One other thing to note: Some airlines that use inflatable seat belts on their aircraft may not let you use a seat belt extender in those particular seats. Buy preferred seats or stalk the seat map Here we have another example of the power of versatility at work, with these seat belt extenders being yet another option that is compatible with nearly all Type A seat belt setups across the globe. In addition, they feature #4 safety certification. This is yet another great example of a seat belt extender that is specially made to work with Southwest’s unique seat belts. They fit like a glove, snap into place, and stay there for the duration of the flight, ensuring that you can fly with comfort and peace of mind. Let’s imagine that rather than an international flight to Shanghai that San Francisco flights with Southwest Airlines are headed to Los Angeles instead. You think you’re in the clear, having already bought that seat belt extender for that other flight.

A seatbelt extender, also known as a “seat belt extension,” is an attachment that helps you fasten your seat belt when it doesn’t quite fit around your waist. They’re often used by plus size passengers or those who are pregnant. The inventors have designed in flexibility by allowing you to use it in three ways: lengthways in line with the seat ideal if you have the extra space at the bulkhead bassinet position), widthways across the seat base, or upside down. That’s because the Plane Pal is T-shaped and wider at the top than the bottom, so if you’re struggling to squeeze it in behind the seat in front, just flip it on its head. This is a good example of someone that fits fine within his own seat, but needs a seat belt extender to comfortably and safely fly on this aircraft. (Photo by MediaProduction/Getty Images)An airplane seat extender was initially designed to help add an extra length. This is to say that they should only be used when the standard seatbelt won’t fit comfortably and not for any other reason. Who requires an airplane seat belt extender? Being strapped in too tightly can heighten the feelings of claustrophobia that accompany a fear of flying. If you are already anxious about flying, you’ll want to do everything you can to lessen the physical and psychological pressure, and extra-comfy extended seat belt extenders can do just that. A seat belt extender is an extra piece that goes between the ends (male and female) of a standard seat belt to provide more room by adding a different length to it. Overweight people and pregnant women, in most cases, require these extenders to grant them utmost comfort. No matter the reason for the flight and the destination, you will mostly need this piece. The airplane seat belt extenders were initially designed for obese and oversized people to find the comfort they wanted, especially in those long transoceanic flights. There is a stigma that comes with purchasing an extra seat or asking for a seat belt extender on a plane because you are plus size. For this reason, most plus-size passengers will choose to carry their own unregulated and, in most cases, unapproved seat belt extenders or pretend as if the belt fits properly. Both of these options are unsafe and risky should something happen. To make things a little bit easier for you when asking for an extender from the flight attendant, we have the following tips from you. Boarding

Before buying any product, conduct due diligence to make sure it complies with the FAA safety regulation. One fundamental FAA rule is that the seat belt should not interfere with adjacent seats. However, the FAA is not clear about what constitutes significant interference of a seatbelt extender. This seems intentional as it gives airlines the leeway to choose the type of seat belt extender they approve for use. No, not all seat belts on planes are the same. Depending on the type of plane you’re on, the seatbelt length will vary. We’ve created some useful guides here showing the seatbelt length for major airlines in both North America and Europe.

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The extensions are given to customers for free, but you cannot be sure about this. In most cases, if the flight is full, chances are there may not be enough extensions for everyone. That is why we advise you to speak to the airline before boarding to know if the extenders are available. Getting the seat belt extenders on Southwest Airlines is not procedural or complex. The flight attendants avail themselves to customers upon request. If you need a seat belt extension, all you have to do is request it from the flight attendant. Can I use my seat belt extender on a plane? 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. If you're not overweight, you've never had to endure the eye rolls and huffing/puffing of a seatmate that is aggravated that he/she must occupy space with you. While seatmates of "passengers of size" may not be thrilled with their seating assignment, I can guarantee that the overweight person isn't too happy about it, either. No one wants to feel badly about themselves, right? If a flight crew asks you to use one of the plane’s extenders be courteous as they are just doing their job. The best airline seat belt extenders You want to make sure that you are not strapping yourself in too tightly. After all, avoiding that is a big reason why you are opting for extenders in the first place. Even so, your seat belt needs to be able to be at least somewhat firm around your waist.

There are two basic types of airplane seat belt extenders – Type A and Type B. Type A corresponds to most airlines, and Type B is for Southwest Airlines and any other airlines that may use their seat belts. I never really thought too much about it before but my weight — and my desire for the most comfortable flights — is probably partly why I chased airline elite status when I first "discovered" the world of miles and points. I value elite status upgrades since sitting in a business-class seat usually solves the space issue (at least for me at my weight). And, my airport isn't a major market, so my upgrade success rate is usually pretty good. When it's really important to me, I just buy (or redeem miles for) a seat in the business-class cabin. When a passenger uses their own seat belt extender instead of one provided by the airline, then their travel, life, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, supplemental health coverage and life insurance MAY be void in case of an incident where the passenger was injured or killed since the extender was not FAA approved, inspected, tested and certified by the airline. Carry it in your carry on where you can easily pull it out after boarding (my recommendation is in your personal item that goes under the seat in front of you.As a frequent traveler and someone who's been both heavier and lighter than I am today, I have experienced flying at different weights and sizes. I know from firsthand experience how just 20 or 30 pounds can make a difference in comfort on an aircraft. And I've seen how the attitudes — and patience — of the people around you differ depending on your weight. I wholeheartedly understand if the shame of asking for a seatbelt extender is something you’re never able to get over but I want everyone reading this to know that I believe in you. Advocating for yourself as a plus size traveller is incredibly important and the more you do it, I promise the easier it will get. This is the only one I haven’t tried, but I have friends who have. It not only converts an economy seats into an inflight bed, but also acts as ride on suitcase with some extra storage space inside. (It also houses the mattress.) With the straps you can pull a 3 year old along around the airport or offer them somewhere clean to sit whilst in a queue.

Though it is against the rules, most people still want to buy their extenders for Southwest 747-800 and other 800 series as they find it rather embarrassing to ask from the flight attendant. However, before purchasing Southwest seat belt extender 737-800, make sure it is compatible with the plane’s seat belt. Does Southwest Offer seat belt extendersOn this particular JetBlue flight, the map continued to show an empty seat next to me even just a few hours before the flight. When I boarded, however, someone sat next to me and let me know his unhappiness by shifting his body every two seconds and continually pushing against the armrest between us. Once we were in flight, I looked at the other Even More Space seats and saw that an entire row was empty. I asked the flight attendant if I could change seats, which was no problem. Leverage elite status or pay for business class However, airports do not sell seat belt extenders. If you need an extender on the plane, you can ask the flight attendant on board.