When it comes to short haul flights, the seat width is between 17 and 18 inches which may not sound like much – but that extra inch can make a lot of difference.
You’re all set for your dream holiday, breezed through security and about to board the aeroplane when you spot it: a tiny middle seat that’s going to be your home for the duration of your flight.
Thankfully, there’s now a method to determine which budget airline offers the widest seats, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on comfort.
Last year, Which? did the maths to identify which airlines offer the most spacious seats, helping you get the best value for your money.
For short haul flights, the seat width (the distance between each armrest) typically ranges from 17 to 18 inches, which might not seem like a significant difference, reports the Express.
However, that additional inch can make a world of difference when you’re crammed 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 maximise space on your budget flight without shelling out extra cash, there are a few tricks you can employ.
One hack is to book a seat in the bulkhead – the seats located directly behind the partitions, curtains or screens that divide the plane. With no seats in front, you’ll have enough room to stretch your legs.
However, these can be a bit narrower if tray tables are stowed in the armrest.
If a bulkhead doesn’t take your fancy, opt for a seat towards the back of the plane where they taper. This could occasionally result in fewer seats in a row – but naturally, you might find yourself next to the loo queue which can be somewhat disruptive.
If you’re on a flight that’s already airborne and you spot extra vacant seats, you can always politely ask the cabin crew if it would be possible to switch.
Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t get – and provided you’re polite, there’s a likelihood they will accommodate your request.
If you have additional requirements that would benefit from more room, such as being tall or pregnant, you’ve got a better chance of being relocated to a more spacious area.