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Original poster

How to ask for a seat belt extension?

112 replies

BusyCM · 05/05/2024 09:07

I'm really embarrassed so please no telling me I should lose weight....I know that.

But when we go on holiday this summer I am dreading needing a seat belt extension. When, who, where should I ask for this?

Thank you.

OP posts:
DaisyDonaldDucks · 05/05/2024 09:10

I don't know for sure but I'd ring up the airline and ask for one. Using the number for accessibility arrangements.

DazedAndKerfuddled · 05/05/2024 09:11

You can ask for them as you enter the plane, they should have some handy and then you can go to your seat

Original poster
BusyCM · 05/05/2024 09:11

DaisyDonaldDucks · 05/05/2024 09:10

I don't know for sure but I'd ring up the airline and ask for one. Using the number for accessibility arrangements.

Really? Oh god this is far more humiliating than I expected.

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 05/05/2024 09:12

Ask one of the cabin crew who greets you as the board the plane. They’ll check your seat number on the boarding pass and bring one to you.

MotherOfRatios · 05/05/2024 09:12

I've just flown Ryanair the girl next to me needed one she just raised her hand and they brought her one

Roselilly36 · 05/05/2024 09:14

Don’t work yourself up over it OP, cabin crew won’t make a fuss and will be used to this request, just ask a member of the crew when you get to your seat, and it will be supplied to you. Enjoy your holiday.

Original poster
BusyCM · 05/05/2024 09:15

OK that seems easier. I will ask as I board. Thank-you.

OP posts:
LindorDoubleChoc · 05/05/2024 09:17

Just ask on board, you don't have to arrange anything in advance. You won't be the only one, promise!

milkysmum · 05/05/2024 09:17

You can either ask as you are boarding, or once you are seated. Just casually ask the cabin crew if you can get a seat belt extender. They will bring you one over. They are well used to this and won't bet an eyelid.

FawnFrenchieMum · 05/05/2024 09:18

Yes as others have said either ask as you board if you know you definitely need one (there will be 2/3 stood in the entrance) or if your unsure, just ask when they start walking down the plane. They see it a million times a day and won’t bat an eyelid.

Wolfpa · 05/05/2024 09:18

The cabin are pretty good at sizing people up, you may find that they will give you one automatically.

whatever happens it will be subtle they are never going to make a big deal out of it.

DuckBee · 05/05/2024 09:22

Just buy one? Think ours was £12 off Amazon. Comes in a lovely little velvet bag and no drama :-)

Original poster
BusyCM · 05/05/2024 09:28

DuckBee · 05/05/2024 09:22

Just buy one? Think ours was £12 off Amazon. Comes in a lovely little velvet bag and no drama :-)

I had no idea you could do this, I'll take a look!

OP posts:
Quitelikeacatslife · 05/05/2024 09:38

I've seen other threads asking if likely to need one, I'm size 22 and don't need one on jet 2, in fact plenty to spare

artfuldodgerjack · 05/05/2024 09:44

Last time I flew, the woman next to me didn't need to ask, they just brought one over to her.

BeyondMyWits · 05/05/2024 09:48

Where does your fat sit ? Mine is all belly (unhealthy I know, I'm working on it). I am size 22 with a big belly and don't need one because the belt sits over the top of my legs under my belly (even fits on Ryanair!). Have you needed one in the past?

BestNewsSinceLePouDied · 05/05/2024 10:01

I mean this in the kindest, warmest way.
If you buy your own extender, yes it might mean you're not as embarrassed when you board the plane. But it will also mean you're 'comfortable' with the idea. So there's no incentive to think, ok, this year I will need one, but by next year's holiday I will have lost x pounds.

For this holiday, ask the cabin crew, they are very much used to it and it will be done discreetly. But, if you do want to lose weight, use this as the kicker to change.

R41nb0wR0se · 05/05/2024 10:06

Please don't buy one - there's no guarantee it would meet the same safety standards. I've always asked once sat down (the length of the standard seatbelts seems to vary, so I don't always need one.

Definitely no need to ring up in advance either.

afaloren · 05/05/2024 10:09

I wouldn’t buy one, it will be a much bigger deal if they spot it and make you switch to theirs for safety reasons. Just ask as you board, no big deal.

Original poster
BusyCM · 05/05/2024 10:10

BestNewsSinceLePouDied · 05/05/2024 10:01

I mean this in the kindest, warmest way.
If you buy your own extender, yes it might mean you're not as embarrassed when you board the plane. But it will also mean you're 'comfortable' with the idea. So there's no incentive to think, ok, this year I will need one, but by next year's holiday I will have lost x pounds.

For this holiday, ask the cabin crew, they are very much used to it and it will be done discreetly. But, if you do want to lose weight, use this as the kicker to change.

Nothing about your message is kind or warm. I said in my OP I don't need to be shamed and told to lose weight. I have gone through a very traumatic event this year, my weight has not and is not a priority. I wish to enjoy my family holiday without humiliation or embarrassment or indeed to have myself a 'kicker'.

Thank-you for the unsolicited advice. People like you can't help yourself, even when politely requested not to do this.

OP posts:
FoodieToo · 05/05/2024 10:19

BestNewsSinceLePouDied · 05/05/2024 10:01

I mean this in the kindest, warmest way.
If you buy your own extender, yes it might mean you're not as embarrassed when you board the plane. But it will also mean you're 'comfortable' with the idea. So there's no incentive to think, ok, this year I will need one, but by next year's holiday I will have lost x pounds.

For this holiday, ask the cabin crew, they are very much used to it and it will be done discreetly. But, if you do want to lose weight, use this as the kicker to change.

In all my years on this site I think this is the most horrible , patronising comment I have ever read !! Oh my god.

And as for ringing up in advance . Why do people give ‘advice’ that they are just making up ??

Just put up you hand and they’ll give you one . Have a lovely holiday !

Roryhon · 05/05/2024 10:23

BusyCM · 05/05/2024 09:15

OK that seems easier. I will ask as I board. Thank-you.

No don’t ask as you board, they’re busy doing boarding. It’s better to ask the crew member nearest to your seat. It helps if you ask sooner rather than later so they can get everything sorted before doors close. Don’t feel embarrassed- crew are asked for them all the time. (ex crew here)

InTheRainOnATrain · 05/05/2024 10:24

Don’t buy your own because they’ll make you swap to theirs if they spot it so not only is it a waste of money, it also risks making a scene. The crew will be at the door when you board so just ask them and they’ll bring it to you. No big deal.

Octaviathethird · 05/05/2024 10:24

We've just flown on easyJet, I just asked a passing crew member for an extender once we were sat down and I'd established I needed one. I'm a size 24 and it was only an inch too small, I probably could have squeezed in but I didn't want to be uncomfortable!

Original poster
BusyCM · 05/05/2024 10:26

Thank you for the reassuring messages that it's a fairly common request and the cabin crew will be used to it.

I carry my weight on my bottom half hence the assumption I will probably need an extension.

OP posts: