Southwest- your size ?

[Tigger2ntinkerbell]

I am not getting the answer I need from SW.
My Adult daughter is a 1x. I don't want her humiliated at the airport, she fits in the seat last time we flew to Florida . So how do we figure this out before arriving at the airport .

 

[disneydreamer1980]

You can always request a seatbelt extender as you board the plane but I doubt she’ll need one. I just googled the seat width for SW planes and it’s 17-18 inches if that helps

 

[sam_gordon]

DW is a 2X and hasn't needed an extender. That's on Delta, but the seats should be about the same width.

 

[LoveToDisney]

So much depends on how she carries her weight. If you have a chair with arms that measures 18” between the inside of the arms, that’s basically your airplane seat. It will help her judge her needs especially if she carries her weight in her hip area. If she fits comfortably, then no worries. If she carries her weight through her middle and needs a seatbelt extension, she can simply ask for one from the FA. Have a good trip!

 

[scrappinginontario]

I was a 2x for many years and never needed a seatbelt extender with SW. Unless they have narrowed the seats, I would not anticipate her having challenges.

 

[MinnieMSue]

1x should not be a problem at all on southwest

 

[Tigger2ntinkerbell]

Thank you all. I think I'll look for a different airline.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Thank you all. I think I'll look for a different airline.

FWIW you will probably have a similar issue with all airlines. If you are really concerned buy a business class seat or two coach seats, though as others have said she will probably be fine unless she carries everything in the hips.

 

[nyy]

I think most airlines are similar sized. I used to have this concern, as well. I found that there are many youtube videos out there that show people of different sizes on planes. Most will speak to these exact concerns. They will tell you their weight, height, and clothing size and show you exactly how they fit in the seat. I highly recommend searching for those. They are extremely helpful.
Also, are your seats next to each other? You will be able to lift up the armrest between the two of you. I think its possible to fit in the seat, but not necessarily be comfortable. The people making the videos have lots of tips and tricks for this, as well.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

The question isn't very clear if it's about fitting in the seat or needing a seatbelt extender.

Like a person mentioned dress size is pretty hard to go by. Like my mom I have wider hips. I have no problems with staying within the arm rests (which is what SWA uses for their guideline of when a second seat must be purchased) but seats aren't as forgiving for that type of body frame.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

FWIW you will probably have a similar issue with all airlines. If you are really concerned buy a business class seat or two coach seats, though as others have said she will probably be fine unless she carries everything in the hips.

Business class does not mean you'll necessarily get a bigger seat, you need to read carefully what the airline lists for seat dimensions there. Each airline sets it up differently.

Granted my experience is business class internationally on multiple airlines but for example Virgin Atlantic wasn't really a wider seat on their so-called coffin style older configuration Upper Class (their version of business class). Newer planes for Virgin Atlantic do have a different configuration and more space but not the older "coffin" style



And then on ZipAir to Japan their version of Business Class (just called lay flat seats) for take off and landing you have to wear a chest seat belt along with the one across your lap (both from California to Japan and Japan to California).


The OP is flying domestically so it may be different but just wanted to say business class just thrown out there may or may not address what the OP's daughter's concern is.

 

[EACarlson]

It would not be an issue. I've got a friend of mine that wore a 4x men's and fit in a SW seat. Not comfortably but he could do it. My wife used to be a 3x with no issues.

 

[LoveToDisney]

I had a large guy who carried his weight thru his hips and he “fit” in the middle seat but spread out below the arm rests on top of me so I was basically sat upon the whole flight. PLEASE get an additional seat if your body will “overflow” beyond the actual seat cushion of your seat to be considerate of the other passengers.