Best Airlines for Tall Passengers

Discover the airlines with the most legroom for tall passengers to fly in comfort

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Airlines that offer the most legroom for tall passengers

Flying can be tricky for tall passengers if your seat doesn’t offer enough legroom. On longer flights, cramped Economy seats can make the journey feel even tougher, so knowing which airlines give you extra space is key.

In this guide, we break down airline legroom by cabin class, highlight the airlines that offer more space for taller travellers, and share practical tips for picking exit row or bulkhead seats.

Whether you’re after extra legroom on a short flight or planning a comfortable long-haul trip, this page will help you find the most spacious airlines for tall passengers and make your next flight a much more comfortable experience.

Note: Legroom may vary depending on aircraft type, seat configuration, and route, so always check specific seating layouts before booking.

Best airlines for legroom by seat pitch

The airlines in the table below are popular choices for travellers who want more legroom and a more comfortable flight.

They operate a wide range of routes worldwide and are known for offering extra space across Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class, making them a good option if comfort is high on your list.

See which airlines tend to offer more legroom, so you can narrow down your options before searching for flights. Seat layouts can vary by aircraft and route, but these airlines consistently rank well for legroom and overall comfort.

Airline	Economy	Premium Economy	Business	First Class
Qatar Airways	31–32 in	31–33 in	45–103 in	79–83 in
Singapore Airlines	32–34 in	38 in	51–76 in	71–81 in
Emirates	32–34 in	n/a	48–60 in	69–86 in
WestJet	30 in	33–36 in	46 in	n/a
Etihad	31–33 in	n/a	49 in	73–80 in
Turkish Airlines	29–32 in	31–34 in	n/a	33–78 in
Air New Zealand	30–34 in	41–42 in	79 in	n/a
Virgin Atlantic	29–31 in	36–38 in	59–79.5 in	n/a
Scoot	28–31 in	33–34 in	38 in	n/a
jetBlue	32–33 in	38–41 in	58–80 in	n/a

Best airlines for legroom by cabin class

Short-haul Economy

Emirates and Singapore Airlines give the most legroom on short-haul flights in Economy. Both airlines give up to 34 inches of legroom and no less than 32 inches.

Long-haul Economy

Avianca and Malaysia Airlines give the most legroom on long-haul flights in Economy. Both airlines give up to 36 inches of legroom. Avianca gives a minimum of 31 inches and Malaysia Airlines gives a minimum of 30 inches.

Premium Economy

Air China gives the most legroom in Premium Economy. The airline gives 48 inches of legroom on all flights.

Business Class

Qatar Airways gives the most legroom in Business Class. On short-haul flights, the airline gives 45–60 inches of legroom. On long-haul flights, the airline gives up to 103 inches of legroom! With a minimum of 60 inches, depending on the flight flown on.

First Class

Malaysia Airlines gives the most legroom in First Class, with between 83 and 89 inches.

Tips for tall passengers

Choose exit row or bulkhead seats for extra space.
Consider Premium Economy or Business Class for long-haul comfort.
Always check specific aircraft layouts on your route; legroom can differ between planes.
Use seat maps to verify legroom before booking.

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Extra Legroom FAQs

Which airline has the most legroom for international flights?

Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air New Zealand consistently provide extra legroom across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Seat pitch varies by aircraft, so check the layout before booking.

What is the Emirates Economy legroom?

When flying with Emirates, the Economy legroom is around 32-34 inches. Emirates is one of the airlines that offers the most legroom in Economy on board its flights.

How can I secure extra legroom seats?

There are a few ways that you can secure extra legroom seats.

Book early. To guarantee extra legroom seats, be sure to book your flight earlier rather than later, as you'll be one of the first to see the aircrafts seat map and choose where you would like to sit.
Use frequent flyer points/miles. If you've managed to build up a good collection of points from your frequent flights, then you may be able to upgrade to a seat with extra legroom.
If you have a medical condition or a special reason as to why you need to sit in an extra legroom seat, get in contact with the airline directly who will be able to assist you in securing that extra legroom seat.

Can I pay later when booking extra legroom seats?

Absolutely! Alternative Airlines offers more than 40 ways to pay, including 21+ Buy Now Pay Later options. Split the cost of your extra legroom flight into weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments and fly stress-free. The payment options available to you will depend on your country of residence, and you'll see all options at checkout.