Unlocking Free Extra Legroom on Ryanair and EasyJet Flights
Passengers flying with Ryanair and EasyJet may be able to enjoy additional legroom without paying extra fees, according to recent insights from travel specialists. While airlines typically charge premiums for preferred seating, certain standard seats on these budget carriers naturally provide more space due to aircraft design quirks.
The Right-Hand Rule for Maximising Legroom
Experts at Which? highlight that most short-haul flights offer between 28 and 30 inches of legroom, but following a simple "right-hand rule" can yield better options. A spokesperson explained that some plane layouts are configured to squeeze in an extra row of paying passengers, resulting in uneven seat sizes.
"Seats towards the front on the right side—specifically D, E, and F—often provide between half an inch to a full inch more legroom compared to those on the left," the spokesperson noted. Many of these are standard seats, meaning passengers might be randomly assigned them for free during check-in. If not, they typically represent the cheapest category of seats available for purchase.
Bulkhead Seats and In-Flight Requests
Another strategy for securing extra space involves selecting bulkhead seats, located directly behind walls, curtains, or screens that section off parts of the aircraft. Which? advises that these spots eliminate the issue of passengers reclining into your lap and may offer additional legroom. However, travellers should be aware that bulkhead seats can be narrower if tray tables are stowed in the armrests.
For those willing to take a chance, simply asking cabin crew for a seat change during the flight can also work, provided the aircraft isn't fully booked. Which? recommends that passengers with specific needs—such as being tall or pregnant—mention these reasons to increase their chances of being accommodated.
Specific Seat Recommendations for Ryanair and EasyJet
According to airline seat comparison website AeroLOPA, Ryanair predominantly operates Boeing 737 aircraft. The seating charts indicate that seats D, E, and F in rows 3 through 15 are the roomiest standard options on these planes. Which? suggests holding off on paying fees to guarantee these spots until check-in, as there's a chance of being assigned them randomly at no cost.
EasyJet has confirmed that passengers on its newer Airbus A321neo planes can gain up to an inch of extra legroom by choosing right-hand seats (D, E, and F) in the front rows, specifically 3 to 13, which offer a 29-inch seat pitch. In contrast, left-hand seats in rows 6 to 17 (ABC) may have an inch less space, with even tighter conditions towards the rear of the aircraft in rows 30 to 40.
Identifying Asymmetrical Aircraft Layouts
An increasing number of airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet, utilise asymmetrical aircraft designs that create these legroom disparities. To determine if a specific flight features such a layout, travellers can use tools like Google Flights by entering their destination and travel dates to find the model number of the aircraft scheduled for their journey.
By understanding these nuances and planning accordingly, passengers can enhance their flying experience without incurring additional expenses, making budget travel more comfortable and efficient.
