Standard economy seats continues to shrink, with today's airline customers receiving a mere 30 or 31 inches of leg space on most US domestic flights. Still, few are willing to pay hundreds more for the luxuries of premium cabins. Thankfully, new extra legroom options offer middle ground, including more space and reasonable prices. The key question, however: is it worth it?
How Much Does Extra Legroom Seating Cost?
Cost increases for extra legroom depend largely on each customer's airline, destination, and layovers (or lack thereof). Regardless of specific price, those who take a step up from standard economy can expect to pay a premium for the opportunity.
Get a typical United Flight from New York to Denver: with standard economy seating, the flight costs $135 each way. Extra legroom designation raises the ticket price another $100.
American Airlines arguably offers the most affordable option (albeit accompanied by a mere 34 inches of leg space). Price increases start at just $20. Those on longer flights can expect to pay between $50 and $75 for the next tier up from standard economy, compared to several hundred in additional fees for some airlines.
Benefits of Extra legroom
Leg Space
Extra legroom perks vary significantly from one airline to the next. In general, however, customers seek Extra legroom for the additional space. Even a few inches can deliver a more relaxing in-air experience, particularly for tall flyers.
Not all airlines offer the same amount of space, so what appears to be Extra legroom on one airline may be just an inch or two more spacious than standard economy for another.
United customers who opt for Extra legroom enjoy between 34 and 36 inches of leg space. This can make a huge difference in comfort during long flights, especially now that typical economy seats often only provide 30 or 31 inches of leg space. JetBlue offers one of the most impressive space expansions, with its 'Even More Space' premium seats granting 38 inches of leg space.
Placement in the aircraft
Extra legroom seats are located closer to the plane's entrance and exit. This means less time spent on the plane after arriving at the intended destination. For some airlines (including Delta), Extra legroom customers enjoy priority seating before the flight.
Extra Perks
Most airlines limit Extra legroom benefits to additional space and a spot near the front of the plane, all in the interest of controlling costs. Delta, however, offers an expanded range of perks for its Comfort+ flyers, who enjoy advanced boarding and exclusive overhead bin space.
Is It Worth It?
Some flyers will invariably find the added Extra legroom fee worthwhile if it means increased leg space, guaranteed overhead storage, and better placement within the plane. For these individuals, Extra legroom provides a valuable middle ground between the cramped quarters of typical economy seating and the significant cost increase of premium cabins. Others are willing to put up with a bit less space in the interest of scoring a more affordable flight. For those who play their cards right, Extra legroom could mean superior comfort for a (sometimes) modest price increase.
FAQs
Increased comfort: Extra legroom provides more space to stretch your legs, which can be especially beneficial for tall individuals or those who find standard legroom cramped and uncomfortable on long flights.
Is paying for seat selection worth it? βΊ
When faced with seat selection fees from the airline, +π^πππ^πππ^ππππ it's often best to forgo the option altogether. For instance, when booking a United basic economy fare, you might find that every seat incurs a charge, even those situated in the less desirable rear sections.
Is extra leg room better than preferred seat? βΊ
What is preferred seating? A preferred seat is a regular United Economy seat that's closer to the front of the plane. This will put you in the first few rows behind Economy Plus. Extra legroom is not included.
Can you pay for extra legroom? βΊ
Enjoy an even more relaxing flight experience with seat with extra legroom. Paid seat can be selected from exit row and/or bulkhead seat when available. In some aircraft type code such as V40, seats with extra legroom are not in front row.
Can the extra legroom seats recline? βΊ
Extra Legroom Seats are located in the Economy cabin, in rows with additional space or at emergency exits. These seats are just as comfortable and recline in the same way as other seats in the cabin. The Extra Legroom Seat is available for all flights.
Which airline has the best legroom in the economy? βΊ
How to avoid paying for seat selection? βΊ
Check in early: Many airlines allow passengers to select their seats for free during online check-in, which typically opens 24 hours before the flight. Set a reminder to check in as soon as possible to have a better chance of choosing a good seat without paying extra.
What happens if I don't choose a seat on my flight? βΊ
You can always skip seat selection and save the money, but do keep a few things in mind: Skipping seat selection doesn't mean you won't get a seat on the flight. You might get stuck in the middle seat if you don't pay for one.
How can I get better seats without paying extra? βΊ
Go to the gate desk and ask if there's an emergency or bulkhead seat available. Worst case scenario, they say no and you stay in your current seat, but often they'll just give you a better seat without your having to pay anything extra.
Which is the best seat to sit in flight? βΊ
There's no right or wrong answer here. It's absolutely down to personal preference. One can choose a window or aisle seat as per his comfort and convenience. Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and anywhere close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane.
Aim for the center aisle seats on long-haul wide-body flights: if you love an aisle, it's almost always better to pick one in the middle section, because those middle seats next to you will be the last to fill up β and there'll be fewer passengers climbing over you than if you were sitting on the side by a window.
What airline has the best seat room? βΊ
U.S. Airlines with the Best Legroom
In the U.S., the airlines JetBlue and Southwest consistently offer the most legroom with an average of around 32 inches per seat, although you can find a few JetBlue planes with 33 inches of legroom. Alaska and Hawaiian seats typically have 31 or 32 inches of legroom, too.
How do I get extra legroom for free? βΊ
If none of these roomier seats are available for free at the online check-in stage, take a chance and simply don't pick a seat. When you get to the airport, there may be unsold extra-legroom seats that then get allocated to you for free. Be nice to the check-in agent and ask if there's an roomy seat she can give you.
How much does airlines charge for extra legroom? βΊ
Basic seat selection costs from $1-$50 or get a Big Front Seat (additional legroom, no middle seat) for $12-$199, depending on the flight.
Are extra legroom seats bigger? βΊ
Extra legroom seats have significantly more legroom than other seats in Economy.
What seat has the best legroom on a plane? βΊ
Best seat for legroom: A bulkhead or exit-row seat. Best seat for sleeping: A window seat in a bulkhead row. Best seat for extra space without a seatmate: A seat towards the back. Best seat for a tight connection: A seat closest to the front exit.
Do seat upgrades get cheaper closer to departure? βΊ
When airlines release their upgrade inventory closer to the departure date, they are often more willing to sell those seats at a discount in order to fill them. So, if you're flexible with your travel plans and willing to take a chance, upgrading to business class at the airport could save you some serious money.
Which seats on a plane have the most legroom? βΊ
Bulkhead seats
The bulkhead is essentially the wall that separates one plane cabin from another, and the seats here have extra legroom since there's no other seat in front of them. Bulkhead seating can either be at the front of each cabin or at the front of flights that offer a business class.
How to get extra legroom seat for free? βΊ
If none of these roomier seats are available for free at the online check-in stage, take a chance and simply don't pick a seat. When you get to the airport, there may be unsold extra-legroom seats that then get allocated to you for free. Be nice to the check-in agent and ask if there's an roomy seat she can give you.
