Boeing 747The 747 has been a popular choice for long-haul flights, with a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to 660 passengers. The seats are wider and have more legroom, and the cabin is designed with noise-reducing technology.
United AirlinesThe 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.
United Airlines defines short-haul flights as being less than 700 mi (600 nmi; 1,100 km) and long-haul flights as being greater than 3,000 mi (2,600 nmi; 4,800 km).
U.S. Airlines with the Best LegroomIn 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.
The cramped conditions and long periods of being less active on a flight can cause pain, stiffness or swelling of your legs. Being less active can lead to slow blood flow in your veins which increases your risk of developing a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Wear loose clothing and bring a neck pillow, eye mask and noise-canceling headphones. I prefer in-ear headphones. Your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is significantly higher on long-haul flights. Not moving for more than 10 hours can cause a deadly blood clot.
JetBlue scores at the top for the best airlines with comfortable economy seats. Passengers will enjoy an above-average seat pitch of 32-34” and a seat size of 17.8 – 18.4”. Not to mention, JetBlue is one of only two domestic airlines in the U.S. that offers free WiFi to passengers.
Domestic first class is the top cabin on domestic flights and some short-haul international flights. On most airlines and aircraft, this means you'll sit in a recliner-style seat that offers more space and legroom than economy.