Economy seats on most airlines aren't known for their comfort.
In fact, they're notoriously small, cramped, and uncomfortable. But for many travelers who aren't able or willing to pay an exorbitant price for business class or first class seats, economy is the most practical way to travel.
However, flying in economy doesn't have to mean a poor flight experience.
According to a study from CheapAir, these are the airlines with the most comfortable economy seats based on three important factors contributing to flight experience:
- Seat pitch (legroom)
- Seat size (width)
- Inflight amenities
Here are the best airlines to book with for your next economy flight for maximum comfort:
JetBlue
JetBlue scores at the top for the best airlines with comfortable economy seats. Passengers will enjoy an above-average seat pitch of 32-34” and a seat size of 17.8 – 18.4”.
Not to mention, JetBlue is one of only two domestic airlines in the U.S. that offers free WiFi to passengers. All seats on JetBlue planes are also equipped with seatback screens with inflight entertainment available, and most seats have power outlets and USB ports.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
Delta Air Lines
Next up for the most comfortable economy seats is Delta Air Lines, with a seat pitch of 30-32” and a seat size of 17.2 – 18.5”, making this airline above average.
Delta offers seatback screens on most planes (but not all shorter-haul flights have them) and free inflight entertainment. They also recently became the second U.S. airline to start offering free WiFi on flights. Power outlets and USB ports are available in most seats.
Hawaiian Airlines
The economy seats on Hawaiian Airlines share the same dimensions as seats on Delta Airlines, with a seat pitch of 30-32” and a seat size of 17.2 – 18.5”.
These spacious seats are a perk for passengers of Hawaiian Airlines, but there aren't as many inflight amenities compared to JetBlue or Delta. Seatback screens are not offered on every flight, nor is free WiFi available. However, there are power outlets and USB ports in economy seats.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines scores major points for seat pitch (31-32”) and seat size (17 – 18”) but loses points for not having seatback screens on economy seats. However, they do have tablets available that come loaded with inflight entertainment, and power outlets and USB ports are available.
If you're just looking for larger and more comfortable seats and don't mind the lack of a TV screen in your seat, then Alaska Airlines is one of the best options.
Honorable Mention: Spirit Airlines
While the low-budget carrier Spirit Airlines doesn't make this list due to its cramped seat pitch of just 28”, it does offer seat sizes with a width of 17.5 – 18.5”, which is wider than many competitors.
The airline also announced its move to introduce more comfortable seats, which will add an extra half inch of width to seats on newly-delivered aircraft. They are also adding thicket cushions to airplane seats in economy to create a better experience for passengers.
Best International Airlines
While the airlines above have the best economy seats out of all U.S. airlines, here's a look at some of the international airlines with the most comfortable seats for your next trip abroad, according to Hopper:
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Korean Air
- Garuda Indonesia
- Oman Air
- Japan Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Asiana Airlines
- ANA All Nippon Airways
Based on these results, it's clear that travelers on long-haul flights to and from Asia and the Middle East will have the best economy flying experience, while European airlines are noticeably absent from the rankings.
↓ Join Our Community ↓
TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest travel news, conversations, and Q&A's happening daily!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
