How To Ask For A Seat Belt Extender With Confidence

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I remember the first time I learned about seat belt extenders. I was on a flight with my mom (also a plus-size lady) and she was struggling to get the belt to buckle. She was able the get it all the way around, but it just wouldn’t latch.

She was utterly embarrassed to ask for a seatbelt extender so I did it for her. I wasn’t embarrassed because it wasn’t for me, but then just a few years later, the day came where I had to ask for my own seatbelt extender.

At first, I was embarrassed, but I remembered a few things that helped me confidently ask for a seatbelt extender despite my embarrassment.

First, let’s get this out of the way, each airline is different and every situation is different. These are the tips I’ve personally used over the last few years when a seatbelt doesn’t fit. I suggest looking up your airline’s policy to help better navigate the situation.

Because each scenario is different, let’s start with the most common.

My seatbelt doesn’t fit, HELP!

You get onto the plane, find your seat, pop your earbuds in, and just as you go to buckle… “Sh*t! it doesn’t fit!”

Your heart is probably racing and you try again. Maybe if you suck it in, move around a little… NOTHING IS WORKING!!!!

With frustration and embarrassment, you have conceded to the fact that your seatbelt doesn’t fit.

DO NOT TALK NEGATIVELY TO YOURSELF!

This seems to be the first instinct many of us take in this situation, but I promise you that it won’t do you any good for the next 3-18 hours of airtime you will have.

Breathe! No one on this flight knows you, they don’t have any investment in your life!

Look around, do you see the flight attendant?

If not, you will have to press the dreaded button. If you have to hit the attendee button, most of the time they will not answer it until the majority of individuals are seated or your section is seated.

Now, most, unfortunately not all, flight attendants are very nice about the situation. Some even can interpret before you ask!

To ask for a seat belt extender, use as few words as possible “may I have a seatbelt extender please” or “may I have an extender please” has done the trick for me. You don’t need to explain anything!

Usually, the flight attendant hands it to you discreetly and moves on with their tasks of getting the plane ready for flight. Honestly, this is the most helpful thing, especially for first-time fliers.

Asking for a seatbelt extender

I think if you need an extender we all have been in that first scenario at some point unless you come prepared with your own!

But if you don’t own your own seatbelt extender there are a few ways to ask.

At the front desk
1. This allows the airline crew to let the flight attendants know but I will be honest, this doesn’t always work!
Right as you board
1. Many airlines will have the extenders right at the front of the plane where you board. However it has been seen that this can fluster many flight attendants and can hold up the line while they scramble for it.
Ask the flight attendant by your section before seating
1. This usually is great for larger flights and I see that it works multiple times. Limited embarrassment because no one is paying attention as they hunt for their seats.
Ask once seated
1. Hit the call button, it might be embarrassing, but you are being proactive and not waiting until they close the doors
Wait for the seatbelt check
1. This one can be risky, especially if there are multiple individuals who need them. However, this can sometimes be the easiest way to ask because they are in the mindset already.

Conclusion

Remember, no one knows you on this flight. Keep being you! A seatbelt extender is there to keep you safe.

Flight attendants and airlines are aware that not everyone fits in the normal seats, they are prepared to make sure your trip is safe and worry-free as much as possible. But if you are worried about asking for an extender, we completely understand because we have been there ourselves!