European Airline ‘Passenger of Size’ Policies: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re a passenger of size, travelling by air in Europe can be a daunting experience. With a plethora of different policies and regulations in place, it can be hard to know what airline to choose – and whether you’ll even be able to board the plane.

In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at the passenger of size (POS) policies for all major European airlines.

Last Updated: 06th February 2022

Disclaimer: when it comes to POS policies, here at Plus Size Travel Too we know that not enough is being done to accommodate us. By sharing these policies we are not saying we agree with all of the measures in place, we’re simply sharing the information that is available to us. We’re working hard to ensure these policies are improved, we promise!

What Is A Passenger Of Size Policy?

A passenger of size policy is the official rules and regulations that an airline has in place for passengers who are larger than average. Airlines have passenger of size policies to ensure passenger safety – particularly during emergency evacuations, as well as to gauge whether or not a passenger will fit into their seats comfortably.

What Is Considered A POS?

Passenger of size policies can differ from airline to airline, so it’s important to check before you book. Generally speaking, passenger of size policies are in place for passengers that weigh more than 18 stone (120kg) or measure more than 22 inches (56cm) wide when seated. The passenger is still considered a passenger of size if they are under this weight but require a seatbelt extension.

Some airlines have customer of size policies in place for passengers with more than one passenger of size on their booking, so it’s important to check the airline policy before you book to avoid disappointment.

The Ultimate Guide to European Airline ‘Passenger of Size’ Policies

British Airways Passenger of Size Policy

British Airways has a passenger of size policy in place for passengers who weigh more than 16 stone (102kg), measure more than 22 inches (56cm) wide or who require a seat belt extension.

If you’re considered to be a passenger of size by British Airways and you’re feeling anxious, they advise you to contact them before booking your flight so they can assess the situation and advise you on the next steps. British Airways passenger of size policy states that a passenger may be required to purchase additional seats, depending on their needs. Usually, this is if you can’t lower your armrest.

Seats With British Airways

British Airways does not have set seat dimensions for all aircraft types, however, they have shared some information about the most popular planes in their fleet:

The Airbus A320 has a seat width of 17.28 inches (44cm) and an overall seat pitch of 31 inches (79cm).

The Boeing 777-200 has a wider seat at 18.50 inches (47 cm) but a reduced pitch of 29 inches (74 cm).

Width Of Seatbelt With British Airways

British Airways passenger of size policy states that the width of their seatbelt is 22 inches (56 cm). If you’re unable to fasten this, they will be able to provide you with a seatbelt extender.

Ryanair Passenger of Size Policy

Ryanair passenger of size policy is that if you cannot lower your armrest, then you’ll be considered a passenger of size. If this applies to you, Ryanair recommends booking two seats for your flight – especially on busy flights. You can do this online or via their customer service team by phone.

To book an extra seat for comfort go online and select 2 seats. The first one should be booked in the actual passenger’s name, while COMFORT SEAT should be used as the last name on your second booking. Make sure you also input EXTRA as your first name!

Allocated seating in emergency rows 1,16 and 17 may not be purchased if you have purchased an extra seat for item/comfort.

Seats with Ryanair

Ryanair policy states that all seats on their planes are 17.13 inches (43.50cm) wide and have a 30 inch (76 cm) pitch, giving you plenty of room to spread out during the flight.

Width Of Seatbelt With Ryanair

The width of the seatbelt on a Ryanair flight is 22 inches (56cm) and if this doesn’t fit you, you will be able to request an extender from a flight attendant.

For more information on how to book an extra seat with Ryanair, check out my other post!

EasyJet Passenger Of Size Policy

EasyJet does not have a specific passenger of size policy but they do state on their website that if you’re unable to fit into your seat for any reason, you are required to pay for a second seat at the prevailing rates.

Seats With EasyJet

EasyJet policy states that their seats are 17.64 inches (45cm) wide with a 31 inch (79cm) pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With EasyJet

The width of the seatbelt on an EasyJet flight is approx 47 inches (56cm).

Jet2 Passenger of Size Policy

Jet2 do not currently have a passenger of size policy.

Seats With Jet2

The Jet2 website states that the width of their seats is 17 inches (43 cm) and has a 31 inch (79cm) pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With Jet2

The seatbelt length for Jet2 is unknown but if you’re unable to fit in this seatbelt, extenders will be available for your flight.

Lufthansa Passenger Of Size Policy

Lufthansa does not currently have a POS policy listed on its website.

Seats on Lufthansa Planes

Seats on a Lufthansa Airbus A380 aircraft have a width of 18.57 inches (47 cm) and a pitch of 32 inches (81 cm).

Width Of Seatbelt With Lufthansa

The width of the seatbelt with Lufthansa is 22 inches (56 cm). Seatbelt extenders are available if you need one.

KLM Passenger of Size Policy

KLM passenger of size policy is that if you cannot lower your armrest, then you are considered a passenger of size. If this applies to you, KLM recommends booking two seats for your flight – especially on busy flights.

You can do this online or via their customer service team by phone. When booking a second seat for comfort, you will be entitled to a 25% discount.

Seats With KLM

The POS states that the width of their seats is 17 inches (43 cm) and has a 32 inch (81cm) pitch. In business class, the width of their seats increases to 50cm, often with a seat in between you and the next passenger. You can find more detailed information here.

Width Of Seatbelt With KLM

You may need a seatbelt extender if you’re travelling with KLM. The length of your own belt will be between 107cm and 155cm in Economy Class, 124 – 148cm when seated in Business class. Extenders add 86cm to the length of the belt. 

Wizz Air Passenger of Size Policy

Wizz Air POS policy is that well, there isn’t one. However, they do state that passengers who need an extra seat for comfort must purchase this at the same time as booking their flight.

Seats With Wizz Air

The width of Wizz Air seats is 17 inches (43 cm) and they have a 30 inch (76cm) pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With Wizz Air

There is no information available on seatbelt length. Extenders are available.

Air France Passenger of Size Policy

Air France customer of size policy is that anyone unable to lower the armrest and/or who cannot fit into a seat with a 17 inch (43 cm) wide seat, must purchase an additional seat.

You can choose an extra seat with a 25% discount in an economy cabin and if there is at least one seat free in your cabin, Air France will reimburse the entirety of your 2nd seat fare. This applies to Air France aircraft and flights with Air France flight attendants.

To book your second seat, they recommend that you make your booking through Air France Saphir, a dedicated booking service for passengers with special needs. It’s worth noting that if the flight is full and you have not reserved an additional seat, you may not be allowed to board if your build does not permit you to sit comfortably in a single seat.

Seats With Air France

The customer of size policy states that the width of their seats is 17 inches (43 cm) and has a 31 inch (79cm) pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With Air France

Seatbelt length is unknown, but a POS will likely need an extender.

Aer Lingus Passenger Of Size Policy

Aer Lingus does not have a customer of size policy on its website but they do state that you’re able to purchase a second seat if you need it for comfort. It’s important to note that on transatlantic flights, Economy Class armrests do not fully retract into the seat-back position and so even when purchasing an extra economy seat you may not be able to sit or lay across multiple seats. Business Class armrests are fully retractable.

Seats With Aer Lingus

The Aer Lingus website states that the width of their seats is 17-18 inches (43 cm) and business class is 22 inches.

Width Of Seatbelt With Aer Lingus

Seatbelt length is unknown, but extenders are available to those who need them.

Turkish Airlines Passenger Of Size Policy

Turkish Airlines do not have a customer of size policy, but they do state that you can purchase a second seat on their website.

Seats With Turkish Airlines

Seat Guru states that the width of their seats is usually between 17-18 inches (46 cm) and that they have a 31 inch (79cm) pitch. Business-class are between 20-23 inches wide, depending on the aircraft.

Width Of Seatbelt With Turkish Airlines

The seatbelt length with Turkish Airlines is unknown, but it’s likely that a POS will need an extender.

Vueling Airlines Passenger Of Size Policy

Vueling Airlines also doesn’t have an official customer of size policy, but you are able to purchase a second seat if needed. It will only be possible to book one extra seat per Passenger, and this should always be adjoining or adjacent to the actual seat to be occupied by the Passenger. You can out more details here.

Seats With Vueling Airlines

Their website states that the width of their seats is 17.9 inches (43 cm) and they have a 30 inch (76cm) pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With Vueling Airlines

The width of the seatbelt is unknown, but a POS will likely need an extender.

TUI Airways Passenger Of Size Policy

TUI Airways does not have a specific customer of size policy, but their website does that if you’re unable to fit into your seat you must purchase an additional seat. They recommend contacting their welfare team (0203 451 2688) but they cannot guarantee you a specific seat or resolution.

Seats With TUI Airways

The TUI website states that the smallest seat across their fleet is 16 inches wide.

Width Of Seatbelt With TUI Airways

The TUI website doesn’t state anything about the width of seatbelts. It’s likely that a customer of size will need an extender to be comfortable.

Swiss Airlines Passenger Of Size Policy

Swiss Airlines does not currently have a customer of size policy.

Seats With Swiss Airlines

Seat Guru based on passenger reviews states that the width of their seats is usually between 17-18 inches (46 cm) and has a 30 inch (76cm) pitch. Business-class are wider, with up to 22 inches (56 cm) in some configurations.

Width Of Seatbelt With Swiss Airlines

The width of the seatbelt is unknown, but a POS will likely need an extender.

Virgin Atlantic Passenger Of Size Policy

The Virgin Atlantic website does not list a customer of size policy but it does state that if you need assistance when it comes to booking a seat, you can contact them at Special_Assistance@fly.virgin.com.

Seats With Virgin Atlantic

The POS policy states that their seats are between 17-17.4 inches in economy and 18-21 inches in premium. Upper Class is 20-22 inches.

Width Of Seatbelt With Virgin Atlantic

The width of the seat belt with Virgin Atlantic is unknown, but it’s likely that a customer of size would need an extender.

Eurowings Passenger Of Size Policy

Eurowings does not have a customer of size policy, however, you can purchase a second seat when you book. Alternatively, you can book an empty middle seat for as little as 10 euros each way. These are only available on extra legroom seats.

Seats With Eurowings

The width of their seats is between 17 inches (43 cm) and they have a 31 inch (79cm) pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With Eurowings

The width of the seat belt is unknown, as a result, it’s likely that a POS will need an extender.

Norweigan Air Passenger Of Size Policy

Norwegian Air does not have a customer of size policy.

Seats With Norwegian Air

The width of the seats onboard a Norwegian plane is usually 16-17 inches (43 cm) and there is a 31-inch pitch.

Width Of Seatbelt With Norwegian Air

The customer of size policy does not state anything about the length or width of seatbelts, however, a passenger may require an extender on their flight.

POS Policies With Other European Airlines

If there are any other airlines you would like to know the POS policy for, please do feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll add it to our list! We are currently contacting the airlines that do not have policies to find out whether or not this is something they are interested in putting together. If so, the post will be updated accordingly therefore the post should always include all up to date information.

Reminder, if you’re looking for the passenger of size policies for US airlines, you can visit this post here.

We hope that this was able to help and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re always happy to chat!