The indignities of flying fluffy aboard a CRJ

The ‘passenger experience’ limitations of regional jets like the CRJ are well known. With a maximum ceiling height of 6ft 2in, the cabin feels compact from the moment one steps on board. The lavatories are tiny and cramped. And economy class seats might be as narrow as 16.55 inches, depending on configuration. We trade comfort... The post The indignities of flying fluffy aboard a CRJ appeared first on Runway Girl.

May 29, 2025 - 00:30

The indignities of flying fluffy aboard a CRJ

The ‘passenger experience’ limitations of regional jets like the CRJ are well known. With a maximum ceiling height of 6ft 2in, the cabin feels compact from the moment one steps on board. The lavatories are tiny and cramped. And economy class seats might be as narrow as 16.55 inches, depending on configuration. We trade comfort for the convenience of being able to avail of frequent daily feeder flights aboard these workhorses of the industry.

And yet, for persons of size or reduced mobility (PRMs), the shuttle-like scheduling benefits of the CRJ might not outweigh the sacrifices incurred. I was reminded of this fact on a recent flight aboard an Air Canada CRJ900.

Let’s get my size out of the way right away. I wear a size 18-20 depending on the make of clothing. This puts me just above the dress size of the average American woman, which is roughly around size 16-18 — but not by much.

Walking up the airstairs of the CRJ900 and arriving at its narrow entryway was daunting, and for a moment I even thought to myself, “oh no, maybe I won’t fit.” I managed to squeeze in, but the indignities didn’t end there.

The aisle is incredibly narrow. I did my best not to brush every shoulder I passed with my hips, but I can’t say I succeeded in that endeavor.

Settling into my seat, I found the seat belt to be a rather tight fit. Indeed, it took some effort to close the buckle. If my girth was even a single millimeter wider, I would have been forced to request a seat belt extender.

I haven’t faced a lot of problems with seatbelts when flying aboard most narrowbody and widebody aircraft types, but frustratingly, seat belt length is still not standardized. So there are no guarantees.

If you’re a plump, curvy — or my new favorite descriptor, ‘fluffy’ — human, and want to avoid embarrassment, it’s imperative to check seatbelt length with your airline in advance.

The seats aboard Air Canada’s CRJ900s measure 17 inches in width, meaning seat comfort has been favored over aisle width. That’s roughly the same seat width as found in economy on the average Boeing 737. Whilst snug, the seat was in fact wide enough to ensure I didn’t invade my neighbour’s space.

Seat pitch was kind, at 31 inches, giving me a decent amount of legroom. I was also able to utilize the tray table, and even pull out my laptop. Thankfully, the person in front of me did not recline into my living space. If they had done so, I wouldn’t have attempted to work in-flight.

A word of warning to fellow fluffies and PRMs: the rear lavatory feels like it was built for Lilliputians. And in candor, it was something of a nightmare for me to access, requiring that I turn around and back in! Executing on anything more than the most rudimentary of bodily functions would have been impossible for me.

Tall passengers notoriously face difficulties in CRJ lavs. But I shudder to think how PRMs are expected to navigate the space, or how a parent is expected to change their child’s diaper.

Air Canada’s inflight Wi-Fi service, which is now free for Aeroplan loyalty members, was phenomenal aboard this CRJ900. And it must surely serve as a great distraction for those passengers who otherwise feel hemmed in or claustrophobic on board.

But when flying aboard a CRJ, passengers of size and reduced mobility should take note: try to use the airport restroom before your flight.

Check the seatbelt length for your aircraft in advance on the chance you might need to ask for an extender (this can be done discreetly on entering the aircraft, with a whisper to the flight attendant).

If you think your body might not stay confined to 17 inches of seat width, consider flying up front or acquiring the adjacent seat in advance.

The CRJ is no longer produced so they’ll eventually cycle out of the world fleet. But until then, it’s best to be prepared.

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All images of an Air Canada CRJ900 credited to the author, Becca Alkema

The post The indignities of flying fluffy aboard a CRJ appeared first on Runway Girl.