By Cynthia Drescher, published on 09 June 2021
When it comes to flying, personal space is a premium. So when searching for flights, most passengers prioritize airlines with the most legroom at each Economy Class seat. Unfortunately, not all Economy seats are created equal, with some low-cost carriers offering a tight 28 inches of "pitch"—the industry word for how much space you have between your seat and the one in front. This trend is unlikely to change soon: As travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, hard-hit airlines are prioritizing sold-out planes over investing in comfort and service.
Still, we’ve found a few airlines with which travellers can score an extra bit of wiggle room. (Because airlines are constantly updating their cabins and fleets, the figures listed below are subject to change)
1. Japan Airlines: 33-34 inches
Rising to the top is Japan Airlines, who holds number one on a slight technicality. While much of their fleet continues to offer the generous “Sky Wider” economy of 33-34 inches, the airline just added Airbus A350s with 31 inches in economy. These newer, tighter aircraft don’t bring down the average, however; they are reserved for short, domestic Japan routes only and so do not figure into a ranking of long-haul legroom.
2. ANA, Emirates, EVA Airways, and Singapore Airlines: 32-34 inches
All four of these carriers consistently rank among Traveler readers' favourite airlines year after year, in large part for the way the prioritize passenger comfort, even at the back of the plane. While all three have comparatively spacious Economy seats, we recommend trying their Premium Economy product if you get the chance, as they offer some of the best, roomiest seats in that cabin as well.
Worthy of a mention are the Middle East’s Big Three of Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, whose tooth-and-nail competition with each other (and against other major international airlines) means relatively generous 32-inch legroom prevails. Emirates inches ahead in this ranking for their summer 2021 post-pandemic return of the increasingly rare Airbus A380 to three U.S. routes (New York-JFK in June, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles in July), bringing the superjumbo aircraft’s 32-34 inch legroom economy class back as an option.
3. Air China, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Korean Air: 32-33 inches
With a notable legroom range or 32 to 33 inches, you won't feel too hemmed in on any of these four carriers' economy cabins. Their Economy seats can come with extra perks, too: Korean Air's Economy class, for example offers in-seat power outlets, mood lighting, and even a timed wake-up service from cabin crew.
4. Cathay Pacific, SWISS, and Vietnam Airlines: 32 inches
Flying with any of these three comfortable airlines in Economy will guarantee you a respectable 32 inches of seat pitch. One tip? If you're flying on an especially long flight with Cathay Pacific and can afford a splurge, we recommend upgrading to Premium Economy. The cabin class offers a much roomier 40 inches of pitch for each seat.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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