It was 4:45 am on Wednesday as I boarded the de Havilland Dash 8. I always get a hit of nostalgia on that airframe, it’s the same one I flew in during my air navigation training in the mid 1990s.
I sat down and tried to buckle my seatbelt. It was hilariously too short. I was surprised but I also hadn’t flown in a year. My weight and general shape haven’t changed much.
I asked a flight attendant for an extension. They are used in the demonstration before take off so I knew they had them.
I had mixed feelings about needing the extra space but decided my comfort was the most important thing.
In Toronto I switched airframes to head to Winnipeg. It was an Airbus of some type. This time it almost fit but by now I was cavalier and refused to squish myself.
The flight attendant was happy to help. When they arrived with it I exclaimed “oh you have my present!”
It was easy to use. No one cared. I don’t think anyone even noticed.
My trip home on Friday was with another airline in Boeing 747s. I sat down and effortlessly clipped in, no extension required.
3 airframes, 3 very different belt lengths. 1 very tired woman.
I remind myself that commercial flights are uncomfortable. No one feels that the seats are roomy or that they have enough legroom.
People on each flight negotiate to see if they can get an aisle seat (like I did) or sit in the emergency exit row. I saw various strategies to try and fit each person, and their stuff, into a very limited space.
I’m ok asking for a section of fabric for my comfort. It did feel weird though.
Have you ever had complicated feelings when you assert your needs?
It was surprisingly freeing when I stopped worrying about what folks would think about me asking for an extender.