Airline passengers desperate for more space on crowded flights have been handed a clever tip that could secure them precious extra legroom without the hefty upgrade fee. According to new research, the simple act of choosing a seat on one specific side of the aircraft can make a measurable difference to your comfort.
The Right-Hand Side Advantage
Investigations by consumer champion Which? have uncovered that standard seats on the right-hand side of a plane frequently offer more space than their counterparts on the left. The experts advise travellers to specifically target seats labelled D, E, or F, as opposed to A, B, or C on the left.
The research indicates that, across several airlines, this choice can yield an additional half-inch to a full inch of legroom at no extra cost. For anyone who has endured a long-haul flight in economy, that small gain can feel like a luxury.
Airline-Specific Findings
Further analysis, reported by Sky News, provides concrete examples. On Ryanair's Boeing 737-800 aircraft, passengers in seats D, E, and F in rows 3 through 15 enjoy 29.5 inches of legroom. On the same rows on the left-hand side, space is slightly tighter at just 29 inches.
The benefit is even more pronounced on some easyJet flights. Travellers on the airline's A321neo model can bag a full extra inch on the right-hand side. Seats D, E, and F on rows 3 to 17 provide a generous 29 inches, while equivalent left-side seats between rows 30 and 40 are confined to 28 inches. Meanwhile, on easyJet's Airbus A320-214, an extra half-inch is available on the right in rows 14 to 29.
How to Secure Your Spot
This hack becomes most valuable during the free seat selection window that typically opens 24 hours before departure. Instead of leaving your placement to chance or paying a premium to choose early, you can strategically pick a seat on the right.
For those wanting to plan further ahead, the website AeroLOPA can be a powerful tool. By entering your specific flight's plane model number, you can examine the detailed seating plan to confirm if this legroom discrepancy applies and identify the prime seats to reserve when the time comes.
Remember, other seats known for extra space include those in front of a bulkhead, in an exit row, or at the very rear of the cabin. However, these are often subject to restrictions or fees. The right-side trick offers a simple, free alternative that could make your next journey noticeably more comfortable.
