So you want to go to Europe. You begin your flight search to your dream destination and as attractive flight prices pop up, you are instantly transported to the encapsulating medieval streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, where you slip in and out of artisan shops, museums, and quaint cafes. Or maybe it’s a sun-drenched resort on the Amalfi Coast, where you’re sipping a spritz and soaking in the sea.
But then you remember: before you can experience all that, you have to first endure the long-haul flight to get there.
When planning a trip to Europe, one of the most important factors for comfort on long-haul flights is legroom. Economy class on transatlantic flights can sometimes feel cramped, but fortunately, there are airlines that offer better-than-average legroom. If you’re wondering which carriers prioritize passenger comfort, this guide will help you choose the best airlines for legroom to Europe in economy, and additional tips for securing extra legroom.
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights
What is seat pitch?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what seat pitch is. Seat pitch is the distance between the back of your seat and the back of the seat in front of you. While it’s not the exact measurement of legroom, it gives a good estimate of the space available in economy class.
Average legroom on transatlantic flights
On most long-haul flights from the US to Europe, the average seat pitch in economy ranges from 30 to 32 inches. However, some airlines go above and beyond to offer more legroom, which can make a significant difference on flights lasting seven-plus hours.
Top airlines for legroom to Europe in economy
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best airlines for legroom from the US to Europe in economy, based on seat pitch, width, and overall comfort.
1. Turkish Airlines
Seat pitch: 31–33 inches
Seat width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to Istanbul and various European destinations
Turkish Airlines offers one of the most generous seat pitches in economy for long-haul flights. With a seat pitch of up to 33 inches, Turkish Airlines provides a more comfortable experience than many competitors. Their fleet is also known for having newer aircraft, and passengers often praise the airline for its overall comfort, quality inflight meals, and customer service.
2. Icelandair
Seat pitch: 32 inches
Seat width: 17 inches
Routes: US to Reykjavik and European hubs via Iceland
Icelandair prides itself on a 32-inch seat pitch in economy, making it one of the best European airlines for legroom from the US to Europe in economy. In addition to spacious seating, Icelandair offers affordable stopovers in Iceland, allowing travelers to break up their long journey while exploring an extra destination.
3. Aer Lingus
Seat pitch: 31–32 inches
Seat width: 17 inches
Routes: US to Dublin and other European cities via Ireland
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, offers a slightly above-average seat pitch on its transatlantic flights. Their seat configurations in economy class vary, but passengers flying to Dublin or connecting to other European destinations can enjoy comfortable legroom.
4. Virgin Atlantic
Seat pitch: 31 inches
Seat width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to London and European cities via the UK
Virgin Atlantic offers a consistent 31-inch seat pitch on its long-haul flights to Europe. The airline is known for its stylish cabins and excellent customer service, making it a great option if you’re flying from the US to London or beyond. If you’re looking for more space, Virgin Atlantic also offers “Economy Delight” seats with a 34-inch seat pitch for an additional fee.
5. Delta Air Lines
Seat Pitch: 31–32 inches
Seat Width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to various European destinations
Delta offers a competitive seat pitch across its long-haul economy cabins, with some aircraft offering up to 32 inches of legroom. Delta operates numerous direct flights from the US to major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome. Additionally, Delta’s “Comfort+” seats provide an extra 3–4 inches of legroom for passengers willing to pay for added comfort.
6. Lufthansa
Seat pitch: 31 inches
Seat width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to Frankfurt, Munich, and European hubs via Germany
As Germany’s largest airline, Lufthansa offers a standard 31-inch seat pitch in economy. While not the largest, Lufthansa makes up for it with excellent inflight service, complimentary meals, and state-of-the-art entertainment. Their economy class is generally well-regarded for its balance of comfort and price.
7. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Seat pitch: 31–32 inches
Seat width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to Amsterdam and other European destinations via the Netherlands
KLM is known for its solid seat pitch and wide network of flights between the US and Europe. The airline’s 31–32 inch seat pitch ensures a relatively comfortable journey, and their commitment to sustainability and onboard service is a bonus for environmentally conscious travelers.
8. American Airlines
Seat Pitch: 31–32 inches
Seat Width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to various European destinations
American Airlines offers competitive legroom on its transatlantic flights, with some aircraft featuring a seat pitch of up to 32 inches. Like Delta, American Airlines offers “Main Cabin Extra” seats for a fee, which provide an additional 3–4 inches of legroom.
9. British Airways
Seat pitch: 31 inches
Seat width: 17–18 inches
Routes: US to London and other European cities via the UK
British Airways offers a standard seat pitch in economy, though their premium economy (World Traveller Plus) seats provide much more space for an additional cost. If you’re flying long-haul to Europe, British Airways is a solid choice, especially if you’re willing to upgrade for extra comfort.
Tips for maximizing legroom
Even if you’re flying economy, there are several ways to secure extra legroom:
- Choose bulkhead or exit row seats: These seats generally offer significantly more space but are often reserved for an additional fee or for passengers with specific needs.
- Upgrade to premium economy: Many airlines offer a premium economy class with more legroom and other perks for a reasonable price.
- Check for “Economy Plus” or similar classes: Airlines like Delta, United, and American offer an upgraded economy class with additional legroom.
- Use seat selection tools: Websites like SeatGuru or airline-specific apps allow you to view seat maps and select seats with better legroom.
Final thoughts
When planning a trip to Europe, considering legroom can make a huge difference in your comfort. The airlines listed here offer some of the best economy class legroom for long-haul flights, ensuring you’ll have a more enjoyable journey. Whether you’re flying with Turkish Airlines for its spacious 33-inch pitch or opting for Virgin Atlantic’s stylish comfort, you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs.
In summary, the best airlines for legroom to Europe in economy include Turkish Airlines, Icelandair, Aer Lingus, and Virgin Atlantic, among others. If you’re seeking the best European airlines for legroom from the US to Europe economy, Icelandair and Aer Lingus stand out as top contenders. So next time you book a flight, consider one of these airlines for a more comfortable trip.
