What are the Best Airlines for Larger People?

What are the Best Airlines for Larger People?

Finding comfort on a plane can be tricky, especially if you are a larger person. Airplane seats are often tight, legroom is limited, and the whole experience can feel uncomfortable if you don’t have the space you need.

Thankfully, some airlines do offer more room and better options for bigger passengers. If you are looking for the best airlines that cater to larger people, here are some options to keep in mind.

Image: A photo of a blue and white aeroplane flying against a clear blue sky during the daytime.

British Airways

British Airways (BA) is the UK’s flagship carrier and offers a comfortable flying experience, especially for larger passengers. In economy class, BA seats are typically around 17.5-18.5 inches wide and 31-32 inches of seat pitch (the space between your seat and the one in front of you).

For more space, you can upgrade to World Traveller Plus, which offers wider seats and more legroom. Business class is also a great option for a luxurious and roomy experience if your budget allows.

JetBlue

JetBlue is often praised for its spacious seats, especially in economy class. Their standard seats offer up to 18 inches of width, which is more generous compared to many other airlines. 

What really makes JetBlue stand out is the legroom. With about 32 to 34 inches of seat pitch, you will have more room to stretch out. And, if you want even more space, you can upgrade to their "Even More Space" seats, which offer up to 38 inches of pitch, giving you extra legroom for a more comfortable flight.

Delta Air Lines

Delta is another airline that offers comfort for larger passengers. They have seat widths ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the seat pitch is around 31 to 33 inches. While it is not as roomy as JetBlue, their Delta Comfort Plus seats offer extra legroom and a more spacious feel. 

Delta is also known for its great customer service, so if you have any concerns about seating, their staff is usually willing to help you find the most comfortable option.

Things to Consider When Booking a Flight as a Larger Passenger

Seat width - The wider the seat, the more comfortable you will feel. Look for airlines that offer at least 17 inches of seat width, and if possible, aim for 18 inches or more.

Seat pitch - This is the space between your seat and the seat in front of you. The more seat pitch you have, the more legroom you will get. Look for a seat pitch of at least 31 inches, but 34 inches or more is ideal for comfort.

Upgrade options - Many airlines offer seats with extra legroom or wider seats for an additional fee. If comfort is a priority, it is often worth spending a little more for these upgrades.

Conclusion

Flying as a larger person doesn’t have to be uncomfortable if you choose the right airline. Airlines like JetBlue, British Airlines, and Delta all offer more room and flexible policies to make sure you have a better experience.

They offer plenty of options, such as upgrading your flight ticket for extra legroom. You can also always try to book early to make sure to pick a wider seat with more space, more legroom, and easy access.