Not All Airlines Give You Space
Good legroom can make a world of difference on both long and short flights. A few airlines understand this and provide a surprising amount of space. Others, however, squeeze every inch, turning simple journeys into cramped ordeals. Let’s explore ten airlines that offer true comfort, and ten that might leave you counting down the minutes until landing, starting with the second kind.
1. Spirit Airlines
Spirit’s 28-inch seat pitch is one of the smallest; it leaves your knees grazing the seat in front. The seats don’t recline, and the tray tables offer barely enough space for a phone. If you want breathing room, you’ll pay for an upgrade.
2. Frontier Airlines
While this airline’s Stretch seats offer more space, they often cost nearly as much as the ticket itself. Frontier squeezes in 28 to 29 inches of pitch with ultra-slim padding and limited recline. With a carry-on under your seat, legroom practically vanishes.
Colin Cooke Photo on Wikimedia
3. Ryanair
Expect tight quarters aboard Ryanair, where 30-inch pitch and non-reclining seats are the norm. The absence of seatback pockets only emphasizes the limited space. “Priority” seating may give you an earlier spot in the boarding line, but it won’t give your knees a break.
4. Wizz Air
On Wizz Air, a high-density cabin layout maximizes passenger load but shrinks space for everyone. Its seats come with a 28–30 inch pitch and barely-there cushioning. Bring a carry-on, and you’ll be sacrificing even more precious legroom, unless you pay up for exit row access.
5. Allegiant Air
If you board Allegiant, don’t expect much stretch space. With a 30-inch pitch, stiff non-reclining seats, and narrow widths, comfort is minimal, and tiny tray tables add to the cramped feel. The exit row may bring relief, but that comes at an extra cost.
Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA on Wikimedia
6. easyJet
You’ll notice the squeeze the moment you sit down. Taller passengers feel the pinch, with their knees nearly brushing the seat ahead. That’s thanks to a tight 29-inch pitch and seats that don’t recline. Extra Legroom seats help, if you're willing to pay.
Javier Bravo Muñoz on Wikimedia
7. Cebu Pacific
Comfort takes a backseat on Cebu Pacific, where standard seats squeeze in just 30 inches of pitch. Their seats have non-reclining backs and minimal cushioning, and the under-seat space is tight. While extra legroom is available, it is limited and costs more if booked late.
8. Jetstar Airways
Long-haul comfort is hard to come by in Jetstar’s economy cabin. Stowing a carry-on under the seat makes things worse, and upgrading for more room doesn’t come cheap. Offering just 29 inches of pitch and narrow seat widths, space feels restricted from all sides.
9. Scoot
That budget fare comes at the cost of stretch space. Scoot’s economy layout includes just 30 inches of pitch and minimal seat recline. Add in firm cushions and small tray tables, and it’s best to prep for discomfort, unless you grab a Stretch Seat upgrade.
10. Viva Aerobus
The high-density layout on Viva Aerobus prioritizes passenger count over comfort. If you’re hoping for extra space, exit row seats are the only option, but they come at a premium. Additionally, a cramped 28-inch pitch and barely 3 inches of recline make movement tough.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia
It's time to highlight those that actually deliver on comfort. If you’re tall or just tired of cramped seats, these airlines should help.
1. Japan Airlines
The Sky Wider economy seats live up to their name, offering more space to stretch. With ample recline and a surprising sense of openness, even long flights feel tolerable. First and Business Class only take it further with fully flat beds and minimal crowding.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
2. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines’ Business Class provides lie-flat seats and loads of legroom. Its economy isn’t left behind, as the pitch goes up to 32 inches and features well-padded seats and generous recline. Add their cozy amenity kits and meals, and comfort gets better.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
3. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways nails passenger comfort across all cabins. In economy, wide seats and thoughtful spacing reduce the typical travel fatigue. The Business Class Qsuite includes lie-flat beds and privacy panels. First Class passengers stretch out in armchair-style luxury, accompanied by personalized service to match.
4. Singapore Airlines
Flying long haul with Singapore Airlines doesn’t feel like a squeeze. Its Premium Economy gives up to 38 inches of pitch and extra width. Lie-flat beds in Business and First make comfort practically guaranteed, while Economy provides roomy seats with plush headrests and deep recline.
5. Delta Air Lines (Delta Comfort+)
Delta’s Comfort+ gives you up to 34 inches of pitch. You also get extra recline and dedicated overhead bin space, which makes flying feel less cramped. Domestic First Class steps it up with wider seats and legroom that lets you really stretch.
Julian Herzog (Website) on Wikimedia
6. Korean Air
Flying Korean Air feels pleasantly spacious, even in Economy, where the 33–34 inch pitch leaves room to stretch without elbow wars. Prestige Class adds a luxe upgrade with lie-flat seats and ottomans to rest your legs, and First Class sleeper suites provide pure privacy and comfort.
Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) on Wikimedia
7. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA gets the details right, starting with 34 inches of pitch in economy and seats that recline comfortably. Premium Economy brings wider cushions and leg rests, while “THE Room” in Business Class rivals many First Class suites in stretch-out luxury.
BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia
8. Air New Zealand
This airline’s Economy Skycouch converts three seats into a soft, shared bed. Recline is decent, and the 31–33 inch pitch offers more room than you’d expect. For more serious stretching, Premium and Business deliver ample leg space with a sleek, modern vibe.
9. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific finds that sweet spot between comfort and class. Its Economy offers 32–34 inches of pitch, plus adjustable headrests. Additionally, Premium Economy ups the game with extra recline and roomier seats, while Business travelers get lie-flat beds wrapped in a sleek shell seat.
10. Emirates
Space is something Emirates doesn’t skimp on. Even in economy, you get a bit more breathing room, which includes decent recline and adjustable footrests. Their Premium Economy adds wider seating, and Business and First Class offer fully enclosed suites with legroom to spare.
