Comfort in economy isn’t always equal across carriers – yet certain ones tend to give passengers bigger seats than most. On extended journeys, that extra space often means better support, less stiffness, and simply feeling more at ease during flight time. Fifteen airlines stand out because their standard seats take up more real estate than usual.
Japan Airlines (JAL)
One thing that stands out about Japan Airlines is how much room they offer in economy on their bigger planes. Instead of tight rows, there’s extra breathing area thanks to smarter seating arrangements inside the cabin. This means even full flights don’t pack in quite so tightly. For those prioritizing comfort over upgrades, extra elbow room makes long hours more enjoyable.
Singapore Airlines
On long flights, room to move matters. Wider seats are now featured throughout their economy class on international flights. Design choices put comfort ahead of tight fits. Space between seats isn’t just random – it bends toward usability. Sitting for hours feels slightly easier when there’s room to breathe. Standard class still accommodates that thoughtfulness.
Qatar Airways
On Qatar Airways, economy seats usually offer close to 18 inches of seat width – while also delivering solid crew attention and extra touches. Often heard by travelers: its legroom stands out across similar flights, making extended trips feel roomier than expected.
JetBlue Airways
Wider seats mark JetBlue’s stand among American airlines, measuring between 17.8 and 18.4 inches across, while legroom stretches as far as 32.3 or 34 inches – most notable in EvenMore Space. Comfort in basic classes often earns recognition, securing praise not just over short hauls but crossing the Atlantic too.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines packs a small surprise into its basic cabin design – seats sit just a bit further apart than usual airline setups. That tiny breathing room makes shorter flights feel easier on the body. Its straightforward layout may lack flash, yet it delivers quiet comforts during everyday trips.
Air New Zealand
On most long flights, Air New Zealand’s economy seats pack in decent room compared to others. Comfort matters here – they’ve shaped their cabins with care, making hours feel slightly easier. That touch of thought shows up where it counts.
Emirates
On most of its extended-range jets, Emirates uses bigger economy seats – often found in bigger planes. Because the room inside cabins stretches wide, sitting becomes slightly roomier than usual transoceanic coach travel. Thoughtful seat design enhances comfort on long rides.
ANA
On All Nippon Airways economy flights, roominess comes through despite uneven seat sizes across planes. Thanks to tight but comfortable distances between passengers, along with firm seating that holds up, legs stay fresher during extended travel.
EVA Air lines
Comfort gets a boost on certain EVA Air planes thanks to roomier economy seats. Long journeys feel easier when there’s extra elbow room. Travelers particularly notice the difference if they sit apart from others.
Air Canada
On most flights, Air Canada’s economy seats take up more space than usual. Depending on the aircraft, layouts change, yet travelers often find a roomier ride here compared to certain U.S.-based airlines.
Finnair
Comfort shows up in wider seats across Finnair’s overseas economy fleet, designed without old-style clutter. When you’re traveling for a long time, it definitely feels better when you have some space to move around.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus provides basic amenities on cross-ocean flights without crowding the space. For those sitting far apart, there is room to stretch during midflight naps. Though tight by some standards, the layout allows shoulders a break now and then. Comfort shows up quietly here, not through extra pillows but pauses.
Aegean Airlines
Wider seats sit in most Aegean flights compared to similar European carriers. On local routes, that bit of elbow room truly shows up. Travelers used to tight rows might notice it right away when settling in.
TAP Air Portugal
On TAP Air Portugal, seats in economy often take up extra room across various planes. Because of that, traveling feels less cramped – whether heading within Europe or further away. Comfort shows up simply by having a bit more elbow room.
Turkish Airlines
On several extended routes, Turkish Airlines offers economy seats wide enough to feel comfortable. Because the seating area lacks pressure points, travelers stay less tense over time. With proper backing support plus thoughtful placement across rows, movement inside the cabin becomes easier. This mix of design choices leads to moments where fatigue hides behind minor irritation instead.
