Jetblue Policy for Plus-size Travelers
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Since we originally launched our Airline Policies for Plus-size travelers in 2018, the travel industry has changed a lot.
While Jetblue does not have a predefined policy for plus-size travelers, they do offer some guidelines to make your travel easier and more comfortable on your next trip.
Policy for Overweight Passengers
Like many airlines, Jetblue asks their customers to utilize the armrest as the guide for the need for a second seat. If you are not able to lower the armrest or you are infringing on your neighbors’ space Jetblue asks that you be proactive and purchase a second seat before your departure.
The cost of purchasing a second seat can sometimes inhibit travelers from considering flying, but similar to Southwest’s customer of size policy, Jetblue does offer you an opportunity to get your cost back on a second seat. However, to do this you must request a cancellation prior to departure.
The refund will be provided in a Jetblue Travel Bank Credit that you can utilize at a later date.
Just know that if you do decide to cancel a non-refundable ticket prior to departure your second seat might be sold last minute prior to departure.
Can You Get a Complimentary Second Seat?
Most airlines will switch your seat if the plane is not fully booked so you can sit next to an open seat, however, when flights are full this is not likely going to be the case.
Jetblue does not offer complimentary second seats unless you ask when checking in either at the ticket booth or the departure desk. If there are no available seats to move to, the flight crew can assist in finding you a seat that will be more comfortable for both you and your seat neighbors.
Purchasing a Second Seat for Plus-size Travelers
Purchasing your second seat is best done through Jetblue and not a second party like Expedia.
Option 1 for booking:
Once you have found your flight, you will want to select two seats in the same fare option (example Basic Blue, Mint, etc).
When on the traveler details page enter your detailed information for the first seat then you will want to select “This is an empty seat” for your second.
With the box checked you will see a dropdown menu to tag which traveler will be next to the empty seat.
After you have selected the traveler for your second seat you can move on to seat selection.
Option 2 for booking:
Following the normal booking process, select 2 travelers.
Enter the first and last name of the traveler in the flight details.
When entering the information for the second seat include the last name and ‘EXST’ for the first name.
Learn more about this option here.
Flying Jetblue
Currently, Jetblue flies to 100 locations including Latin America, the Caribbean, and London beyond the U.S.
Seat Sizes
There are 9 models of planes in the Jetblue fleet, each of which has different seat sizes and pitches.
Airbus A320
Layout 1 – 320
Seat Pitch: 34 inches or 38-39 inches (depends on the selected seat)
Seat Width: 17.8 inches
Layout 1 – 32M
Seat Pitch: 32, 35 and 38 inches
Seat Width: 18.4 inches
Airbus A321
Non-Mint – 321
Seat Pitch: 32 or 37-41 inches
Seat Width: 18 inches
Mint – 321
Seat Pitch: 33 or 37-41 inches
Seat Width: 18 inches
Airbus A321neo
Seat Pitch: 32 inches or 35-38 inches
Seat Width: 18 inches
Embraer E-190
Seat Pitch: 32 or 39 inches
Seat Width: 18.25 inches
Airbus A321
Mint – 32S
Seat Pitch: 58-60 inches
Seat Width: 20.5 – 22 inches
How do you know which aircraft you are booked on?
When selecting your flight click to expand the flight information. Here you will see a section with the labeling of “equipment”, this is where you will see the plane model.
Can I use a seatbelt extender?
The average seatbelt length on each seat is about 45 inches long.
Jetblue does provide seatbelt extenders that are about 25 inches long, but you can only utilize one of their provided seatbelt extenders per flight.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a seatbelt extender, if it is your first time here are some tips we have from our own experiences.
Many plus-size travelers opt to bring their own seatbelt extenders. In this case, just know that Jetblue uses Type A seatbelts of the aircraft buckles.
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American Airlines Policy for Portly Passengers
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