- Mr Plane Guy
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Which Airline Really Gives You the Least Legroom? The Results Might Shock You
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Extra Leg Room Seat Customer (186cm tall)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes). Thanks for your support!
Most travellers have a horror story about cramped seats, sore knees and a flight that felt twice as long as it should have. But which airline is actually the worst for legroom and which one quietly offers more space than you’d expect?
A recent comparison by Which? reveals how much room you really get in economy class on popular UK and European airlines and the results may surprise YOU!
UK Airline Legroom Comparison: From Most to Least Spacious
Airline | Standard Seat Pitch (inches) |
KLM | 29–33 |
Lufthansa | 30–32 |
Aer Lingus | 31–32 |
Ryanair | 30 |
British Airways | 29–31 |
Norwegian | 29–31 |
TAP Portugal | 28–31 |
easyJet | 29 |
TUI Airways | 29 |
Vueling | 29–30 |
Jet2 | 28–31 |
Wizz Air | 28 |
What These Numbers Actually Mean in Real Life
Seat pitch figures don’t sound dramatic on paper a difference of one or two inches doesn’t look like much. But as I am at 186cm tall, that gap is the difference between tolerable and knees-into-the-seat-back. In practical terms:
31–33 inches: manageable for most flights
29–30 inches: tight, especially over two hours
28 inches: genuinely uncomfortable.
So… Which Airlines Offer the Least Legroom?
Yes Wizz Air offers the least legroom of the bunch, with just 28 inches between rows on many of its Airbus aircraft. Ryanair, often blamed for cramped conditions, actually provides slightly more space than several competitors, clocking in at 30 inches.
At the other end, KLM and Aer Lingus deliver up to 33 inches, proof that you don’t always need a premium fare for a bit of breathing room.
Blog Post: KLM Cityhopper Business Class Review: I Paid £60 to Upgrade… Was It Worth It? (Amsterdam to the UK)
A Quick Comfort Hack Before You Fly
Here’s one simple upgrade that completely changed how I handle tight seats: Trtl Travel Pillow – Real Sleeping Experience on Flights.
Yes, it’s pricier than your average neck cushion, but it’s worth every penny. I managed to sleep for two hours even in an easyJet middle seat. The ergonomic design supports your head and neck properly, the fleece is soft and breathable, and it folds flat in your hand luggage. If you only invest in one travel comfort item, make it this.
What the Legroom Data Really Shows
Across the board, the results highlight just how inconsistent economy travel can be within Europe. While legacy carriers like KLM, Lufthansa, and Aer Lingus manage a respectable 30–33 inches, several low-cost airlines hover around the 28–29 mark.
Among the UK’s biggest names, easyJet and TUI Airways sit roughly in the middle at around 29 inches. That’s adequate for a quick hop to Europe, but not ideal for anyone taller than average.
If you fly easyJet regularly, the real comfort trick isn’t extra legroom it’s managing your luggage allowance. Passengers with easyJet Plus or an Up Front seat get priority boarding and can bring an extra small cabin bag. It’s a small upgrade that often makes a big difference.
Read next: easyJet Plus Card Review
For TUI, things improve dramatically on long-haul routes. On the TUI Dreamliner, you’ll find more generous seat pitch, seat-back screens, and solid inflight meals a clear step up from the short-haul experience.
Full review: TUI Flight Review – Long-Haul on the Dreamliner
When Economy Surprises You: Why Etihad Sets the Standard
It’s worth noting that Etihad Airways, while not a European carrier, consistently sets the benchmark for what a well-designed economy cabin can feel like. With around 31–32 inches of legroom, the Etihad A380 and A350 don’t offer more space on paper than some European rivals, but the comfort level is leagues ahead. The seating, lighting, and service make Etihad my personal favourite economy airline product, even if it’s not part of this particular comparison.
Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off LINK for a Priority Pass, to share with you.
Beyond the Seat: The Airport Lounges That Make Flying Easier
Even the most cramped flight can feel more bearable if you’ve relaxed in an airport lounge beforehand. Travellers departing from the UK have more choice than ever:
If you fly frequently, a Priority Pass membership can be a genuine game-changer. It gives you access to hundreds of lounges worldwide a quiet space, reliable Wi-Fi, and a proper coffee before the inevitable squeeze into row 27.
You can unwind at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Dubai for just £24 perfect before your Emirates flight. I always use my Priority Pass when travelling through Dubai International Airport, and honestly, it’s one of my best travel hacks.
With my exclusive 30% off Priority Pass deal, it can pay for itself after just a couple of lounge visits.
Don’t miss out grab your Priority Pass here before the offer expires!
Final Boarding Call: Comfort Is More Than Legroom
Wizz Air might top the list for tightest seats, but true comfort depends on more than inches. Airlines like TUI, easyJet, and Ryanair each balance price, service, and space differently.
Before you book your next getaway, don’t just compare fares, check seat pitch, baggage rules, and even what you’ll bring onboard. A supportive pillow, a soft blanket, and a quick lounge escape can turn even the tightest economy seat into something you can actually relax in.
Because in modern air travel, the most comfortable flight often starts long before you take off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK airline has the most legroom?
KLM and Aer Lingus offer the most generous economy seat pitch, with up to 33 inches between rows on many routes. Whilst technically they are not UK airlines, they operate a lot of flights from the UK.
Which airline has the least legroom?
Wizz Air comes in last, with just 28 inches of space, even less than Ryanair.
Does easyJet offer extra legroom seats?
Yes. easyJet sells Up Front and Extra Legroom seats, which typically add two to three inches of space compared to standard seating.
Is TUI better for long-haul comfort?
Absolutely. The TUI Dreamliner offers better seat pitch, inflight meals, and entertainment than short-haul TUI aircraft.
Can a lounge visit really improve comfort?
It can. Spending time in an airport lounge before your flight, particularly through Priority Pass, makes even a cramped seat feel more bearable.
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Which Airline Really Gives You the Least Legroom? The Results Might Shock You.
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