Experts claim that not all airline seats are created equal
People flying on specific Ryanair and EasyJet planes might benefit from checking whether certain seats are available so they can enjoy an extra perk ‘at no extra cost on top’. Although there is usually an option to pay more for ‘better seats’, some seats come with extra legroom regardless.
Travel specialists at Which? claim that most short-haul flights offer between 28 and 30 inches of legroom. But, following the right-hand ‘rule’ can sometimes give flyers a better option, according to the team at Which?.
A spokesperson said that some plane layouts were made to “squeeze in another row of paying passengers”, and this is what people can take advantage of. They said: “The result is that seats towards the front of the plane aren’t actually the same size, with those on the right (seats D, E and F) often offering between an extra half-inch to an inch of legroom over those on the left.
“Many of these seats are standard seats, so you may be randomly assigned them for free. If not, they will be the cheapest category of seats to buy.”
Sitting by a bulkhead is also an option for people who want a few extra inches of legroom. These are the spots directly behind the walls, curtains, or screens that section off parts of the plane.
Which? claims: “With no row in front, you won’t have another passenger reclining into your lap, and you may bag some extra legroom, too. Just bear in mind that these seats can be narrower if tray tables are stowed in the armrest.”
Another way to get a better seat for free is to simply ask when you’re in the air – although this will only work if your flight isn’t fully booked. Which? wrote: “If your flight takes off with empty seats, ask a member of staff if you can move. If you have a reason for needing extra space – for example, you’re tall or pregnant – even better.”
What are the exact seats on Ryanair and easyJet planes?
Airline seat comparison website AeroLOPA claims that almost all of Ryanair’s planes are Boeing 737s. The seating chart suggests that seats D, E and F in rows 3-15 are the roomiest standard seats on the plane. Which? suggests that, before paying the fee to guarantee these spots, wait to see if you’re randomly assigned these seats for free.
EasyJet told Which? that passengers should get a full inch of extra legroom on one of its newer planes – the Airbus A321neo – by picking the right-hand seats (D, E and F) and aiming for the front (rows 3-13) for a 29-inch seat pitch. People in the same row on the left-hand side (rows 6-17 ABC) could have an inch less, with even less room found at the back-end of the plane (rows 30-40).
An increasing number of airlines have asymmetrical aircraft like this. To find out if your flight fits the bill, type your destination and dates into Google Flights to find the model number.
