Reasons Why There is Limited Leg Room Under Airline Seats and How to Deal With It

What You Need to Know About Dimensions Under Airline Seats

Have you ever wondered about how much legroom exists under the seat in front of you on an airplane? If so, you’re not alone. This is a common concern for many travelers, especially those who are taller. In this article, we’ll explore the key things to understand about dimensions under airline seats, including:

1. Standard seat pitch and legroom measurements
2. Factors that affect available legroom
3. Seat options for extra space
4. Coping strategies when legroom is limited

Standard Seat Pitch and Legroom

To start, it’s helpful to understand the basic dimensions airlines use to measure seat space. The industry standard is known as “seat pitch,” which refers to the distance between any point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it. For economy class seats, the minimum acceptable pitch according to the FAA is 28 inches.

From my experience traveling frequently for work, many major airlines have an average pitch of around 31 inches for regular economy seats. However, some low-cost carriers are now installing seats with pitches as low as 28 inches to squeeze in extra rows. When it comes to useable legroom, the general rule of thumb is to take the seat pitch and subtract about 3 inches to account for the thickness of the seat backing.

So a regular 28-inch pitch seat would provide around 25 inches of true legroom. To put that in perspective, 25 inches is only marginally more space than you’d find in an average desk chair. For taller passengers, it can feel cramped on a long flight. Legroom is really the name of the game when it comes to seat comfort.

Factors Affecting Available Legroom

However, the posted dimensions only tell part of the story. In reality, several other factors can potentially reduce the usable space under the seat:

1. Items stowed by the passenger in front: Overhead bags, laptops, and other gear stored at their feet take up valuable inches.
2. Reclined seat positions: When the seat pitches forward during takeoff or landing, legroom shrinks. A fully reclined seat reduces space by 2-3 inches.
3. Location of bulkhead or emergency exit rows: Seats mounted closer to walls have less rearward space than interior rows.
4. Individual physiology: Taller or larger framed passengers simply need more room to begin with.

Given all these variability factors, the quoted seat dimensions should be taken as estimates rather than promises of how much space you’ll actually have for your legs. It’s hard to predict comfort levels until you experience the seat yourself.

Options for Extra Legroom

Fortunately, most airlines now offer some options if you want more assurance of adequate legroom space:

1. Pre-book an exit row or bulkhead seat: These typically have 4-6 inches more pitch than standard seats.
2. Upgrade to Economy Plus seating: Many carriers have row spacing 2-3 inches greater for a fee.
3. Pay for extra-legroom assigned seating: Airlines like American, Delta, and United have seats with generous 34-38 inch pitch.
4. Upgrade to a higher cabin class: obviously premium cabins like business or first offer far more legroom as a standard feature.

Choosing one of these preferred seating assignments ensures you get the extra space. But be prepared to pay anywhere from $10-150 each way depending on route and demand. Considering how many hours long-haul flights last, it can be worth it for taller passengers or those prone to feel cramped.

Coping Strategies for Limited Legroom

However, if you find yourself stuck in a standard economy seat without the option to upgrade, here are some tricks I’ve found can help make the best of a tight space:

1. Stretch and flex your legs whenever possible on the ground before and after takeoff to prevent stiffness and cramps.

   

2. Consider bringing a neck pillow and using it to support your lower back when sitting upright to take some pressure off your legs.

3. Try bending your knees out to the sides slightly while sitting which opens your hips and takes less room than having straight legs.

4. If the seat in front of you isn’t using their video screen, politely ask if you can use their small legroom indent under the tray table.

5. On longer international flights, timing Lavatory breaks for when the cabin lights are dimmed can help you stand and stretch more freely for a few minutes.

With some creativity and patience, it is possible to survive even the tightest of tight-pitch seats for short domestic hops. And who knows, we may see continued improvements with new “space seats,” reclining designs, or other innovations in the future. But for now, being prepared with these legroom realities can alleviate stress and allow you to semi-relax while airborne.

In the end, having realistic expectations about what to expect from an airline seat will serve you better than unrealistic assumptions. With a bit of advance planning or by choosing preferred seating if available, hopefully these tips help make the most of your legroom on future flights. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Airline Seat Dimensions

Seat Type	Width	Pitch
Economy	16-18 inches	28-32 inches
Premium Economy	18-20 inches	34-38 inches
Business Class	20-22 inches	38-42 inches
First Class	Over 22 inches	Over 42 inches
Airline Variation	Up to 2 inches	Up to 4 inches

FAQ

1. What dimensions are standard for an airline seat?

   Most economy class seats are around 16-18 inches wide. The pitch (distance between seats) is around 29-31 inches. Nevertheless, dimensions can differ based on the airline and aircraft type.

2. Are wider seats available?

   Some airlines offer extra legroom or roomier economy seats at an extra cost. These seats typically have around 1-3 more inches of width or legroom. Seats located at exit rows and over the wings also have more space. However, only a few seats have this advantage so they may not be available on every flight.

3. Is the legroom adequate for a tall person?

   It can be sort of cramped for taller folks. The standard pitch is nice for average height adults but may feel tight if you’re over 6 feet. I’m 6’2″ and have to kinda keep my legs together at times. Perhaps request an aisle seat or an exit row where room is a little bigger. Stretching your legs in the aisle during breaks can help too.

4. What other factors affect seat comfort?

   The seat cushion firmness, armrest width, and recline range of the seat in front can all impact comfort levels. Some seats have skinnier cushions that don’t lend much lumbar support. At the same time, not every person finds the very same seat dimension either fantastic or unbearable. Comfort is pretty subjective from passenger to passenger.

   

5. Is it worth paying extra for more space?

   For long haul flights, the few extra inches of legroom may be worthwhile. But it basically depends how badly you wanna stretch out. I remember this one time I had an economy plus seat between these folks who kept elbowing me. Maybe they were hangry from the lame meal options. So maybe it’s worth it just to have a little privacy! You do you.

6. Are airlines making seats smaller?

   Some allege that yeah, seats have gradually shrunk over the decades as airlines try to maximize profits. However, the industry rejects the claim that dimensions have changed from what was initially certified as safe by regulators. Nevertheless, as the average person grows larger, the current sizes may start feeling tighter to more passengers. I guess time will tell if further adjustments are in order.

7. What can I do to be more comfortable?

   Dress casually and wear loose, flexible clothes. Bring a neck pillow, blankets and layers in case the plane is chilly. Also load some movies or playlists to pass the time. Stretch your legs in the galley when possible. It all helps take your mind off the constraints and makes the astonishing journey above the clouds more soothing.