This Popular Airline Is Known To Be The Most Plus Size-Friendly

If you fly economy, you might've noticed that airplane seats have been shrinking for years. Compared to a few decades ago, seat width has decreased by about two inches, while legroom has been cut by up to five inches, depending on the carrier and aircraft. A few inches might not sound like much, but they can make a big difference in cramped cabins, especially for plus-size passengers. Travelers with more body mass sometimes struggle to fit comfortably in the tiny seats, making it difficult to fly for more than a couple of hours at a time. More critically, plus-size passengers can be removed from a flight if their seats aren't large enough to accommodate them and no additional space is available.

One workaround is the option of booking a second seat to ensure ample room, though this can come at a steep cost. That's where Southwest Airlines outperforms many of its competitors. The Dallas-based carrier is known to be the most plus-size friendly thanks to its extra seat policy for "customers of size." The policy states that larger customers can book a second seat for free, though the purchase may initially require payment, which is refunded after the flight. This beats the industry standard of requiring passengers to bear the full cost of two seats.

Securing a second seat is simple when flying Southwest. If you don't mind paying extra upfront, the best way to secure your spot is by booking two seats when making your trip reservation. You can do this by selecting two passengers and putting "XS" in the middle name field for the second passenger (the first and last names for both should be your name). While you'll be required to pay for two tickets, you can contact the airline after the flight to request a refund for the second ticket. With this option, you may want to consider getting priority boarding on Southwest to have first dibs on good seats (though this may be less necessary once the carrier shifts from open seating to assigned seating).

If you can't cover the cost of two tickets at once, another option is to request a second seat at the gate. Simply book one seat for one passenger as usual. Then, arrive at the airport early to discuss additional seating with the gate agent. Per Southwest's policy, they should accommodate your request for a second seat free of charge.

Keep in mind that you may also need to ask for a seatbelt extender to travel safely on the plane. You can ask a flight attendant for one when you enter the aircraft or after you sit down. A cabin crew member will promptly (and often discreetly) provide the extender, no questions asked.

If Southwest Airlines isn't available on your desired route, there are a few other airlines to consider. In the U.S., Alaska Airlines is an alternative that offers refunds for second seats, though they must be booked in advance (and not arranged at the gate). JetBlue is another option that notably doesn't offer free extra seats but makes up for it with spacious seating. Though JetBlue's economy seats are larger than many other airlines, it's wise to confirm the dimensions of your seat before flying to determine if one spot is enough. If it's not, an upgrade to premium economy may be sufficient.

Outside of the U.S., a few other airlines are known to be accommodating to plus-size travelers. North of the border, airlines such as Air Canada offer free extra seating due to federal regulations that classify obesity as a protected disability. Just be sure to contact the carrier at least 24 hours before departure to make arrangements. In Europe, some airlines, including Air France and KLM, offer significant discounts on second seats to help make the journey more affordable for larger passengers.

If you're headed to Asia, you may be pleasantly surprised to find larger seats than what you're used to. Japan Airlines, ANA, and Singapore Airlines are a few of the companies that offer a little extra space in economy. Still, you may need to upgrade to another class or book a second seat to feel comfortable on long flights.