With many Brits now fully back into the swing of holidaying abroad, travel journalist and expert Pete Barden looks at how we can enjoy a little extra comfort and space by booking so-called premium economy seats such as those offering extra legroom in cramped plane cabins.
Paying a little extra can get
extra legroom seats on a plane (Credit: Pxhere.com)
What are extra legroom seats on planes from the likes of Jet2, easyJet, BA and Ryanair?
Typically, premium economy extra legroom seats are located in rows with emergency exits or at bulkheads. Their positioning means they have space in front, increasing the amount of legroom they offer. This can be useful for tall passengers, those with very small children – or simply anyone looking for a little more comfort as they travel.
Such seats offer a relatively cost-effective way to improve the quality of your flight, without the need to pay prohibitive premiums associated with business, and first-class cabins.
Extra legroom seats can be combined with the likes of fast-track security lanes to deliver a premier travel experience at very little cost.
Can anyone book extra legroom seats on a plane?
In many cases, the airline will have conditions covering who can book an extra legroom seat. This is because many of the seats will be located by emergency exits – so anyone sitting there must be physically fit and able to open the exits and potentially help people escape. Some airlines will also insist people sitting in the seats must be able to speak the carrier’s native language, or be fluent in English.
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Are extra legroom seats worth it?
Obviously this is subjective, but for longer flights or for those who are tall or just want a little extra comfort, then the comparatively low price could easily be worth the expenditure. Health benefits could also apply, with less cramped seating possibly helping to lessen the risk of blood clots in the form of DVTs.
How much are the seats?
The following table reveals how much you are likely to be expected to pay for an extra legroom seat as you book your holiday.
Airline |
How much for extra legroom seat |
More info |
|
Aer Lingus extra legroom seats |
From £15.99 |
|
|
Air Canada extra legroom seats |
From £12 – £112 (approx) |
|
|
Air New Zealand extra legroom seats |
From £50 (approx) |
|
|
American Airlines extra legroom seats |
From £15 - £220 (approx) |
|
|
British Airways extra legroom seats |
From £50 (approx) |
|
|
Cathay Pacific extra legroom seats |
From £36 – £171 |
|
|
easyJet extra legroom seats |
From £7.99-£12.99 |
|
|
Emirates extra legroom seats |
From £25 – £200 (approx) |
|
|
Jet2 extra legroom seats |
Will not reveal prices until time of booking |
|
|
Ryanair extra legroom seats |
From £11.00 - £33.00 |
|
|
Singapore Airlines extra legroom seats |
From £20.00 (approx) |
|
|
TUI extra legroom seats |
From £10 - £75 |
|
|
Virgin Atlantic extra legroom seats |
From £49 (approx) |
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Author: Pete Barden:
Twitter: @pete_barden
Pete Barden is a qualified journalist who has written and produced for publications including The Sun (thesun.co.uk), New Statesman Media Group, Whatcar? (Whatcar.com) Stuff Magazine (Stuff.tv), Fastcar Magazine (Fastcar.co.uk), Maxim Magazine and UK broadcast stations within the Heart network (Formerly GCAP). Pete specialises in motoring and travel content, along with news and production roles. You can find out more about Pete Barden on LinkedIn.
