climber45

I would like to take my daugher to HI. . someday. most of my miles are with alaskian air.She is about 5 feet tall and about 250,which is very large.she thinks if she buys her own seat extender for the belt it will be ok,and if her daugher,6 years old was next to her.I am very doubtful.I don't want her feelings hurt. maybe a 1 st class seat would be better . thanks for any help

Trekker5211

Here is an excerpt from Alaska's policy on second seats:

"Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air require the purchase of an additional seat for any customer who cannot comfortably fit within one seat with the armrests in a down position. Alaska Airlines and/or Horizon Air cannot guarantee travel on a given flight unless a second seat is purchased in advance."

And here is the policy on seatbelt extensions:

"The seat width on all Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air aircraft (armrest to armrest) is approximately 17 inches and the seatbelt length is 46 inches. Passengers needing extra coverage may ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extension, which adds 25 inches to the seatbelt length for a total of 71 inches. However, seatbelt extensions are not allowed in exit row seats.

Some passengers may need more room than the seat width allows and must occupy their own seat and a portion of the entire adjoining seat. The option to purchase an extra seat is available to those individuals who require this service based on our seat dimensions. For the safety and comfort of all customers, passengers meeting these requirements, will be required to purchase two seats."

robbylea

I am very overweight - about 5'8" and around 325 pounds - and I flew Continental last year from Austin to Newark to Manchester UK. Continental didn't even suggest buying an extra seat (I had never flown before) but I was lucky enough to have empty seats next to me in all but one of the flights. I wish I had bought two seats for that flight, because I was very uncomfortable. They had seatbelt extenders to borrow - I wouldn't waste the money on buying one unless she travels on a regular basis. It would probably work out fine with her though, being a bit smaller, and sitting next to a young child.

janisj

normally I'd say buy a second seat for her. But 250 lbs is not that huge (I know - on someone only 5' tall she is probably wider than some other 250 lb-ers.)

But she only needs the arm rest down during take off and landing. W/ the armrest up she and her daughter will have enough space. I'd never suggest she squeeze her little girl into a teensy corner of her seat. But a 6 yo and a 250 lb Mom would fit pretty well into their 2 seats during the main portion of the flight.

She does not need her own belt extender - the cabin staff will give her one.

If budget is no issue - or if you have enough miles for three seats - then yes, get her 2 of her own. They will be more comfortable and be able to stretch out a bit. Otherwise, I think 2 seats for the 2 of them will be OK.

dutyfree

I have never heard that your armrest has to be down for takeoffs and a landings? Also, every airline has seatbelt extensions as they are part of the emergency equipment check for flight attendants.

If you are flying to Hawaii(not sure what HI is?) then you might want to get two seats for comfort as those flights are ALWAYS full.

WillTravel

Make sure you find out from the airline how they can or will guarantee three seats together, because it would do little good to have the seats located separately, which apparently has happened to some people. Does she have trouble with theatres, cars, restaurant booths? If not, the airline seat is probably fine (or at least OK).

climber45

thanks for all the point of views and information.It is really hard to go up to a very large person and ask if he had to buy 2 seats,but at 250 she is really 2 people at 5 feet tall,according to the overweight carts.It really doesn't go into weight distribution or body % of fat again thanks for help