Passengers flying Thai Airways in business class on the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will need to meet a new seatbelt length requirement. The airline has installed inflatable airbags in the business-class seatbelts, and the design limits the maximum waist circumference that can be safely secured.
Travellers with a waist larger than 56 inches (142.24 centimetres) may not be able to fasten the upgraded seatbelts. The airbags are fitted to belts with a fixed length to meet safety standards, including those specified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, and cannot be adjusted beyond that limit.
Because of the fixed belt length, the airline’s new setup also means adults cannot hold infants on their laps in business class when the infant cannot be safely secured by the available restraints.
Thai Airways currently operates two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft expand the carrier’s long-haul capabilities and will enable the airline to serve new destinations in North America.
The updated belts are intended to improve passenger safety by combining the restraint function of a traditional seatbelt with the energy-absorbing properties of an airbag in the event of a crash. However, the fixed length necessary for proper airbag deployment has the practical effect of limiting who can use those seats and how infants can be accommodated.
Passengers who are concerned about fitting the new belts should contact Thai Airways before travel to discuss seat options or possible alternatives. It’s advisable to confirm the airline’s current policies on seatbelt-equipped seats and infant travel when booking or preparing for a flight.