LONDON — Fliers who dread brushing shoulders with neighbors have a new data point to consider before they click “book.” A consumer analysis out of London names the European carriers that give passengers the most—and least—elbow room in economy class, and in a world where every inch matters, the results could shape your next seat selection.
How the Seat-Width Ranking Was Compiled
Consumer watchdog Which? measured the distance between armrests on short-haul aircraft operated by several European airlines. The group’s findings place economy seats in a tight range—between 17 and 18 inches wide—but that single inch can change the in-flight experience more than many travelers expect. As The Express observed, “that extra inch can make all the difference,” the newspaper reported earlier this week.
Airlines With the Roomiest Economy Cabins
According to the data, four carriers share the top spot for width, each offering an 18-inch seat between the armrests on most narrow-body flights:
- Wizz Air
- TAP Portugal
- EasyJet
- Lufthansa
For travelers who equate a vacation with comfort from gate to gate, these airlines deliver the broadest base in economy without requiring an upgrade to premium classes.
Carriers Offering the Snuggest Fit
At the other end of the spectrum, seven airlines came in with the narrowest economy seats, measuring 17 inches. The list includes:
- British Airways
- Jet2
- KLM
- Norwegian
- Ryanair
- Tui
- Aer Lingus
Squeezed between these two camps is Vueling, whose economy seat averages 17.5 inches.
One Inch, Big Difference
Physiologists say the human body can register subtle changes in spatial allowance, especially when confined for multiple hours. That inch of additional space can permit arms to rest more naturally or prevent shoulders from rotating inward—small perks that accumulate on a three-hour hop from London to Lisbon or an overnight to Istanbul.
What Travelers Should Know Before Booking
Bulkhead Rows: Pros and Cons
The first row behind a partition—called the bulkhead—often provides open legroom because no seats sit directly in front. However, tables and video monitors usually fold into the armrests, making the seat pan slightly narrower than the cabin standard. Measure your options: more forward stretch might come at the cost of a tighter hip fit.
Aft Cabins and Tapering Fuselages
Toward the tail, single-aisle jets may lose a seat in each row where the fuselage tapers, creating pairs of seats instead of triples. Booking far aft can therefore win you a two-across configuration, though you trade proximity to the exits for potential views of the lavatory line.
Polite Mid-Flight Moves
If your flight departs partially empty, keep an eye on open rows after the seat-belt sign switches off. A courteous request to cabin crew can land you a cluster of seats all to yourself; politeness is key. Crew members are likelier to green-light a change for travelers with special physical needs—think pregnant passengers or those well over six feet tall.
Tips for Travelers
- Check the specs: Seat widths and pitch (legroom) differ even within the same airline, depending on aircraft model. Verify details during seat selection.
- Pay strategic fees: Some low-cost carriers charge modest amounts for extra-legroom rows; the comfort-to-cost ratio can be favorable on flights exceeding two hours.
- Use seat-map apps: Third-party tools track real-time seat occupancy, revealing emptier rows you can claim at check-in.
- Board early, stow smart: Placing carry-ons swiftly in overhead bins frees foot-well space and reduces the claustrophobic effect of narrow seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are seat-width measurements consistent across an airline’s fleet?
Not always. Fleet diversity matters. Airbus A320 family jets may have armrest-to-armrest widths that differ from Boeing 737s, even under the same airline brand, because of seat-manufacturer contracts and refurbishment cycles.
Does paying for an exit row guarantee a wider seat?
Exit rows usually offer extra legroom, not extra width. The seat often matches the standard width for that aircraft type.
Will European seat-width standards apply on long-haul flights?
Long-haul configurations can change drastically, especially on wide-body aircraft. Check measurements specific to the route and aircraft—an 18-inch short-haul seat does not guarantee an 18-inch trans-Atlantic seat.
Can travelers with medical needs request wider seating?
Most airlines permit passengers with certain conditions to request seating accommodations through their medical desk. Documentation may be required, and policies vary, so contact customer service well before departure.
Bottom Line for Space-Seeking Fliers
If shoulder room tops your wish list, aim for Wizz Air, TAP Portugal, EasyJet or Lufthansa when flying within Europe; each delivers an 18-inch perch. Should you find yourself booked on carriers at the 17-inch end of the scale, lean on smart seat selection—bulkhead rows, aft pairs, or strategic up-charges—to cushion the squeeze. And remember: sometimes a courteous mid-flight request is all that stands between you and three seats to yourself. — as The Express reported.
