Customer of Size: A Guide to North American Airlines’ Policies

Travelling can be a daunting task, but it’s especially difficult when you’re not sure what the airline’s ‘customer of size’ policy is. Each airline has its own set of rules and regulations, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the major North American airlines’ policies, so that you can travel with ease. We’ll answer questions like: What is American Airlines’ policy? What size are Delta Airlines’ seats? How wide is Southwest Airlines’ seatbelt? And many more!

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Last updated: 6th 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 Customer Of Size Policy?

A customer of size policy is a set of guidelines that airlines put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. These policies usually pertain to passengers who are plus size and require more space in order to be comfortable.

American Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

American Airlines COS policy states that an additional seat is necessary if a customer needs extra space outside of a single seat to travel safely. Customers should ensure all seating needs are addressed when making a reservation.

• Reservations will make sure you get 2 adjacent seats at the same rate when you call.
• If you didn’t book an extra seat in advance, ask an airport agent about adjacent seats if you don’t have an extra seat booked.
• There’s a possibility you’ll be offered a seat in a higher class of service that provides more space; in this case, you’ll be responsible for the fare difference.
• If you cannot make accommodations on your original flight, you can buy seats on a different flight for the same price as your original seats.

Seats With American Airlines

The seats on American Airlines planes are 17 inches wide in the Main Cabin. Main Cabin Extra is no bigger, however Premium Economy and Business range from 18.5 inches to 21.9 inches.

How Long Is An American Airlines Seatbelt?

The seatbelt on American Airlines planes is 45 to 47 inches wide.

Delta Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

According to Delta’s policies, passengers must be able to secure the seat belt with one extension and lower both armrests. Passengers who fail to meet these conditions will be defined as “passengers of size” and must comply with alternative seating requirements. This usually means booking a second seat.

Seats With Delta Airlines

The seats on Delta Airlines planes are 17.2 inches wide in Delta Comfort and 20.9 inches in First Class.

How Long Is A Delta Airlines Seatbelt?

The seatbelt on Delta Airlines planes is 40 to 45 inches long.

Southwest Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

Southwest Airlines has a customer of size policy that states that passengers who cannot fit in a single seat with the armrests down must purchase an extra seat. The airline also offers a no-cost, one-time waiver to customers who may need an additional adjacent seat when travelling on Southwest Airlines flights. You can find out more about Southwest Airlines Customer Of Size policy here.

Seats With Southwest Airlines

The seats on Southwest Airlines planes are 15.5 – 17 inches wide.

How Long Is A Southwest Airlines Seatbelt?

The seatbelt on Southwest Airlines planes is 39 inches long and the extender is 25 inches long.

United Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

For each leg of your itinerary, you’ll need to purchase an additional seat if you are unable to sit comfortably in a single seat in United Economy®. If you buy both seats at the same time, you can buy the second seat at the same price as your original seat. Unless you purchase an extra seat in advance, you might have to purchase it on the day of departure at the fare level applicable on that day. 

If you don’t meet any of the following conditions, you’ll have to buy an additional seat or upgrade:

1. Whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated or a crew member instructs you, you must be able to properly attach, buckle, and wear the seat belt, with one extension if necessary.
2. For the entire flight, you must be able to keep your seat armrest(s) down.
3. You may not encroach significantly upon adjacent seats. 

Seats With United Airlines

The standard seats on United Airlines planes are 16.1 – 17 inches wide, while business class are 20.4 inches.

How Long Is A United Airlines Seatbelt?

The seatbelt on United Airlines planes is 31 inches long and according to their website, you have to preorder one before your flight.

Air Canada Customer Of Size Policy

Air Canada has a customer of size policy that states that passengers who cannot fit in a single seat with the armrests down are entitled to a free seat. This is only for domestic flights within Canada.

To apply for a second seat you have to have an occupational therapist fill out a detailed form with your weight and measurements. You can view that form here.

If you’re flying internationally, extra seating is available for purchase.

Seats With Air Canada

The standard seats on Air Canada planes are around 17 inches wide, depending on the aircraft. Seat Guru will give a more accurate idea of what to expect on your flight.

How Long Is An Air Canada Seatbelt?

The size of a seatbelt on Air Canada is not available online, however, you may find that you need an extender.

JetBlue Customer Of Size Policy

JetBlue does not appear to have a passenger of size policy on their website, however, they do have information on buying an extra seat if you want one. You can find that info here.

Seats With JetBlue Airlines

The seats on JetBlue planes are between 17.25 – 18 inches wide.

How Long Is A JetBlue Seatbelt?

The seatbelts on JetBlue are 45 inches long and extenders are 25 inches long.

Spirit Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

Spirit Airlines has a customer of size policy that states that passengers who cannot fit in a single seat with the armrests down must purchase an extra seat. It’s also important to note that guests who require a seat belt extension may not occupy any seat equipped with an inflatable seat belt.

Seats With Spirit Airlines

The seats on Spirit Airlines planes are 17 inches wide, and you can buy a ‘Big Front’ seat that is 18.5 inches wide. Some ‘Big Front’ seats do not allow you to use a seat belt extender, so make sure you’re checking this in advance.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Spirit Airlines?

There is currently no information available when it comes to seatbelt length on Spirit Airlines.

WestJet Customer Of Size Policy

WestJet has a customer of size policy that states that passengers who cannot fit in a single seat with the armrests down are entitled to purchase an extra seat at no charge within Canada only. For all other routes, you must purchase an extra seat.

Seats With WestJet Airlines

The seats on WestJet airlines are between 17 – 18.25 inches wide depending on the aircraft type.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On WestJet Airlines?

The seatbelts on WestJet planes measure 43 inches long, with seatbelt extensions measuring 25 inches.

Frontier Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

Frontier policy states that if you are unable to lower both armrests and/or you are compromising any portion of the adjacent seat or aisle, you should book two seats before you travel.

Seats With Frontier Airlines

The seats on Frontier planes vary depending on where you sit. Aisle seats are between 16.7 – 18 inches and middle seats are 17.8 – 19.1 inches wide. Window seats are a little smaller at 16.5 – 18 inches.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Frontier Airlines?

There is no information available on the length of a Frontier Airlines seatbelt.

Volaris Customer Of Size Policy

Customers who require two seats due to their size may purchase an additional seat. Such seats may not be located in emergency exits, first rows or with service tables in the armrest. Similarly, Volaris may provide certified belt extensions for these customers.

Seats With Volaris Airlines

The seats on Volaris airlines planes are 18 inches wide.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Volaris Airlines?

There is no information available when it comes to seat belt length on Volaris Airlines.

Interjet Customer Of Size Policy

There is no information online regarding an Interject passenger of size policy.

Seats With Interjet Airlines

The seats on Interjet planes are 17 -18 inches wide, depending on the aircraft.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Interjet Airlines?

There is no information available on the length of their seatbelts.

Alaska Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

If you are a larger customer and require an extra seat, Alaska Airlines offers a full refund as long as there were still open seats when your journey has departed. You can purchase the additional seat through their website or by contacting one of their reservation agents and can request a refund by filling out this form.

Seats With Alaska Airlines

The seats on Alaska Airlines planes are 17 inches wide.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Alaska Airlines?

The seatbelts on their planes measure 46 inches long and an extender adds 25 inches.

Hawaiian Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

Hawaiian Airlines states that if you’re unable to fit comfortably in your seat, they will do their best to find an alternative option for you. If they are unable to, they advise that you may not be able to fly on your ticketed flight. As a result, they advise booking an extra seat when you book.

Seats With Hawaiian Airlines

The seats on Hawaiian Airlines planes are 17 – 18 inches wide.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Hawaiian Airlines?

The length of a Hawaiian Airlines seatbelt is 51 inches.

Caribbean Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

There is currently no information available when it comes to a Caribbean Airlines passenger of size policy.

Seats with Caribbean Airlines

The seats on Caribbean Airlines planes are 16.5 inches wide in economy and 20 inches wide in business class.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Caribbean Airlines?

There is no information available when it comes to the length of a seat belt on Caribbean Airlines.

Cayman Airways Customer Of Size Policy

Currently, Cayman Airways does not have any specific guidelines for passengers of size.

Seats With Cayman Airways

The seats on Cayman Airways planes are 17 inches wide.

How Long Is The Seatbelt On Cayman Airways?

There is no information available regarding seatbelt length online.

Sun Country Airlines Customer Of Size Policy

The policy states that guests who do not comfortably fit in one seat with both armrests in the down position are required to purchase a ticket for an additional adjacent seat. This should be done by calling a Sun Country representative.

Seats with Sun Country Airlines

The seats on Sun Country Airlines planes are 16.1 – 17.3 inches wide.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Sun Country Airlines?

There is no information regarding seatbelt length for Sun Country Airlines online.

Allegiant Air Customer Of Size Policy

Passengers who cannot lower the armrest and/or compromise any portion of the adjacent seat(s) should purchase an additional ticket when making the initial reservation. Two seats will be pre-assigned (at no additional charge) in order to ensure the passenger of size has two seats side-by-side.

Seats With Allegiant Air

The seats on Allegiant planes are 17.8 inches.

How Long Is A Seatbelt On Allegiant Air?

Allegiant Air seatbelts are 33 – 40 inches long (one the shortest of any airline we have seen here at Plus Size Travel Too).

Customer Of Size Policies For Other Airlines

If there are any other airlines you would like to know the COS policy for, please do feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll add it to this post! 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 European 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!