Lois Larson
While some flyers have had positive experiences with needing a seat belt extender, others have understandably felt angry at how size-exclusive the standard seat belt length is. For plus-size travellers, there are options when it comes to seat belt extenders and policies for those of size. Airlines do provide seat belt extenders on flights as they are required by law to do so at no charge. However, travellers are discouraged from bringing their own seat belt extenders since the FAA cannot ensure that extenders brought by passengers are compliant with safety regulations. Can you buy seat belt extenders at the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you buy your own seat belt extender? | It is not recommended to buy your own seat belt extender as the FAA does not endorse, test, inspect or certify the use of passenger-provided safety devices such as seat belt extenders. |
| Are seat belt extenders provided by airlines safe? | Yes, the seat belt extenders provided by the airlines have been tested to meet stringent safety standards. |
| Are seat belt extenders provided at the airport? | No, however, they are provided by airlines. Airlines in the US are required to carry a minimum of 4 seat belt extenders per flight and are required to offer them free of charge. |
| How to ask for a seat belt extender? | You can ask for a seat belt extender while boarding the flight or ask for one when you are in your seat. |
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What You'll Learn
Asking for a seat belt extender
Know Your Rights
Firstly, understand that you are well within your rights to request a seat belt extender. Airlines are required by law to provide these at no extra charge. In the US, airlines are mandated to carry a minimum of four extenders per flight. So, if you need more space, don't hesitate to ask.
Ask Early
If you're able to board early, you can request the extender as you head to your seat. This way, you avoid having to ask once everyone is settled. If you can't board early, try to grab an aisle seat, making it easier to flag down a flight attendant.
Be Direct
When asking for an extender, be direct and concise. Simply state your request without feeling the need to explain yourself. As therapist Katie Piel notes, "For a person who already experiences discrimination and marginalization for their body size, not fitting into a seat belt can feel like confirmation that their body is somehow wrong, bad, and unworthy." Remember, your body is valid, and you deserve to be safe and comfortable.
Focus on Your Trip
If asking for an extender causes you anxiety, try shifting your focus to your journey's exciting aspects. Recite a mantra to yourself, such as, "I deserve to be safe and comfortable." Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk. Remember, the plane is meant to accommodate you, not the other way around.
Understand the Risks of Personal Extenders
While you can purchase personal seat belt extenders, it's important to know that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly advises against their use. The FAA has not tested or approved any third-party extenders, and they may not be compatible with the plane's seat belt mechanism. Using your own extender could put you at risk in an emergency, and you may be required by flight attendants to swap it for the airline's extender.
In conclusion, if you need a seat belt extender, don't hesitate to ask. Flight attendants are trained to handle these requests discreetly, and your safety and comfort are their priority. Remember, you are well within your rights to ask for what you need to have a positive and safe flying experience.
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Buying your own extender
While it is possible to buy your own seat belt extender, it is not advisable. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits passengers from using their own seat belt extenders, and flight attendants will require you to swap it out for the airline's own extender. This is because the FAA cannot ensure that extenders brought by passengers are compliant with safety regulations. The FAA has not tested or approved any third-party seat belt extenders on the market, and those bought online could break or fail in an accident.
If you are concerned about having to ask for an extender, rest assured that flight attendants are trained to deal with these situations as gracefully as possible. They do not discriminate against passengers based on their size and want to keep you safe. One flight attendant commented that they "could give two shits if you are fat, we want to keep you safe". Another said that they had "never in my ten years of flying, seen an attendant deny a passenger an extender".
If you are one of the first to board, you can ask the flight attendant for a belt as you head to your seat. If you are not able to board early, try to grab an aisle seat and reach out to an attendant for an extended safety belt. You can also call the airline in advance to check their policy and whether you need to reserve an extender.
If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of asking for an extender, you could consider buying a third-party extender to use discreetly. However, this is entirely at your own risk, and you may still be asked to swap it for an airline extender by a flight attendant.
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FAA's stance on personal extenders
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises against the use of personal seat belt extenders. FAA-approved seat belt extenders are provided by airlines and are inspected and maintained under each airline's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP). The FAA has not tested or approved any third-party seat belt extenders on the market, and there is no guarantee that personal extenders comply with safety regulations.
The FAA's stance on personal seat belt extenders is that they could compromise passenger safety. In the event of an accident, a personal seat belt extender could snap or fail to work with the plane's buckle mechanism, endangering both the user and surrounding passengers. The FAA warns that if a passenger uses their own seat belt extender and is injured or killed, their insurance may be null and void as they have failed to use an FAA-approved safety device. Additionally, if any surrounding passengers are injured due to the failure of a personal seat belt extender, the user may be held legally and financially responsible.
While the FAA discourages the use of personal seat belt extenders, some travellers still opt to bring their own due to the stress and anxiety associated with asking for one. For plus-size travellers, the airline-provided seat belts may not comfortably buckle, presenting a safety issue. The aviation industry has received scrutiny for the size of seats on airplanes, and some travellers worry about whether they will fit comfortably.
To address these concerns, airlines are required by law to provide seat belt extenders on flights at no charge. These extenders are designed to attach to the built-in seat belts, providing an extra 25 inches of length on average. Travellers can request an extender from a flight attendant when boarding or head to their seat. Flight attendants are trained to handle these situations gracefully and discreetly, and it is their priority to ensure the safety of all passengers, regardless of size.
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Safety concerns with personal extenders
While personal seat belt extenders can be purchased online, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strictly prohibits passengers from using them. The FAA has not tested or approved any third-party seat belt extenders on the market. The seat belt extenders provided by airlines have been tested to meet stringent safety standards, and those purchased online may break or fail in an accident.
There are several safety concerns with personal seat belt extenders. Firstly, there is a risk that they may not be compatible with the aircraft's seat belt mechanism, which could prevent passengers from escaping in an emergency. In addition, personal extenders may not have been inspected or maintained under the airline's FAA-accepted Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP), which could compromise their safety.
Personal seat belt extenders may also pose a safety risk by affecting the positioning of the seat belt. If the extender is too long, it can cause the buckle to move from the side of the hip to the centre of the body, which can affect the positioning of the shoulder belt. This can be a safety issue as the shoulder belt is responsible for holding the head and chest in place during a crash. Additionally, a longer extender may cause the seat belt to ride too high on the abdomen or not sit centred on the torso, which could affect its effectiveness in restraining the torso.
The use of personal seat belt extenders can also be dangerous for children in booster seats. In some cases, the use of an extender may prevent a child from being able to buckle their seat belt, defeating the purpose of the extender. Additionally, there is a risk that the extender may not latch correctly or may unbuckle during a crash, putting the child and other passengers at risk.
While the use of personal seat belt extenders may be tempting for passengers who are uncomfortable asking for an extender, it is important to prioritize safety. Airlines are required by law to provide seat belt extenders at no charge, and flight attendants are trained to handle these situations gracefully. It is always best to request an extender from the airline rather than bringing your own.
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How to use an airline extender
Although it may be stressful and uncomfortable for plus-size travellers to ask for a seat belt extender, it is important to remember that it is completely okay to do so. Asking for a seat belt extender is for your safety, and flight attendants are trained to deal with these situations as gracefully as possible. They do not discriminate and just want to keep you safe.
A seat belt extender is a longer seatbelt strap provided by airlines to give passengers more room. They attach to the built-in seat belts to make them longer and looser. Standard airplane seat belts are between 31 and 51 inches and vary by aircraft. Seat belt extenders generally provide an extra 25 inches in length.
There are two types of seat belt extenders: Type A and Type B. Type A is designed for the universal seat belt that most airlines use, while Type B is typically used by Southwest Airlines, the only major carrier not served by AmSafe. When browsing seat belt extenders online, companies should indicate which airlines are compatible with their product.
To use an airline seat belt extender, simply click the extender into the plane's seat belt and adjust the belt to be the correct length. It should fit snugly but not too tight. There are no fees or costs associated with using a seat belt extender, and you do not need to pre-book or reserve one. Just ask for it when you board.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether you can buy a seat belt extender at the airport, but they can be purchased online. However, the FAA advises against using these as they are not necessarily safe.
While the FAA has not made it illegal to bring your own seat belt extender, they strongly advise against it. The FAA does not endorse, test, inspect or certify the use of passenger-provided safety devices such as seat belt extenders.
Yes, all airlines in the US are required to carry a minimum of 4 seat belt extenders per flight and provide them free of charge.
