does not have a published policy for passengers, but advises travel professionals on how to reserve additional seats for a passenger's “personal comfort.”

• Border: Border states that the armrest forms the boundary between seats and encourages customers to purchase an additional seat if the armrest does not lower or if part of the seat or adjacent aisle would be compromised.

• JetBlue: JetBlue allows passengers to reserve additional seats in the same fare class when booking.

• South West : South West considers the armrest as the boundary between the seats. A customer can purchase additional seats when booking to ensure there is room for everyone, then request a refund additional seats. Because of this policy, some say the Southwest is the best airline for tall passengers.

• Spirit: Spirit requires passengers to purchase an additional seat if they “encroach on an adjacent seat” or cannot lower the armrests. The mind has what it calls the large front seatwhich has an additional room.

• United: United requires the purchase of an additional seat if the seat belt does not buckle, the armrests do not stay down, or if a person takes up space in the seat next to them. If no additional seats are available, a flight change may be necessary.

Some airlines offer different classes of service, even in economy cabin, which can be a more affordable alternative to reserving a business class or first class seat.

Airlines differ in what they call these products and what they include. United Economy Plus and Premium Plus tickets provide more legroom for passengers (6 inches and 7 inches, respectively). Delta's premium economy fares, called Premium Select or Delta Comfort Plusin turn, offer up to an extra inch of width and 3 to 7 inches more legroom than standard main cabin tickets.

Generally speaking, premium economy tickets are usually more expensive, include other benefits beyond more comfortable seats, and are physically located at the front of the economy cabin.

Another option is to book first class or business class seats, which are generally more spacious than economy seats (Southwest Airlines's Company selection passengers reverse the trend and travel in the same seats as economy class travelers). Generally speaking, long-haul business class seat width starts around 20 inches and can go up to 22 inches (unless it offers lying beds). First-class long-haul seat widths typically start at 20.5 inches.

It could cost more select your seat in advance, but with this plus size flight hack you can choose the one that will be most comfortable for you.

A seat at the front of the plane will mean a shorter walk down the narrow aisle with all your luggage. It may also mean a shorter walk to the toilet if you need one during the flight, assuming the plane has a toilet up front.

Be careful when choosing an exit row.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations do not specifically state that tall people or anyone using seat belt extenders cannot sit in exit rows; however, flight attendants have the discretion to reseat anyone who they believe cannot assist them in an emergency or prevent the evacuation of others.

When you choose to board is a matter of preference, and there are trade-offs in both cases.

If you manage to get pre-boarding, you will be able to board the plane before many other passengers. This will give you time to get your bearings and possibly ask for a seat belt extension before bumping elbows with the neighbors.

Others might choose to board last. This will allow you to go straight to your seat and sit down. And others can still board the plane when their ticket suggests, which is also a reasonable decision.

Before boarding, ask the gate agent if the seat next to you is empty or if they can move you to a row with an empty seat.

You can also seek advice from a flight attendant on board after you have boarded and taken your seat. It never hurts to ask to move to a more spacious row if one is available.

A 2020 report from TripSavvy found that airline seat belt lengths range between 31 and 51 inches. Currently, the only way to know the seat belt length of a specific aircraft in advance is to contact your airline.

If you want or need a roomier seat belt, ask the flight attendant for an extender when you board and walk to your seat.

Airplane seat belt extenders are free and can make your flight more comfortable.

If you are seated in an aisle seat, consider raising the aisle armrest after the flight attendant gives you permission. There is often a button under the aisle armrest that releases the lock.

As for the armrest between the seats, it is polite to ask the person sharing the armrest if they can raise it.

The window armrest generally cannot be raised because it is part of the aircraft structure.

Planes have several bathrooms. They usually come in different sizes and some are downright tiny.

If you're traveling on a wide-body, two-aisle plane, ask the flight attendant for wheelchair-accessible restrooms, which are usually more spacious. If this is not available, consider using the toilet with the changing table, which could be larger.

Regardless of your size, the gentle pressure provided by compression socks can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. They can even help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

If your luggage is lost, replacing basic items like underwear and pants can be difficult. Bring a few extras with you to your continue to save time in case your suitcase goes missing.

Airplane seats and second seat reservation policies for people of different heights differ. Some airlines and planes are more accommodating than others.

Once on board, getting a seat belt extender, knowing which lavatory to use, and raising the armrest can make the flight more comfortable.