Revealed: Rules for plus-sized travellers on different airlines - and the carrier that asks larger passengers to book a second seat
- FEMAIL looks at different airline policies for plus-sized flyers
- READ MORE: Airlines urged to change rules for plus-sized passengers after photo of man struggling to fit in his seat is shared online
With the number of obese or overweight Brits steadily growing each year, airlines are facing pressure to bolster their policies.
In the UK, the percentage of obese adults has almost doubled in a quarter of a century from 15 per cent in 1997 to 29 per cent in 2022, according to stats from the NHS.
And in 2022, the rates of overweight people reached a staggering 64 per cent.
However, the 'one-size-fits-all' attitude adopted by major aviation companies is becoming tricky to navigate - and the issue proves to be a sensitive one.
Plus-sized flyers feel that footing higher bills when they fly is discrimination as often, airlines will require them to book a second seat.
However, adjacent passengers may feel unable to comfortably occupy the full width of their seat when sitting next to a larger person.
After a photo of a man struggling to fit in his seat went viral last week, airlines have now been urged to change their rules for plus-sized passengers.
Plane companies usually offer higher-priced extra legroom seats for tall customers, meaning their current rules on overweight passengers have been brought into question.
It's an issue companies have chosen to deal with in different ways - with one company even denying boarding to those who haven't booked a second seat.
Plus-sized passengers feel they are facing discrimination, and there have been calls for airlines to more suitably accommodate them (file image)
British Airways
In place of fixed regulations for plus-sized travellers, British Airways handles the individual needs of customers 'on a case-by-case basis.'
They offer seat belt extenders but stresses that customers will need to buy an 'extra seat for comfort' if they cannot fully lower both armrests of your seat.
However, their website goes on to say that 'an extra seat doesn't always give additional seat width'.
First and business class seats are usually roomier, but the airline says their armrests are fixed and cannot be raised or lowered.
In this case, plus-sized flyers whose dimensions exceed the seat size will have to consult the airline directly or spend a significant amount of extra money owing to their size.
British Airways is just one of several airlines tightening space on their aircrafts, having squeezed ten seats a row into their Boeing 777s, where previously there were nine.
Air France
Air France offers an economy-class deal whereby passengers who will not comfortably fit into a single seat can buy a second, adjacent seat at a 25 per cent discount.
Then, if any unoccupied seats remain in that cabin, the cost of the second seat is fully refunded.
However, passengers may be denied boarding 'for security reasons' if they have not booked a second seat, if the flight is full or if they are unable to sit in a single seat.
The deal is a good one for larger-bodied people, comparatively to other airlines.
But passengers cannot book two seats for the same person online, and instead must contact Air France directly, according to their website.
And their premium economy and business cabins, plus-sized passengers are not able to book an extra seat with a belt extension, as the armrests cannot be moved.
Virgin Atlantic
When flying with Virgin Atlantic, overweight passengers are encouraged to book extra space.
The airline clarifies: 'You will not pay any passenger taxes, fees, charges or surcharges on the extra seat'.
There is always the option of booking a seat with extra leg room.
The Economy Light, Economy Classic and Economy Delight have increasing seat pitches - from 31 to 34.
And Upper Class seating offers an 'extra large' seat of 22 inches wide, compared to 17 inches in the cheapest class but, obviously, this costs more.
Seatbelt extenders are, as per policy, offered to those who request them in keeping with safety guidelines.
Ryanair
Across the board, airline companies have largely enforced a 'one-size-fits-all' attitude (File image)
One of the UK's most used budget airlines, Ryanair sells two seats together.
Customers input their name for the first seat as normal.
But for the second, the first name must be 'Extra' and the second name 'Comfort Seat'.
Passengers with a large body mass should pre-pay for two seats together, then check in as normal and get two boarding passes.
And one boarding pass will carry the name 'Extra Comfort Seat'.
The airline says: 'When checking in online, the same travel document details will be added for you and your extra seat.'
As with most airlines, the accommodation is there but the prices are doubled.
easyJet
Another budget airline, easyJet airline urges larger customers to purchase an extra seat.
The company must provide an extension seat belt if necessary for those of a 'large build'.
But passengers can only use the belts supplied on board, meaning they have to request one from the air crew when on the plane - potentially an unpleasant situation.
The minimum width of their seats is 16 inches with a minimum pitch of 28 inches.
And the guidance states: 'If you think this size might be difficult for you (such as special medical requirements, a broken leg, or if you are of a large build), then you may need to buy an additional seat.'
Otherwise, there are 'extra legroom seats' which give some additional space.
Emirates
A photo of an overweight man struggling to fit into his plane seat has been shared wifely online, prompting debate and divided opinions
The airline's policy is that if a customer is unable to be safely seated and belted up for the flight, they have to purchase an extra adjacent seat ahead of time or when checking in.
Alternatively, they can upgrade to premium economy or business class, if such an upgrade is available.
If a larger passenger needs more space but does not book in advance, they may be rebooked if their specific flight does not accommodate them.
If neither of these options is suitable, they are told to considering deferring their travel.
It appears there are taxes to be paid when it comes to larger flyers, who almost always have to pay more money either to buy an extra seat or upgrade to a more expensive one.
Airlines were last week urged to change their regulations after a photo of a man struggling to fit comfortably into his seat was shared online by hip-hop group Pretty Ricky.
The image was originally shared by Christopher Elliott, from Washington D.C, who took to Facebook to showcase the passenger's difficulty boarding the flight.
But the musicians reposted the snap, arguing that airlines should accommodate all passengers and consider the needs of their overweight customers.
They wrote: 'Airlines will have to have something in place for plus-sized passengers.
'This image was taken recently in a flight showing how difficult it is for people who are bigger than one seat.
'It's also difficult for those sitting next to them. It's a difficult situation because the airline will need to think of a happy medium.'
The post sparked debate and racked up more than 1,600 comments.
