Airline Seat Belt Extender?

[MaryannF]

Does anyone know where in the GTA I can purchase an airline seat belt extender? DD is leaving a week today for Florida. Her friend has decided at the last minute to go with her. Her friend needs a seat belt extender for the plane. Air Canada has assured her that there will be one on the plane but she has heard of people not being able to get one. The only place I have been able to order one on line comes from the States and they won't guarantee delivery by next Saturday, even with express shipping. I called The Travel Store at Pearson and they told me that they don't carry them.
Any suggestions?

 

[minnie mum]

If your friend is that afraid that the aircraft won't have a seat belt extender when she boards, I'd suggest that she make her concern known to the gate attendant at the counter as soon as she reaches the boarding gate area. This will give them ample time to make sure that they have one for her.

 

[Julianna07]

The belts the attendants use to show you how to buckle your belt are technically extenders... she shouldn't have a problem getting one. I have required them in the past and have had no problems getting one.

 

[Lizard Valley]

I'm a flight attendant. Two things:

1. Not all seat belts are the same. Passengers are not allowed to bring their own extension, and there is a possibility that it wouldn't be compatible to the aircraft's seat belts.

2. We require a minimum number on board. In 17 years, I have never needed more than I had available to me. If that scenario should happen to come up, I'd just request an extra one be brought to the plane.

3. Since all passengers are required to have their seatbelt properly buckled for taxi, take-off, landing, turbulence, and when directed by a crew member, it is the airline's responsibility to provide the seatbelt . The airline is not legally allowed to let anyone go without.

4. We are very discreet when giving out the seatbelt extensions. It happens all the time. Some aircraft seat belts are just shorter than others If your daughter's friend is worried about feeling embarrassed, the best approach is to just tell the flight attendant while boarding that they will need an extension. They will either give it to her right then and there, or discreetly drop one off at the seat before departure.

 

[Pinkgurlshubby]

I agree with the above poster. I am maintenance control for an airline. Not all belts are compatible. Every aircraft has a certain number of extenders carried on board. If there is a bigger requirement for extenders than what is carried on board the crew will call maintenance control and we will dispatch maintenance to bring extras.

 

[SaraMc]

I agree with the PP, Ive been on the same kind of plane and the return trip down I needed a extender, coming home I didnt.

 

[MaryannF]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. They left Toronto on Saturday. The seat belt extender was no problem. The plane however was 3 hours late leaving. Oh, well.