Travel & Leisure
Mon, November 10, 2025
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What It's Really Like Traveling the World As a Little Person--and Why I Want My Children to Follow in My Footsteps
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 0:27 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Air Travel: From Seat Belt Extenders to the Right Call
Airlines are perhaps the most predictable of all travel barriers because they operate under strict regulations that protect passengers of all sizes. However, for travelers who sit on the lower end of the height spectrum, the standard seat belt can feel more like a constraint than a safety feature. The article highlights that the most effective strategy is to call the airline a few weeks before departure. In the call, a traveler can request a seat belt extender or a booster seat. Airlines such as Delta and United have long offered a 25‑inch seat belt extender, while United’s “Mini-Seat” program provides a smaller seat for passengers who are 4 feet 10 inches or shorter. The article quotes a 5‑foot‑2‑inch traveler who found that the extender allowed her to stretch her legs and avoid the cramped feeling that comes with standard economy seating.
A second tip comes from the author’s own research into the best seats for small passengers. While the most common belief is that the aisle seat offers the most freedom, the article points out that an aisle seat is actually more useful for a taller passenger who wants to stretch; for a short traveler, a window seat can be preferable because it provides extra legroom in the aisle and a stable wall against which to lean. In addition, the author emphasizes the importance of choosing a flight with seats that have the most legroom in economy—often a “premium economy” or a “front row” seat. These options often come with a slightly higher price, but they can make a world of difference in comfort.
Hotels: Width, Height, and Room Placement
Hotels present a different set of challenges. The narrow hallway of a 20th‑century building can feel like a death trap for anyone whose height allows little room to maneuver. To avoid awkward situations, the article recommends booking a room on the ground floor. If a ground‑floor room is not available, contact the hotel in advance and request a room that has a door wide enough to fit a small person comfortably. Many hotels now accept “special accommodations” requests and will provide a larger door or a “room with an extra wide door” at no additional cost.
Another useful trick is to keep a travel pillow and a small bag of luggage behind the bed. The article’s author, a little person who has traveled to Europe and Asia, explained that placing luggage behind the bed ensures that there is an unobstructed path through the hallway. If a traveler is traveling with a companion or a pet, it is often helpful to book two rooms on the same floor so that they can share a hallway.
When it comes to checking luggage, the article notes that some airlines and hotels have different policies on weight and size. Travelers who are smaller in stature may find that they weigh less and can pack lighter. Nevertheless, they should always double-check the airline’s luggage policy because the most common source of complaints comes from having a single overhead bin that is too small to fit a bag that is longer than 23 inches.
Ground Transportation: Ride Shares, Rental Cars, and Public Transit
Ground transportation can be the most unpredictable part of a trip. While ride‑share services like Uber and Lyft are available in most cities, drivers may not always have a seat belt extender ready for short passengers. The article recommends that travelers request a booster seat or seat belt extender from the driver when they book the ride.
Rental cars are often the safest way to navigate unfamiliar terrain. When booking a rental car, travelers can request a “small person kit” that includes a seat belt extender and a booster seat. Some rental agencies, such as Enterprise and Hertz, have a policy to provide these items upon request. The article cites a 4‑foot‑6‑inch traveler who took a rental car to a small town in Vermont and found that the booster seat allowed him to comfortably navigate a tight parking space and drive the entire day without discomfort.
Public transit, such as buses and trains, often have wide doors, but the height of the seat can be a problem. Many transit agencies have introduced “short seats” in the past few years; these seats have a higher back and a lower seat. In cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, the “short seats” are located on the far side of the middle row and are meant to accommodate travelers who are under 5 feet tall. The article notes that these seats are free, but some travelers prefer a “short seat” in addition to a wheelchair or a booster seat.
Technology and Apps: Planning and Accessibility Tools
A powerful part of the article is the emphasis on technology. For travelers who are short, knowing ahead of time which attractions are fully accessible can save a great deal of time and frustration. The article highlights a number of apps that are useful: “Accessible Passages” can give you a map of a city that identifies accessible routes, and “Wheelmap” offers crowd‑sourced information about accessible routes and obstacles. Even simple tools, such as the “Google Maps” wheelchair accessibility filter, can help travelers plan their itinerary with an eye toward physical limitations.
When planning a trip, it can also be beneficial to join online communities for travelers with dwarfism or other height differences. The article recommends the Travel + Leisure “Traveling as a Little Person” forum, where members share tips about hotels, flights, and ground transportation. The author reports that many travelers have found that the advice is often more specific than what official airline or hotel policies provide.
Tips From the Travelers Themselves
The article includes a series of quotes from real travelers who have taken the world to meet their curiosity. A 5‑foot‑2‑inch tourist from Texas says, “It’s all about the details. A seat belt extender, a small bag behind the bed, a window seat, a booster seat for a rental car.” Another traveler, a 4‑foot‑9‑inch woman from London, adds, “The most important thing is not to be afraid to ask for help. A little person is a traveler, not a handicap.”
Conclusion: A Road Map for the Heighted Explorer
The Travel + Leisure piece concludes that, although height can create unique hurdles, the world is increasingly accessible to all travelers. With the right information, a bit of planning, and a willingness to advocate for oneself, little people can enjoy the same adventure, culture, and connection to new places that anyone else does.
For those who are ready to explore, the article offers a practical checklist: call your airline two weeks out to request a seat belt extender; ask your hotel for a ground‑floor room with a wide door; request a booster seat from your rental car company; use accessibility apps to plan your itinerary; and, perhaps most importantly, never be afraid to speak up. The travel experience, the article reminds us, is not defined by height but by curiosity, determination, and the open roads that lie ahead.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/traveling-as-a-little-person-11834653 ]
