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Airline Travel

Air Travel

Air travel is a part of life for many people — whether for work, healthcare, advocacy, family visits or vacations. Yet for individuals living with obesity, flying can bring added concerns about comfort, accessibility, safety and uncertainty.

At OAC, we believe everyone deserves to travel with dignity and confidence. While airline experiences and policies vary, planning ahead, knowing your options and understanding who to ask for help can make your journey smoother and less stressful.

More than 40% of Americans are living with obesity. Air travel should be accessible, respectful and accommodating for all passengers, regardless of body size.

Before You Fly

One of the most common questions travelers have is: Will I fit in the seat?

The answer depends on several factors, including body size, body shape, seat dimensions, aircraft type and personal comfort preferences. Airline policies regarding additional seating vary widely, so it is important to review your airline’s current policy before booking.

Review Your Airline’s Policy

Before booking your flight, search your airline’s website for terms such as:

  • Passenger of Size
  • Customer of Size
  • Extra Seat
  • Extra Space
  • Special Needs
  • Accessibility
  • Additional Seating

Policies may change at any time. Always verify current information directly with the airline before booking.

It may also be helpful to save a screenshot or printed copy of the airline’s policy before your trip. Having the policy ready can help resolve questions at the ticket counter, gate or onboard the aircraft.

Consider an Extra Seat

Some travelers choose to purchase an additional seat for added comfort and space. Depending on the airline, you may be able to receive a refund for the extra seat after travel if the flight is not full.

Before purchasing an extra seat:

  • Review the airline’s policy on passengers of size or extra seating.
  • Compare the cost of two coach seats versus a First Class ticket.
  • Check whether refunds are available.
  • Understand the booking process, as some airlines require assistance from customer service.
  • Confirm that both seats are linked under your name so the second seat is not marked as a “no-show” or released to another passenger.

If you purchase an extra seat, call the airline before your trip to confirm that the reservation is correctly documented. You may also want to confirm again at check-in.

Consider First Class

In some cases, a First Class ticket may cost less than purchasing two economy seats and can offer additional benefits such as:

  • Wider seats
  • Additional legroom
  • Priority boarding
  • Complimentary checked baggage

When comparing options, look at the total cost of the trip, not just the ticket price. Baggage fees, seat selection fees and refund policies may affect the final cost.

Traveling with Family or Friends

If you are traveling with companions, consider selecting seats together in advance. Sitting next to someone you know may help reduce anxiety and eliminate concerns about being seated next to a stranger.

If you are traveling with someone who can support you during boarding, connections or seating concerns, talk through your plan ahead of time so you both know what to expect.

Airline Extra Seat Policies

Policies may change at any time. Always verify current information directly with the airline before booking.

[Insert airline policy chart here.]

Airlines may refer to these policies as Passenger of Size, Customer of Size, Extra Seat, Extra Space or Special Needs policies.

Know Who to Ask for Help

Knowing what to ask for and who to speak with can help resolve many issues before they escalate.

Ask for a Complaint Resolution Official

If you have a dispute about seating, accessibility or your rights while traveling, ask to speak with a Complaint Resolution Official, often called a CRO.

Airlines are required to have a CRO available, either in person or by phone, to help resolve disability-related and accessibility-related concerns. You can ask for a CRO at the airport if an issue comes up at check-in, the gate or onboard the aircraft.

You can say:

“I would like to speak with a Complaint Resolution Official.”

Keep the Policy Ready

Before your trip, save a copy or screenshot of your airline’s seating or Customer of Size policy on your phone. If a staff member is unsure of the policy, showing the official airline policy may help clear up confusion.

At the Airport

Request Wheelchair Assistance

Airports can require significant walking between check-in, security checkpoints and gates.

If you have difficulty walking long distances:

  • Request wheelchair assistance when booking or before your travel date.
  • Ask for assistance during connections if you have a layover.
  • Give yourself extra time at the airport.
  • Remember that wheelchair assistance is complimentary, though tips are appreciated.

An attendant can escort you through the airport, help you get to your gate and assist during connections.

Traveling with Mobility Devices

If you use a mobility aid, wheelchair, scooter or other medical equipment, review airline policies before your trip and contact the airline with any questions.

If possible, label your equipment with your name and contact information. You may also want to take photos of your mobility device before travel in case damage needs to be reported.

Make Security Screening Easier

Security screening can feel stressful, especially when traveling with medications, medical devices or mobility needs. Planning ahead can help.

Before going through security:

  • Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on.
  • Label medical devices such as CPAP machines.
  • Keep medications accessible in your carry-on bag.
  • Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing through security.
  • Give yourself extra time so you do not feel rushed.

Medication and Medical Equipment

When flying with medications or medical devices:

  • Keep medications in their original containers when possible.
  • Keep all medications in your carry-on luggage.
  • Liquid medications may exceed the standard 3-ounce limit but require separate screening.
  • Medical devices generally do not count toward carry-on baggage limits.
  • Label medical equipment clearly.

TSA Cares

Contact TSA Cares if you have questions or need assistance during security screening.

Website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support
Phone: (855) 787-2227

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck can help streamline the security process by allowing eligible travelers to:

  • Keep shoes on
  • Leave belts and light jackets on
  • Keep approved items in carry-on bags

This may be a helpful option for travelers who fly regularly or who find the security process physically difficult.

Request Pre-Boarding

Passengers who need additional time to board may request pre-boarding or board with groups requiring extra assistance. This can make it easier to get settled without navigating crowded aisles.

Ask the gate agent before general boarding begins.

You can say:

“I need a little extra time to board and get settled. May I pre-board?”

Pre-boarding can give you more time to place your bag, request a seatbelt extender if needed and get situated before the aisle becomes crowded.

In the Air

Seatbelt Extenders

Seatbelt lengths can vary from aircraft to aircraft — and even between seats on the same aircraft — due to maintenance and replacement procedures.

If the seatbelt is too short, ask a flight attendant for an official airline-provided seatbelt extender when boarding.

Important Safety Information

  • Ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender when boarding.
  • Use only extenders provided by the airline.
  • Return the extender when deplaning so it can be used by future passengers.
  • Do not purchase seatbelt extenders online. They may not be safety-certified for the aircraft and may not fit properly with the aircraft’s seat belt latch.
  • Some seats, such as exit rows, do not permit the use of seatbelt extenders.
  • Always follow airline and crew instructions regarding seatbelt extender use.

If you think you may need an extender, requesting one early can help avoid stress once boarding is underway.

Armrests and Seating Space

Some airline policies use armrests to define seating space. In many cases, passengers may be expected to sit with the armrest lowered. If the armrest cannot stay down, the airline may require a seat change or an additional seat depending on its policy.

Keep in mind that some seats have fixed armrests, including certain bulkhead, exit row, premium economy or extra-legroom seats. These seats may also have tray tables stored in the armrest, which can make the seat feel narrower.

Review aircraft seating maps before selecting your seat whenever possible. Information on aircraft types is usually available when booking flights, and additional information can be found on websites such as SeatGuru.

Choosing the Right Seat

The best seat is the one that meets your personal comfort and mobility needs.

Window Seat

Many travelers prefer a window seat because it:

  • Allows you to settle in without needing to move for others
  • Provides a surface to lean against
  • Reduces contact with aisle traffic and service carts

Aisle Seat

An aisle seat may be preferable if you:

  • Need frequent access to the restroom
  • Prefer more freedom of movement
  • Want easier access to stand and stretch

Keep in mind that aisle seats may experience bumps from passengers and carts moving through the cabin.

Seat Considerations

Some extra-legroom, bulkhead or premium economy seats may have:

  • Fixed armrests
  • Slightly different seat widths
  • Tray tables stored in the armrests
  • Restrictions on seatbelt extender use

Choose the option that best supports your comfort, safety and mobility needs.

Take Care of Yourself During the Flight

Cabin pressure, altitude and long periods of sitting can affect how our bodies feel during air travel.

Stay Comfortable and Healthy

  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
  • Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing through security.
  • Pack healthy snacks to avoid relying on expensive airport options.
  • Keep all medications in your carry-on luggage.
  • Move your feet and ankles regularly to promote circulation.
  • Stand and stretch when it is safe to do so.
  • Ask your healthcare provider whether compression socks may be beneficial during travel.

Quick Travel Checklist

Before you leave for the airport, consider keeping these items with you:

  • Airline seating or Customer of Size policy
  • Confirmation for any extra seat purchased
  • Plan for requesting pre-boarding
  • Medications in your carry-on bag
  • Medical device labels or documentation, if needed
  • Empty water bottle
  • Healthy snacks
  • Mobility device information, if applicable
  • TSA Cares information, if needed

Remember: You Belong Here

Travel should not be limited by body size. Planning ahead, understanding airline policies and advocating for your needs can help create a more comfortable experience.

Every passenger deserves to travel with dignity, safety and respect. Whether you are flying for vacation, healthcare, work, advocacy, family or adventure, know that you have the right to occupy space and travel with confidence.