There’s nothing like the fear of boarding an airplane and wondering if you’ll be able to fit in the seat. Even ignoring the embarrassment of asking a steward for an extender belt, there’s the singularly excruciating moment of sitting down, buckling in … and then realising you can’t get the arm rest down past your thigh. Or even worse, becoming best friends with the stranger sat next to you (as after a few hours in the air basically oozing into their lap, it would be hard pressed not to be). Guessing airplane seat widths is truly the stuff of nightmares.
So, to prepare as best you can, here is a basic overview list of some of the most well-known Airlines and their average seat width dimensions (range depending on plane type).
Note: Seat pitch is the space between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of or behind it. Basically, more seat pitch means more legroom.
This guide contains averages. For detailed seat widths on specific jets, seatguru.com is a fantastic resource.
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2 thoughts on “Will I Fit? An Overview of Airplane Seat Widths”
Hello, I have enjoyed reading your blog! it has definitely helped elevate some of the stress I am feeling about going on my first trip! I leave for Japan next Friday and although I am ecstatic, I’m also super nervous about the plane ride. I was wondering if you could share your experience? I am a size 22/24 and I’m nervous about if I should have bought a second seat (which I really could not afford) and if I’ll need a seatbelt extender. Thank you so much for your help and sharing your experiences though this blog! <3
Hi! How exciting for you!! Don’t be nervous, you’ll be absolutely fine. Although it might be a slight squeeze, you should fit in the seat well enough, depending on who you’re flying with. I doubt there was need to purchase an extra seat, it’s certainly something I’ve never done, or had to do. But you’ll likely have to use a belt extender. Usually, the stewards are very discreet. Ask them upon boarding to provide you with one, and they’ll either pass you one immediately, or bring one to your seat later if you tell them your seat number. When you’re not sleeping, try to get up and move around at least once an hour, to keep the circulation going. And drink lots of water, the recycled air will proper dry you out. Good luck, and enjoy Japan!!
Hello, I have enjoyed reading your blog! it has definitely helped elevate some of the stress I am feeling about going on my first trip! I leave for Japan next Friday and although I am ecstatic, I’m also super nervous about the plane ride. I was wondering if you could share your experience? I am a size 22/24 and I’m nervous about if I should have bought a second seat (which I really could not afford) and if I’ll need a seatbelt extender. Thank you so much for your help and sharing your experiences though this blog! <3
Hi! How exciting for you!! Don’t be nervous, you’ll be absolutely fine. Although it might be a slight squeeze, you should fit in the seat well enough, depending on who you’re flying with. I doubt there was need to purchase an extra seat, it’s certainly something I’ve never done, or had to do. But you’ll likely have to use a belt extender. Usually, the stewards are very discreet. Ask them upon boarding to provide you with one, and they’ll either pass you one immediately, or bring one to your seat later if you tell them your seat number. When you’re not sleeping, try to get up and move around at least once an hour, to keep the circulation going. And drink lots of water, the recycled air will proper dry you out. Good luck, and enjoy Japan!!