Legroom Becomes Top Priority for Air Travelers

When it comes to air travel, one issue stands out above the rest: legroom. More specifically, seat pitch—the distance from any point on one seat to the exact same point on the seat in front or behind—has become a crucial factor for passenger comfort. The more inches of seat pitch you have, the better. For taller and heavier passengers, greater seat pitch is essential for a comfortable flight.

In the 1960s, Americans were, on average, 24 pounds lighter but enjoyed a spacious 34-inch seat pitch on most airlines, according to The National Association of Airline Passengers. Fast forward to today, and the story is quite different. Since the 1980s, major airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, and United have all reduced their seat pitch by at least two inches. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the average seat pitch now hovers around 31 inches.

Regarding the best airlines for legroom, JetBlue leads the pack. With a seat pitch of 32.3 inches on its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, JetBlue offers passengers more space to stretch out. Following closely is Southwest Airlines, with 31.8 inches of seat pitch. Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer 31 inches, while American Airlines and United Airlines have slightly less legroom, at 30.2 inches and 30.1 inches, respectively, according to Kiplinger.com.

Budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit Airlines offer the least legroom, with a tight 28-inch seat pitch. For those looking to maximize comfort, choosing the right aircraft can also make a difference. The Embraer 190, for instance, boasts a seat pitch of 32 inches. Other aircraft models, such as the Airbus A350, A330, and Boeing 787, 777, and 767, typically provide around 31 inches of legroom.

For travelers keen on securing the most comfortable seat, Seat Guru is a valuable resource. This website allows passengers to review plane layouts and seat configurations, helping them choose seats with the best legroom available.

As airlines continue to adjust their seat configurations, passengers are advised to check seat pitch and aircraft type before booking their flights to ensure a more comfortable journey.