Whether short-haul or long-haul, comfort while flying is often a top priority. Passengers who find themselves cramped for leg space, particularly those who are taller than average, may dread air travel full stop.

Seat dimensions and legroom availability can vary significantly depending on your chosen carrier. With shoulder season well underway for travel, many travellers might be making arrangements for their Christmas getaway or looking to summer 2026. In order to begin holidays on a positive note, the width of the seat and leg room could prove decisive when selecting which airline to book.

Without needing to purchase additional legroom upgrades, which carriers offer the most spacious seating with a standard ticket?

Research by Which? examined 15 short-haul operators from the UK and one carrier provides more leg space than others.

Using “seat pitch” measurements — the distance between your seat and the one in front — the consumer champions assessed leg room.

Taking the leading position is Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, offering 29 to 30 inches. However, British Airways provide the same amount of room with exactly the same pitch. 

The poorest performer regarding leg space is TAP Portugal, which provides just 28 inches of legroom.