International flights, or “long-haul” flights, often have more legroom than domestic “short-haul” flights, though that, too, varies by airline and plane type.

Generally, you do get slightly more room on long-haul flights compared to short-haul "puddle jumpers," but the difference is primarily in "seat pitch" rather than "seat width." In 2026, aircraft used for long-haul intercontinental journeys, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or the Airbus A350, typically offer an Economy seat pitch of 31 to 33 inches, compared to the 28 to 30 inches found on short-haul budget carriers. This extra space is intended to reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and fatigue during an 8-to-15-hour flight. Furthermore, long-haul cabins are often equipped with "slimmer" seat designs that create more knee room even if the actual frame is the same size. However, the biggest "room" benefit on long-haul flights is the Premium Economy cabin, which has become a standard middle-ground in 2026, offering 38 to 40 inches of pitch and significantly wider seats with deeper recline. While "Basic Economy" continues to shrink the space on domestic routes, long-haul flying still maintains a slightly higher standard of "liveable" space to accommodate the physical toll of spending half a day in the air.