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Original poster

Do I need to book two plane seats?!

135 replies

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 16:57

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?!

OP posts:
HollyMcDolly · 05/08/2026 17:56

youalright · 05/08/2026 17:54

She is a normal person

Show quote history

Normal size then

LemonSnail · 05/08/2026 17:56

Could you switch to an aisle seat?

ManyATrueWord · 05/08/2026 17:55

I'm a big fat 26 and was fine on Ryan Air. In fact the young man with large shoulders was in my space way more than I was in his.

Onefairfish · 05/08/2026 17:54

I used to be a size 22 and have never had any problems fitting into a seat on a plane, even tiny ones flying to the Isle of Man. I wouldn’t worry about it.

youalright · 05/08/2026 17:54

HollyMcDolly · 05/08/2026 17:53

Only if you think you’ll need an extra seat obviously, are you that big you might encroach on a normal persons space?

She is a normal person

HollyMcDolly · 05/08/2026 17:53

Only if you think you’ll need an extra seat obviously, are you that big you might encroach on a normal persons space?

youalright · 05/08/2026 17:53

Aren't seats in cars and other public transport very similar size to a plane seat so if you can fit in a car, train, bus then your good

Howyoudoings · 05/08/2026 17:51

I think you will be fine if you are sitting next to a friend or family

icingonmycupcake · 05/08/2026 17:49

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 16:57

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?!

No. Enjoy your holiday. 🌸

Bryonyberries · 05/08/2026 17:48

I flew at size 20 a few years ago and didn’t need two seats or an extender. Arm rests do lift up if you happen to have a free seat next to you to make things comfy.

Plane travel isn’t the most comfortable in economy but the bright side is you’re usually going/returning from somewhere far from home. I always try to remind myself how amazing it is that we can go so far so fast today.

WearyAuldWumman · 05/08/2026 17:47

I fitted Ryan Air when I was a size 20. You’re fine.

StrangewaysHereWeCome · 05/08/2026 17:46

No, don't be daft. I'm a size 18 and comfortably fit in any seats apart from the swings at the park, which to be fair are not intended for adult women. I think particularly if you are tall it's surprising how not that fat size 18 can be. My BMI is 28.5 so definitely overwieght but definitely not obese either.

JudyTeeny · 05/08/2026 17:45

My friend's size 22-24 and she has never needed two seats on any flight, including budget ones like Ryanair or Wizz.

WallaceinAnderland · 05/08/2026 17:43

I would have booked an aisle seat but you'll be fine in a single seat space unless you have a larger person next to you as well.

Chefpig · 05/08/2026 17:42

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 16:57

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?!

Noooo. I'm a size 26, 22 stone and I fit in a seat fine with no overhang to the other seats and can usually do the seat belt up, but if not get an extension. You will be absolutely fine at a size 18!

MojoJojo71 · 05/08/2026 17:39

You’ll be fine, I’m a size 18/20 and flew with Ryanair yesterday with no issue.

enjoy your trip ✈️

thisandthats · 05/08/2026 17:39

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 17:21

No, I don’t. I’ve never flown before and I’m sure it would be uncomfortable if I was too big

Show quote history

Enjoy your first flight! It'll be magic. Treat yourself to a G&T on board if you drink and a chocolate bar if you don't, relax and watch the clouds go by x

Any1ForTennis · 05/08/2026 17:39

If you carry a lot of weight in your legs a window seat might be a bit cramped as you'll have to wedge both legs in to quite a small space. Also won't be able to lift the window side arm rest up and your middle seat neighbour might prefer their armrest down.

thisandthats · 05/08/2026 17:38

Size 18 is just not that huge hun! Take a look at Sofie Hagan at her biggest and that was the size she started having to buy 2 seats (she explained this as her reason for intentionally losing weight, her body her choice), but she was waaaaaay bigger than that.

BashfulClam · 05/08/2026 17:36

I flew long and short haul at a size 20 and it was fine. Didn’t need an extra seat or a belt extender.

ThatCyanCat · 05/08/2026 17:34

At a size 18 I shouldn't have thought so, I see plenty of people who are definitely bigger than that on planes without trouble all the time, even allowing for the fact that dress sizes don't mean anything.

Becuriousnotjudgemental1980 · 05/08/2026 17:34

I’m a size 24 and didn’t need an extra seat on an easyJet flight. Or a belt extender. 18 is a pretty ‘normal’ size I bet you’ll be ok.

suki1964 · 05/08/2026 17:33

Ive flown at size 18 and size 12

TBH its more comfortable at size 12, but you won't need a seatbelt extender and you will fit the seat, just you have to learn that the more of you, the less space there is for manoeuvring - easy jet dont give a lot of room

Short flight, you will be fine. When I was size 18 and went for a flight longer then 2.5 hours, we booked the extra leg room

For future flights, if flying alone, take the aisle - you can stretch the legs put when the trolley isnt out . Me and DH always book aisle seats adjacent

Misshollys · 05/08/2026 17:33

I've just flown Ryanair, I'm a 20/22 holding a lot of my weight on my middle.
The seat was fine, but the seat belt was fairly tight on way out, but no issues on way home, so you'll be fine.

WonderfulSmith · 05/08/2026 17:28

allthelonelyppl · 05/08/2026 17:19

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

I’m an 18 and have been fine on Ryanair. And I was going to suggest the window seat as I find it has more room than the aisle or middle seats.

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