Is it worth getting extra leg room on a plane?

Benefits of Extra legroom Even a few inches can deliver a more relaxing in-air experience, particularly for tall flyers. Not all airlines offer the same amount of space, so what appears to be Extra legroom on one airline may be just an inch or two more spacious than standard economy for another.



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The extra legroom can make a real difference to those of us who are tall. It's not just tall people that can benefit though. If you've ever been frustrated or felt claustrophobic when the person in the seat in front reclines you're not alone. This is a very common complaint and can affect those of any height.

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Benefits of Extra legroom Even a few inches can deliver a more relaxing in-air experience, particularly for tall flyers. Not all airlines offer the same amount of space, so what appears to be Extra legroom on one airline may be just an inch or two more spacious than standard economy for another.

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U.S. Airlines with the Best Legroom Alaska and Hawaiian seats typically have 31 or 32 inches of legroom, too. Delta, American, and United all offer between 30 and 32 inches of legroom depending on the aircraft, with Delta typically sticking closer to a full 32 inches of legroom.

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If you want to experience as little turbulence as possible, it is best to book a seat above the wings. It has been proven that turbulence is least noticeable there. Another good choice is a seat in the front of the plane, as vibrations are also less noticeable there than in the back.

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Best seat for legroom: A bulkhead or exit-row seat. Best seat for sleeping: A window seat in a bulkhead row. Best seat for extra space without a seatmate: A seat towards the back. Best seat for a tight connection: A seat closest to the front exit.

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This particular perk is a rare one, though, as extra legroom seats usually offer little else other than the legroom itself. 6 inches seems to be an absolute maximum for this extra bit of space, but some carriers are particularly stingy with the extra legroom, and only offer as little as 2 inches.

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Best seat for legroom: A bulkhead or exit-row seat. Best seat for sleeping: A window seat in a bulkhead row. Best seat for extra space without a seatmate: A seat towards the back. Best seat for a tight connection: A seat closest to the front exit.

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The Best Seats for Larger People Choose a middle seat in the back rows of the plane, then cross your fingers the flight isn't fully booked, or no one sits next to you. But that's a lot to leave to chance. So, in the name of your space—and sanity—go with the sure bet of an aisle seat every time.

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U.S. Airlines with the Best Legroom In the U.S., the airlines JetBlue and Southwest consistently offer the most legroom with an average of around 32 inches per seat, although you can find a few JetBlue planes with 33 inches of legroom. Alaska and Hawaiian seats typically have 31 or 32 inches of legroom, too.

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For people who value legroom and extra privacy, it may be worth it to pay an extra cost to reserve a seat in the exit row. With that said, passengers sitting in these seats need to keep in mind that they may be called upon in the event of an emergency and what they may need to do in this event.

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Sometimes found at the front of the cabins in large-bodied aircraft, exit row seats are in very high demand for long-distance economy class flights, especially for tall passengers. On a Boeing 737, for instance, the front cabin or over-wing exit seats have an extra 6-8 inches of pitch with unlimited legroom.

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Worst of all for legroom are ultra-low-fare carriers Spirit and Frontier Airlines. In at least this case, you get what you pay for: Passengers get as little as 28 inches of legroom when flying with these airlines, which are known for cheap airfare that comes with a bare minimum of amenities and loads of fees.

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The Most Comfortable Airlines in the U.S.
  • JetBlue.
  • Delta Air Lines.
  • Alaska Airlines.
  • Southwest Airlines.
  • American Airlines.
  • United Airlines.
  • Hawaiian Airlines.
  • Spirit Airlines.


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United Airlines
The standard economy seats in Layout 2 of the Boeing 767-300ER are also the widest in the entire fleet. To keep you comfortable and help the time pass more quickly, most United flights offer on-demand in-flight entertainment and access to, at minimum, shared power outlets in every row.

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Extra Legroom Seats are located in the Economy cabin, in rows with additional space or at emergency exits. These seats are just as comfortable and recline in the same way as other seats in the cabin. The Extra Legroom Seat is available for all flights.

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U.S. Airlines with the Best Legroom In the U.S., the airlines JetBlue and Southwest consistently offer the most legroom with an average of around 32 inches per seat, although you can find a few JetBlue planes with 33 inches of legroom. Alaska and Hawaiian seats typically have 31 or 32 inches of legroom, too.

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The best airlines for the most legroom
  • US: JetBlue Airways (32” — 34”)
  • Europe: Eurowings (30” — 32”)
  • US: Alaska Airlines (32” — 34”)
  • Europe: TUI Airways (33” — 34”)
  • South America: Aerolíneas Argentinas (32” — 33”)
  • Asia: ANA, Emirates, EVA Airways, Singapore Airlines (32” — 34”)
  • US: United (30” — 34”)


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So many travelers struggle with this fear, so the best way to cope is to find a seat with plenty of space. The least crowded section of the plane is first or business class. But if upgraded flying isn't in your budget there are still options. Try sitting in an aisle seat in an exit row towards the front of the plane.

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