If you're flying American Airlines (AA) and think you may need a seat belt extender, American Airlines provides approved seat belt extenders free of charge on every flight. Simply request one from a flight attendant after boarding. There is no need to reserve one in advance.
This article summarizes American's current published policies regarding seat belt extenders and customers requiring additional seating. Airline policies can change, so always verify directly with AA before traveling.
Seat Belt Extender Policy
Quick Summary
- Airline-issued extender available: ✅ Yes, free of charge
- Personal extender permitted: ❌ No
- Advance reservation required: ❌ No
- Request onboard: ✅ Yes, from a flight attendant or gate agent
- Exit row use permitted: ❌ No
- Second seat required if: One-inch rule + extender needed
American provides seat belt extensions free of charge on request, but if a passenger's body extends more than one inch beyond the outermost edge of the armrest and an extension is needed to buckle safely, American requires a second seat be purchased — this is a firmer standard than Southwest's armrest-only test, and it's the detail most likely to catch travelers off guard.
American's published policy is that passengers use airline-issued extensions rather than personally-owned ones. This is because the airline knows the inspection history and condition of its own extenders, allowing cabin crew to be confident they're approved for use with that aircraft's restraint system.
Extensions aren't available for use in exit rows. Exit-row occupants need to be able to open the door and clear the space quickly in an emergency, and the additional webbing introduced by an extender is considered a potential tripping hazard during an emergency evacuation.
Practical Tip: The one-inch-past-the-armrest threshold is a self-assessment at booking or check-in, not something staff measure. If you're unsure which side you fall on, requesting the extension is the lower-friction first step — it doesn't commit you to anything, and staff will evaluate whether a second seat is required only if both conditions apply.
Customer of Size / Extra Seat Policy
American requires a second seat when a passenger meets either of these conditions:
- A passenger cannot fit within a single seat in the ticketed cabin or cannot lower both armrests without encroaching on the adjacent seating area, or
- A passenger's body extends more than one inch beyond the outermost edge of the armrest and a seat belt extender is required to buckle safely.
Needing an extension does not, by itself, require booking a second seat. American ties the two together only when both conditions are met at once (second bullet above). A passenger who fits within the seat but wants an extension for extra slack doesn't trigger the extra-seat requirement.
Unlike Southwest, American does not offer a refund for the second seat once purchased, and does not run a "customer of size" program under that name — it's built into general seating accommodation policy and priced as a standard extra seat.
Booking in advance through Reservations gets both seats at the same fare, seated adjacent. Travelers who don't book ahead can ask a gate agent to check for adjacent availability day-of; if none exists, American will either seat the passenger in a higher class of service (fare difference applies) or rebook onto a different flight at the original fare.
Recent Policy Changes
American's one-inch-past-the-armrest threshold replaced an older armrest-only standard following the US Airways merger. If you come across a source describing American's rule as simply "can you lower the armrest," it predates that change. Because American Airlines doesn't refund the second seat the way Southwest does, comparison articles written with Southwest's policy in mind can set the wrong expectation here.
Official Source
Policy last verified: August 1, 2026
American Airlines — Special Assistance: Extra Space and Seat Belt Extensions