AIBU to think I will need a seatbelt extender

[ForRubyZebra]

Hi, I’m due to fly to Spain with TUI on a Boeing 737-800 and I am panicking my about whether the seatbelt will fit I have asked what length their belts are and they have said 33inches, so would I need to measure sitting down from either side of my hips? For reference I’m a size 22 weigh 17 stone 9 5”5 woman and have an apron belly however on a diet and 4 weeks ago weighed 18 stone 12 lbs so it is coming off but due to fly in 6 weeks
YABIU = won’t fit need an extender
YANBIU= it will fit fine
im fully aware that this is my own fault :)

It's no one's fault OP. Please don't worry. Just ask a member of cabin crew for an extender when you board; I promise they won't even blink.

PS have a lovely holiday :)

You might be ok with TUI. It tends to be the budget airlines that have the shorter belts fitted. But even if you do need an extender, it’ll be absolutely fine. Just request it when cabin crew come round at boarding and you’ll be passed one discreetly.

I don’t think anyone here can tell you that you won’t need one because being honest at that size you might, but it will depend on your measurements and shape. If you do need one then ask the staff and they will get you one no fuss.

Does it matter if you do need one? Everyone travelling with an infant on their lap will be handed one too so nobody will notice or care.

Well done on your loss so far 😊

Potentially you may need one, some seatbelts apparently have the same lengths but often feel quite different!

Just ask for one as you board, they'll often have them to hand, if not they'll bring one down to you.

Its difficult to say - it really depends on where your weight sits. I have lost 6 stone and I still need an extender, because the weight has come off everywhere but my big belly. I'm hoping the last three stone will come off there.
I have seen men with massive beer bellies comfortably use a 'normal' belt and thats because their weight is carried higher and not on the hips

But, honestly, just ask for one when you board. The airline crew get this every flight, they are discreet and you shouldn't worry. Enjoy your holiday.

The last time I flew, the lady next to me asked for an extender and the stewardess already had a couple in her hand, ready to give out.

I have not voted because it’s not your fault and depending on the airline you may or may not fit.

Please don’t worry, just quietly ask the crew once you have tried the belt. Please don’t have it so tight it is uncomfortable rather than ask for an extender.

I use an extender and have done so for years.

I think you'll be fine, I'm a 22 and haven't needed one with tui, jet 2 or Singapore. But if you do so what? Please don't worry, just have a wonderful holiday

Ah don't worry about it OP, if you do you do. They are quite discreet. I needed one once on the way out but didn't on the way back, it can be a bit pot luck. I was 21 stone then though and it was the first time so you might be fine!

Please don’t worry about this, if you need one you need one.
its fine, airlines hand them out all the time and no one cares.

you are the only one judging you, so be nice to yourself.

also, well done on losing weight.
it’s not easy but you’re doing it well!

Last time I flew I was a 20 and fitted in the belt with room. I know if differs between airlines but you may well find you're ok. There's no shame in asking, but if it's stressing you out you can buy them on amazon for under £10.

I've flown while weighing significantly more than that (being similar height and general shape) and never needed a lap belt extender! It's been tight at times but not impossible. That's flying with Aer Lingus and Brussels Airllines.

Remember you can put the seat belt around the top of your thighs, not around your waist. You should be fine.

Don't ask when you board. If you end up needing one just ask a passing cabin crew quietly and they will bring it to you without fuss.

Size 24.
22st.
5'10.

Only airline I've ever needed an extender was Ryan Air.

I just flew with easyjet and I'm bigger than you, seatbelt managed fine but sat higher up as most weight is around hips. I just about managed to use it, probably should of asked for an extender to be super comfortable and have it sitting lower down but it was a super.short flight so couldn't be bothered

I too am your shape, although a little taller, and heavier, most of the time I need an extender, it is no problem just to ask the crew.
Last flight I was up the front in business class and needed one as the belts can be short or variable anywhere on the plane, if I sat in the window seat the belt had ample room, but not the aisle one, my DH likes the window so I got an extender

I needed a seatbelt extender the last time I flew, not an issue. I quietly asked the staff as I boarded and they brought one to my seat. I'm a bit heavier than you but around the same height. I could fasten the seatbelt on TUI but didn't have much room to spare, and I like to be able to keep the seatbelt fastened but loosen off a bit when the seatbelt sign goes off.

You can buy them on Amazon if you don't want to ask for one!

You might not NEED one, but you'll be comfier with one.

Honestly there’s no one who can give you an answer to this because it doesn’t just depend on weight it’s also about how it’s distributed and your specific shape. I’ve known people who are a size 18 need one and people who are a 26 not.

A family member worried about this and it was fine. None needed. They were told not to buy their own though as some airlines don’t accept them, it has to be theirs. Probably for insurance or something.

The woman on a flight opposite aisle to me was about your size op and was fine...but even if you do need one, so what? The staff won't bat an eyelid and will just fetch you one.

Congrats on the weight loss by the way.

Im a size 18 and big on my tummy. Mine just about fit. I think i could have done with am extender tbh