Do I need to book two plane seats?!

allthelonelyppl · 2026-08-05T15:57:31+00:00

I’m flying for the first time this summer. I’m a UK size 18. I’ve just had the horrible thought that I might have needed to buy two seats?! Do I?! Flying easyJet and Ryanair. If I do, do I just ring them and ask?!

Justaquestionplease · 05/08/2026 16:58

Size 18 is fairly unremarkable...I imagine you'll be fine

Justbecauseyoucandoesntmeanyoushould · 05/08/2026 16:59

No, you'll be fine.

Sparrowsandbudgies · 05/08/2026 16:59

You’ll be fine. I’m a 22 and never have any issues.

Nsky62 · 05/08/2026 17:00

Justaquestionplease · 05/08/2026 16:58

Size 18 is fairly unremarkable...I imagine you'll be fine

I’m a reasonable 16, at 18 you should be ok

Anatomical · 05/08/2026 17:00

You'll be fine but if you're worried just Google the seat width for the plane you'll likely be flying - find something comparable and give it a try 😉

zurigo · 05/08/2026 17:00

The seat dimensions are available online OP. I would look them up and measure yourself to ensure that you will be comfortable. If you need a seatbelt extender that can be provided at the time - just ask a member of the cabin crew. You should be confident that you will fit comfortably between the armrests as these need to be down for takeoff and landing (they can be up otherwise, if you're seated next to someone who doesn't mind).

Buzzlightfear · 05/08/2026 17:02

No you don't. I was a size 22 a couple of years ago and never had any issues.

IberianLynx · 05/08/2026 17:02

I’m the same size and have never had an issue, don’t need a belt extension or anything. I also always sit next to someone in my family that is slim but tbh don’t ‘spill’ into their seat anyway. Enjoy the holiday.

ThisOliveKoala · 05/08/2026 17:03

I would book two seats , you may be fine but will your neighbour be? I’ve been sat next to someone of a larger build and they did come onto my space. It couldn’t be helped, surface area is surface area, but it was very uncomfortable for me, and I’m sure for them too.

CasperGutman · 05/08/2026 17:03

You'll be fine. Relax. I'm a fairly large man - I'm pretty sure I wouldn't fit into a women's size 18 - and I have no problems in economy plane seats.

BasketCaseBug · 05/08/2026 17:04

I don't think you need two seats. Have a great holiday!

DreadedInn · 05/08/2026 17:04

You will be absolutely fine as an 18

Pashazade · 05/08/2026 17:04

You’ll be fine. I’ve flown at size 18/20 for years and never encroached on my neighbour or needed an extra seat.

TheJuryIsOut · 05/08/2026 17:04

ThisOliveKoala · 05/08/2026 17:03

I would book two seats , you may be fine but will your neighbour be? I’ve been sat next to someone of a larger build and they did come onto my space. It couldn’t be helped, surface area is surface area, but it was very uncomfortable for me, and I’m sure for them too.

Size 18 isn't really a "larger build" it's potentially slightly bigger than average and people of that size don't spill over into the next seat.

MyDarlingRose · 05/08/2026 17:05

No at an 18 you will be fine and not unusual. You may want a seatbelt extender for comfort. Ask staff if so - sometimes the belts have been cut and resewn due to damage many times which shortens them so don’t be embarrassed to get one from an FA if wanted.

cardibach · 05/08/2026 17:06

As others have said, up to a 22 I’ve been fine with arm rests down and not even needed a belt extender. It does vary from airline to airline though - Ryanair are skimpy on bot seat and belt for eg.
At 18 you’ll be fine (I’m 16/18 now and was fine even on Ryan air)

MissMoneyFairy · 05/08/2026 17:06

The maximum seat width is 18" so measure your bottom and hiops so you're comfortable and not taking,up any room on the seat next to you

afromom · 05/08/2026 17:08

You’ll be fine, I have travelled all sizes from 14 to 24 regularly on a wide range of planes, Ryan air included. I always book an aisle seat so I have room to spread out if I need and it’s easier to get in and out when I need to stretch. I still do this now as a 12/14. You will be fine at 18.

hahabahbag · 05/08/2026 17:10

You’ll be fine, I’m your size and fit with space to spare

Jeschara · 05/08/2026 17:10

ThisOliveKoala · 05/08/2026 17:03

I would book two seats , you may be fine but will your neighbour be? I’ve been sat next to someone of a larger build and they did come onto my space. It couldn’t be helped, surface area is surface area, but it was very uncomfortable for me, and I’m sure for them too.

Rubbish. The person you were sitting next to would have been bigger than a size 18. I am a Size 16 and I had plenty of room in my seat and caused no one to be uncomfortable.
Don't order two seats you really dont need to. Ignore the silly poster I quoted.

Culpeper · 05/08/2026 17:12

I’m not sure that a size 18 is 2 seats fat.

aliasfrog · 05/08/2026 17:13

I dont think you need 2 seats at size 18. However you might want 2, if it's a long flight. I'm a size 4-6 and feel crammed into plane seats as it is!!! I'd be booking 2 for a long flight if I could afford it.

SpottyPyjama · 05/08/2026 17:18

At a size 18 you will be fine. Are you travelling alone or with friends and family. It’s much easier if you are with people who know and love you because if you are at all uncomfortable you can lift the arm rests and share their tray.

Original poster

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 17:18

MissMoneyFairy · 05/08/2026 17:06

The maximum seat width is 18" so measure your bottom and hiops so you're comfortable and not taking,up any room on the seat next to you

I’m wider than that! Oh god! I’m flying alone so no prospect of being sat next to family

OP posts:

Original poster

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 17:19

I’ve also booked a window seat which now seems like a stupid idea

OP posts: