Hi

So I know I'm big. I' in the process of losing (currently 23 stone ish and 5ft 11)- I fit fine on the virgin plane i flew last week there and back with an extender only needed on the return flight.. It was a bit tight but plane seats are. I wear 26 UK size clothes.



However I am terrified of the Ryanair flight I have in a week. I should fit in the seat especially cause I'm sitting next to a friend but I'm terrified about the seatbelt.



I spoke to Ryanair livechat and they said the belts are 30 inches and the extender only adds 14 inches max (which seems really small compared to other planes. I always thought extenders added like 20 inches!) I' even more scared now that i won' fit EVEN with an extendor. Has anyone got any Ryanair experience? Please. I've cried and had panic attacks every night over this.

Seat belts are generally pretty much the same on all airlines, however what happens often is that during maintenance when the ends are frayed they just cut off and re-stitch the end of the belt, so it becomes shorter and shorter until it is unusable then it is replaced. Especially at Ryanair I'd imagine this to be common, so try get on early and see if surrounding seats have longer belts if yours is too short and then ask to switch.

You can remove this uncertainty by buying your own seatbelt extender. Amazon has them.

In theory can you not use two extenders? Don't know how airlines are with you using your own.

Welcome to FT, CANARY115.

Moderator Note: Please follow the thread as it relocates to the Other European Airlines forum. Thank you.

From my own experience (well, family experience) this should be fine. I know people who have used extenders on Ryanair before and never have a problem. I would also suggest an aisle seat (if you haven't already got one that is) as these give you a bit more space to stretch out and you don't feel quite as claustrophobic in the C/D seats as apposed to middle or window seats

Can I ask how you went on with Ryan air seats I'm about the same size and flying with them soon

Welcome FlyerTalk Robbo2302, it’s lovely to see you here and I hope you continue joining in discussions. I wouldn’t worry, I’ve noticed no difference in Ryanair seatbelt sizes compared to other airlines. If you find the seatbelt works well for you on other airlines (either with or without an extension) then I’m sure you’ll have the same experience with Ryanair. Please feel free to come back and report your experience.

There was a tale some time ago that MOL saved a few pennies by asking for the seatbelts to be cut an inch shorter - in a similar fashion to the US airline that removed 1 olive from their martini and save thousands per year. I think there was some truth in that because as a long-time FR customer and remaining at a constant weight, I did notice that on the newer planes I needed an extender. I ended up investing in one from Amazon - only a few of quid. Once was I chided by the cabin steward who said that I was not allowed to bring my own on board but nobody has said anything for a long time.

Wow! I am not the only one that have realized this.
We were traveling as a group on AnadoluJet on a ex-Ryanair aircraft and realized that the seatbelt didn't fit for our 130kgs friend initially. Then after some adjustments in his seating style, we were able to buckle him up with help with the regular seatbelt.

Until this thread, I didn't knew that Ryanair seatbelts were shorter than OAL' so thanks folks for bringing this up. I have learned something new.