You’re all set for your dream holiday, through security and about to settle into your plane seat when you spot it. A tiny middle seat that you’ll have to squeeze into for the duration of your flight.
Luckily, there’s now a method to determine which budget airline offers the widest seats, so you don’t have to compromise on your much-needed comfort. Which? worked out which airlines provide the largest seats, ensuring you get the best value for your money. For short haul flights, the seat width (the distance between each armrest) ranges from 17 to 18 inches, which might not seem like a lot.
However, that additional inch can make a world of difference when you’re packed in like sardines.
According to the experts, the airlines offering the widest economy seats include Wizz Air, TAP Portugal, easyJet and Lufthansa, all boasting widths of 18 inches.
This leaves airlines like Aer Lingus, Loganair, Jet2 and Norwegian with the narrowest seat widths, which can all be as low as 17 inches. Below is a breakdown of airline seat width and legroom in inches.
If you’re looking to gain more space on your budget flight without shelling out extra cash, there are a few tricks you can try.
One hack is to book a seat in the bulkhead – the seats directly behind the walls, curtains or screens that divide the plane. These seats have no seats in front, allowing you to stretch your legs as far as they’ll go. However, these can be slightly narrower if tray tables are stored in the armrest.
If a bulkhead doesn’t tickle your fancy, pick a seat towards the rear of the plane where they taper. This can sometimes mean fewer seats in a row – but of course, you might end up next to the toilet queue which can be a little disruptive.
If you are on a flight which has already taken off and you notice extra empty seats, you can always politely ask the flight attendant if it would be possible to move. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get – and as long as you’re polite there is a chance they will grant your wish.
If you have additional needs that would benefit from more space, such as being tall or pregnant, you’ve got a better chance of being moved to a more spacious spot.
