Unless you’re very short and really skinny, airline seats can often feel pretty small and cramped. Of course you can splash out on extra spacious first class seats, but that certainly comes at a price. If you’re travelling economy, and you struggle in smaller seats, you could increase your comfort levels by choosing the right airline to fly with. Discover which airlines offer the best seats, and which have tiny seats and you’ll know who to fly with and who to avoid!
Our pick of the best
Turkish Airlines – Turkish airlines have an average seat pitch of 31 inches, but the seats are highly adjustable so you can adapt your seat to your own liking. The generous six inch recline is great if you’re napping on a night flight, and the foot rest can also be adjusted making these seats particularly comfortable.
ANA – Fly economy in one of ANA’s Boeing 787-8s and you’ll get a very generous 34 inch pitch seat. Your seat comes with a laptop power point, and a separate cup holder making it easier to work during the flight.
Oman Air – Another very comfortable economy seat, Oman Air seats, like ANA have a pitch of 34 inches. They’re well padded and so are pretty good for longer journeys.
Singapore Airlines – If you like a wider seat then check out Singapore Airlines. Their seats are a wider than average 19 inches. You get a cushioned backrest and an adjustable headrest too.
Some of the worst
Spirit Airlines – These seats have a tiny 28 inch pitch and they don’t recline. Many reviewers state that these seats are incredibly uncomfortable. A nightmare if you’re on a long haul flight!
Ryanair – Well known for their ‘no-frills’ flights, you can travel cheaply but you certainly won’t be travelling in comfort. The seats are both small and narrow, and the aisles are very narrow too so if you sit on the aisle seat, prepare to be bumped by staff and passengers throughout your flight.
American Airlines Transcontinental – While you get an average 31 inch pitch seat, they are only 17 inches wide so you’re likely to spend your whole flight trying to avoid hitting the person next to you with your elbow.
Finnair – There’s a massive 227 economy seats on Finnair’s Boeing 757s and they are all tiny. With a 28 inch pitch and a width of just 18 inches, this is not an airline to fly with if you’re at all claustrophobic!
Emily is an avid writer with a passion for the travel industry. She also loves learning and writing about nutrition and healthy living. Emily is based in the UK.
