US Airlines Ranked by Economy Legroom
Passengers stretching out their aching legs after spending hours cooped up in a cramped airline seat is a common sight in any arrivals terminal. Today, passengers are feeling the crunch even more, as legroom on major airlines has shrunk by an average of four inches since the late 20th century. If you're on the hunt for a flight with a little more wiggle room, take a look at the 2025 rankings before you book.
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Top Airlines for Legroom 2025
- JetBlue | 32.7 inches
- Southwest | 31.7 inches
- Delta | 31.0 inches
- Alaska | 31.0 inches
- American | 30.3 inches
- United Airlines | 30.0 inches
- Hawaiian Airlines | 29.0 inches
- Frontier | 28.0 inches
- Spirit | 28.0 inches
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How to Maximize Legroom on Your Next Flight
Business Insider, using stats on the ten busiest flight routes of 2024 from aviation data company OAG, calculated the top airlines for legroom in 2025. The study looked at economy class across nine carriers and found a difference of more than five inches between the most and least generous seat pitch.
Whether you fly a budget airline or book one of the cushier economy options above, consider these strategies to increase your legroom on your next flight.
Look At the Plane Map
While an airline's average legroom can give you a good idea of how much of a squeeze you'll be facing, the actual seat pitch is determined by individual aircraft. Use tools like SeatGuru to look up the aircraft map ahead of check-in to scope the best seats. Please note that aircraft schedules are subject to change at the last minute.
Take Advantage of the Overhead Bin
While stowing your items on the ground is convenient for in-flight retrieval, it eats up valuable leg space. Upon boarding, remove what you’ll need for immediate comfort and store the rest in the overhead compartment.
Sit in the Exit Row
Exit rows can have up to five inches more legroom than standard seats to accommodate the additional space required for emergency exits. While they give you room to stretch, these seats may be more expensive and come with restrictions, such as no under-seat carry-on storage, limited recline ability, and the responsibility to assist in operating the exit in the event of an emergency.
Opt for a Bulkhead Seat
Bulkhead seats are a favorite of many in the economy cabin—with no row in front of you, you're free to stretch out to your heart's content. However, the trade-off is inconveniently located entertainment screens that must be stowed during landing and takeoff, no under-seat storage for carry-on luggage, and close proximity to the lavatories—a pro and a con, depending on who you ask.
Book with a Loyalty Program
Loyalty program members can use miles to upgrade their ticket to a more spacious seat. Some airlines, such as Southwest, may offer priority access to extra-legroom seats to frequent flyers, while other programs may provide complimentary upgrades to elite members of their loyalty programs.
Ask for an Upgrade
A risky maneuver, but it can be successful. Check in with the gate agent about available upgrades and ask to be added to the list. An open spot in Economy Plus could be the difference between a cramped cabin and room to relax. Check out our guide to asking for an upgrade for the best strategies and advice.