Travel Tips for Plus-Sized Travelers: Flights, Cruises, and Excursions
- Mark Carpenter
- Mar 16
- 5 min read
Travel should be about discovery, adventure, and experiencing the world. If you’re a plus-sized traveler, you may occasionally encounter situations that average-sized travelers never even think about—but that doesn’t mean those experiences should stop you from exploring. With a little preparation and the right expectations, traveling comfortably and confidently is absolutely possible.
At my largest I was around 400lbs and 6ft 1, over the years I’ve had a few experiences that made me more aware of how body size can affect travel, and those moments taught me how to prepare and advocate for myself while still enjoying the journey. I’ve asked for a seatbelt extension on flights. I’ve had a seatmate make a rude comment. On one excursion I was even told I was too obese to participate in the activity I had booked.
At the same time, I’ve also had many positive experiences. Flight attendants have almost always been kind and professional. In several cases they’ve quietly asked if I would be more comfortable in another seat .
Those experiences also led me to look into what travel experts recommend for plus-sized travelers, especially when it comes to flying, cruising, and booking excursions. The good news is that a little knowledge goes a long way toward making travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Flying Tips for Plus-Sized Travelers
Air travel is often the biggest concern for plus-sized travelers, but a little preparation can make flights much easier.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, airlines must provide seatbelt extenders upon request at no cost. I try to handle this with a little humor. I get the flight attendant's attention and say, "I am going to need the big boy belt." They usually chuckle. By the way this doesn't necessarily work on an international flight. They may not necessarily get my humor or something is lost in translation.
Travel experts suggest:
• Choosing an aisle seat for more shoulder room
• Checking seat width and pitch before booking
• Requesting a seatbelt extender early during boarding
• Being cautious with bulkhead seats—while they can be great for taller travelers, they sometimes have fixed armrests and limited recline, which may make them uncomfortable for larger individuals.
Some airlines also offer policies allowing passengers to purchase a second seat if additional space is needed.
Why Cruises Are Great for Plus-Sized Travelers
Cruises are widely considered one of the most comfortable travel options for larger travelers.
Ships generally provide:
• seating in theaters that can sometimes feel tight, especially for taller travelers with limited leg room
• dining room seating that can occasionally be a concern, though attentive waitstaff will often help if you need a sturdier or more comfortable chair
• private staterooms where you can relax comfortably, though some stateroom bathrooms and showers can be quite small. Travelers who want more space may want to consider newer ships, accessible staterooms, or larger categories such as balcony or suite accommodations. Balcony staterooms can be especially nice because they provide extra room and a private outdoor space.
Tip: If the shower in your stateroom feels too confining, another option is to visit the ship’s fitness center, which often has locker rooms with larger shower facilities.
Choosing the Right Shore Excursions
One of the most common issues plus-sized travelers encounter involves excursions with physical limitations. Activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, or certain water sports may have weight limits for equipment safety.
I once wanted to take a helicopter ride on an excursion, but the pilot initially said he would have to weigh me and indicated he didn’t want me as a passenger. A wise friend traveling with me asked whether the restriction was based on the total weight of all passengers or just an individual limit. The pilot ended up weighing everyone, and in the end he relented and allowed me to take the flight.
Travel advisors recommend:
• Checking excursion weight limits in advance by reviewing the details listed in the cruise line’s excursion webpage or mobile app
• Contacting the tour operator if requirements are unclear
• Reviewing third‑party excursion services such as Viator, where limitations related to size, height, or physical conditions are often clearly listed
• Choosing culture-focused experiences such as food tours, historical sites, or scenic boat trips.
These experiences are often just as memorable and usually more relaxed.
Things That Have Gone Surprisingly Well for Me as a Plus-Sized Traveler
While it’s important to acknowledge the challenges, many of my travel experiences as a person of size have actually been surprisingly positive. In fact, most of the people I’ve encountered in the travel industry—from airline crews to cruise staff—have been professional, kind, and willing to help.
Flight attendants, for example, have almost always handled requests like seatbelt extenders quietly and respectfully. On a few occasions they have even asked if I would be more comfortable in a different seat when space was available.
Cruise staff have also been incredibly helpful. Waiters, room stewards, and crew members are used to working with travelers of every shape, size, and mobility level. If something isn’t comfortable—like a chair in the dining room—simply asking politely often leads to a quick solution.
Another encouraging thing is that more conversations are happening online about plus-sized travel. One creator who frequently discusses the topic is Tony from the YouTube channel La Lido Loca. His cruise channel often covers real-world cruising experiences—including tips for larger cruisers—with humor and practical advice. His videos demonstrate that many travelers of size are cruising, flying, and exploring the world successfully every year. https://www.youtube.com/@LaLidoLoca
The biggest takeaway from my experiences is this: most travel professionals genuinely want you to have a good trip. A little communication and preparation can go a long way toward making travel comfortable.
Plus-Sized Travel Is More Common Than You Think
Travel experts note that body diversity among travelers is increasing worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion adults globally live with obesity, meaning travel companies are increasingly aware of the need for inclusive travel experiences. The travel industry is slowly adapting by offering more accessible seating, clearer excursion requirements, and better accommodation options.
Final Thoughts
Travel should be accessible to everyone. Like any traveler, plus-sized travelers may occasionally encounter challenges, but preparation and knowledge can make a huge difference. Knowing what to expect, asking questions, and choosing the right experiences can turn potential obstacles into manageable situations.
The world is full of incredible destinations—and everyone deserves the opportunity to experience them. With a little planning and confidence, travelers of every size can explore the world and create unforgettable memories.
As you plan your travel, contact us here are Seas, Summits, and Skies Travel to discuss your travel needs.
References
Federal Aviation Administration. (2023). Passengers requiring additional assistance. https://www.faa.gov
Small, J., Harris, C., & Wilson, E. (2012). A critical discourse analysis of in-flight magazines: Representations of the aging body in travel. Journal of Aging Studies, 26(1), 1–9.
World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
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