How To Choose Best Economy Plane Seats for Extra Legroom

Need some extra space to stretch out on your next flight? You're not alone. With airlines squeezing more seats on planes these days, finding that sweet spot with a little extra legroom makes all the difference between a comfortable journey and feeling like a pretzel by the time you land.

What's the average legroom on economy flights?

Before we get into seat selection, let's talk numbers. The average legroom—also known as ‘seat pitch’—in economy class typically ranges from 30–32 inches. That's the distance from the back of your seat to the back of the seat in front of you. It doesn’t sound like much, and well, that's because it isn't.

Airlines have been trying to fit more passengers on each flight. This trend has led to a gradual decrease in legroom across the board. So, if you're feeling a bit more cramped than you remember from flights past, you're not imagining things.

What are the best seats on a plane in economy?

Now that we know what we're working with, let's explore your options for stretching out those legs:

• Exit row seats: these are often the holy grail of extra legroom seats in economy. If you do choose exit row seats, you'll need to be willing and able to assist in case of an emergency. Also, keep in mind that the armrests on these seats usually don't move, and you might not be able to store your carry-on under the seat in front of you.
• Bulkhead seats: located at the front of each cabin section, these seats often have more legroom because there's a wall in front of you instead of another seat. You might have to store all your carry-on items in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
• Seats near the front: in general, seats closer to the front of the economy cabin tend to have slightly more legroom. As a bonus, you'll be able to deplane faster.
• 'Economy Plus' or 'Comfort+' seats: many airlines offer a premium economy section with a few extra inches of legroom. These usually come at an additional cost but are worth it for longer flights.
• Aisle seats: while they don't necessarily offer more legroom, aisle seats allow you to stretch one leg into the aisle occasionally – just watch out for that beverage cart and your fellow passengers headed to the bathrooms.

Typical legroom by airline

While we can't cover legroom by airline for every airline out there, here's a general idea of what to expect from some major carriers:

• JetBlue: known for being generous with legroom, offering around 32–34 inches in standard economy. JetBlue’s “Even More Space” seating offers an additional 4–6 inches of pitch.
• Southwest: provides about 32 inches of pitch in their economy seats.
• Delta, American, and United: generally offer 30–32 inches, with options to purchase seats with extra legroom.
• Budget airlines (like Spirit or Frontier): often have tighter legroom, sometimes as little as 28 inches.

*The above information is sourced from the official JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, American, United, Spirit and Frontier websites in February 2025.

On some airlines, larger two aisle aircrafts may offer more pitch compared to narrow body aircraft.

Remember, these vary by aircraft type and route, so it's always a good idea to check the specific details for your flight.

Extra tips for enjoying a comfortable flight

Scoring extra legroom is great, but comfort isn't just about the inches between seats. Here are some additional tips to make your economy flight more enjoyable:

• Check in early: many airlines allow you to select or change your seat during online check-in. The sooner you check in, the more options you'll have.
• Use SeatGuru or similar sites: these websites provide detailed seat maps for specific flights, highlighting the pros and cons of each seat.
• Consider the whole picture: a seat with extra legroom seems perfect, but if it's right next to the galley or restrooms, you’re trading legroom for noise and traffic.
• Dress comfortably: wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes. It won't give you more legroom, but it'll help you feel less cramped.
• Stay hydrated and move around: on longer flights, make sure to get up, stretch, and walk around when it's safe to do so. Staying hydrated also helps you feel more comfortable.

FAQs

Is there more legroom on international flights?

Generally, yes. Long-haul international flights often use larger aircraft with slightly more generous seating arrangements. However, this varies by airline and route, so it's always best to check the specific details of your flight.

Is it worth paying for an extra legroom seat?

This depends on your personal preferences and budget. For taller passengers or on longer flights, the extra comfort is well worth the cost. Consider factors like flight duration, time of day (extra legroom is more valuable on overnight flights) and your own comfort needs.

Do seat upgrades get cheaper closer to departure?

Airlines occasionally offer last-minute upgrades at a discount to fill premium seats but waiting until the last minute is a gamble. If extra legroom is important to you, it's usually best to secure your preferred seat early.