Although all airlines are required to carry seat belt extenders, they are more generally used by the flight attendants for demonstrating how to use your seatbelt. But, even if you fit into your seat, your specific size, body shape or disability may require you to need and extension. On US Airways, simply ask the attendant for one during boarding, or if you are already in your seat, press your call bell, and request one. Once you have taken your seat on the airplane, it’s usually a bit late to start thinking on how to be more comfortable on the flight, however, there are some things you can do before your next trip, or even if your stuffed in the middle seat on your current flight; there’s still some things you can do to get a bit more comfortable.
Let’s start with booking your next flight. First, always ask for an aisle seat. Especially if you are on the Boeing 737 series. They have a narrower seat at 17 inches, and a smaller seat pitch of 30 inches, which is the distance from the back of the seat in front of you, to your back rest. This will be similar on the Boeing 757 and 767 series, but the pitch will be 31 to 32 inches. The Airbus is much more comfortable as they provide a pitch of 31 inches and each seat in coach is 18 inches wide. Always avoid the last row of seats in any aircraft as they do not recline. Beware of first and business class as well. Although you may have more legroom, most of the seats have the tray tables that extend out of the armrests, so you are not able to lift them to give you a few extra inches of hip room.
US Airways uses the type “C” extension on all its airplanes. It is 28 inches long and also recognizable by its teardrop buckle shape. If you do purchase your own seat belt extension for US Airways, it must match the specification of those models that are found on the aircraft. Although the extenders are normally used for customers of size, they can also be helpful for anyone who may have difficulties in latching standard length belts. As with the airplane seat belts, extenders are designed and manufactured by Amsafe with the identical webbing and can withstand matching weight pressures. Most domestic airlines including US Airways tend to be very accommodating to its plus sized passengers, and will usually arrange for seating next to vacant seats if they are available.
If you make your reservation online and were not able to select your seat of choice, immediately call the reservations line at 1-800-428-4322 and see if you can reserve or book a better seat. If they are unable to assist you, on the day of your flight, check with the gate agent to see if they have any “preferred” seating. There may be an additional charge for a better seat, but well worth the expense on a five hour flight.
