Which Airlines Are Friendly to Passengers of Size? Spoiler: Not All Are Equal

Let’s face it: airplane seats are not designed with the "well-fed" in mind. Whether you’re blessed with broad shoulders, curvy hips, or just an extra helping of love around the middle (like yours truly), you’ve probably noticed how cramped airline seats can be. As someone who doesn’t quite need an extra seat but still feels the squeeze every time I buckle up, I can’t help but wonder: What happens when you do need more space?

The truth is, airline policies for passengers of size vary greatly, and some are more forgiving (and friendly) than others. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, "Will I need to buy an extra seat?" or "Can I get a refund if I do?"—you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the policies of some major U.S. airlines and see how they measure up.

Southwest Airlines: The Friendly Favorite

Southwest Airlines is like that easygoing friend who always makes sure everyone’s comfortable. If you’re a passenger of size, Southwest allows you to proactively purchase an additional seat for your comfort. The best part? They offer a refund for the cost of that second seat after your flight, even if the flight was fully booked. Yes, you read that right. If you buy the extra seat in advance and the flight ends up being full, Southwest won’t penalize you—they’ll still refund you.

But if you’re feeling lucky and decide not to buy an extra seat upfront, you can request one at the gate on the day of travel. If there’s space available, they’ll give you that second seat free of charge. Just ask nicely. They want you to have a good flight, and they understand that comfort is key.

United Airlines: By the Book

Now, let’s talk about United Airlines. If Southwest is the chill friend, United is more like that strict teacher who insists on rules and regulations. United requires passengers who cannot fit into a single seat with the armrests down to purchase an additional seat or upgrade to a roomier option, like First or Business Class. If you can’t buckle your seatbelt with an extender or if your presence significantly encroaches on a neighboring seat, you’ll need to pony up for that second seat.

The catch? You’ve got to purchase that extra seat at the time of booking to secure the best rate. Wait until the day of your flight, and you might be paying a lot more. If you don’t buy an extra seat and the flight is full, you could be rebooked on a later flight. United will waive the change fee, but good luck explaining that to your boss or whoever’s picking you up from the airport.

Delta Airlines: We Recommend, But Don’t Require

Delta Airlines takes a somewhat softer approach. While they don’t require passengers of size to purchase an extra seat, they strongly recommend it if you think you’ll be encroaching on your neighbor’s space. This is more of a suggestion than a hard-and-fast rule, but here’s the deal: if the flight is full and you didn’t buy that extra seat, you might be asked to move to another flight with more space.

Delta’s stance is more about preserving comfort for all passengers. They’re not as stringent as United but aren’t as accommodating as Southwest either. So, if you’re flying Delta and know you’ll need a little extra room, it’s best to book that second seat in advance. Better safe than sorry, right?

Alaska Airlines: Planning Ahead is Key

Alaska Airlines requires that passengers who cannot fit comfortably within one seat with the armrests down must purchase an additional seat. They define comfort as being able to sit with the armrests down without encroaching on the neighboring seat. If you plan ahead and purchase the extra seat, Alaska will give you a refund after your flight if the plane wasn’t fully booked.

However, if you don’t purchase the second seat ahead of time and the flight is full, you might have to take a later flight. Alaska Airlines is all about planning, so make sure you book that extra seat if there’s any doubt. And, hey, if you don’t end up needing it, you can always get your money back if the flight isn’t packed.

Frontier Airlines: Rules are Rules

Frontier Airlines is like that friend who follows the rules to the letter. If you’re unable to lower both armrests or if your body extends into the neighboring seat, you’ll need to purchase a second seat. And here’s the kicker—if you don’t buy that second seat in advance and the flight is full, you might not be allowed to board.

Frontier doesn’t mess around with refunds, either. If you buy that second seat, it’s yours, whether the flight is full or not. No refunds here. So, if you’re flying Frontier and think you’ll need the extra space, it’s essential to book that second seat when you buy your ticket. Frontier isn’t the most forgiving, but at least you know what to expect.

American Airlines: Clear Guidelines, But Not Much Flexibility

American Airlines has a pretty straightforward policy for passengers of size. If you cannot fit into a single seat with the armrests down, you’ll need to purchase a second seat. American advises booking the second seat in advance to ensure that you’re not left without options on a full flight. If you don’t book a second seat and the flight is full, you might be required to rebook on a later flight with available seating. Unfortunately, American Airlines doesn’t offer refunds for the second seat if the flight wasn’t full, so plan accordingly.

American’s policy isn’t as flexible or accommodating as Southwest’s, but at least you know what to expect. If you need that extra space, just make sure you secure it when you book.

JetBlue Airways: Comfort is Key, But You’ll Pay for It

JetBlue is all about comfort with their spacious "Even More Space" seats, but if you need more than one, it’s going to cost you. JetBlue requires passengers who cannot fit in a single seat to purchase an additional one. The airline suggests that passengers of size book the second seat in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport. If you didn’t buy the extra seat and the flight is full, you might be rebooked on a later flight.

JetBlue’s seats are already roomier than most, so you might not need that extra space, but if you do, be prepared to pay for it. There’s no refund policy for the second seat, so think carefully about your comfort before you book.

Spirit Airlines: Low Fares, Low Flexibility

Spirit Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares, but when it comes to passengers of size, there’s not much flexibility. If you’re unable to fit into a single seat with the armrests down, you’ll need to purchase an additional seat. Spirit advises booking that second seat when you make your initial reservation, as there’s no guarantee of availability if you wait until the last minute.

And forget about getting a refund if the flight isn’t full—Spirit doesn’t offer one. So, while you might save money on your ticket, you could end up spending more if you need that extra space.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Best Airline for Your Size

Navigating airline policies as a passenger of size can be tricky. Each airline has its own set of rules, and some are more accommodating than others. If comfort is your priority and you want the most flexible policy, Southwest Airlines is the clear winner. Their customer-friendly approach ensures that you can travel without worrying about extra costs or being rebooked on another flight.

On the other hand, if you’re flying United, Delta, Alaska, American, JetBlue, Frontier, or Spirit, it’s essential to plan ahead and understand the potential costs involved. United and Frontier have stricter policies, while Delta and Alaska are somewhat more flexible but still recommend that you take precautions to ensure your comfort.

So, the next time you’re booking a flight, think about your needs and choose the airline that will treat you the best. And remember, the most important part is you don’t let your size keep you from CHASING MEMORIES.

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