For most economy passengers, the prospect of a flight conjures images of cramped quarters and limited space to stretch out. While business class offers a solution, it comes at a steep price. However, a new investigation has uncovered a clever and completely free method to secure more room on your next journey.
The Right Side Advantage
Research conducted by the consumer champion Which? has identified a simple pattern that can lead to more comfortable flights. The study found that booking a seat on the right-hand side of the plane, specifically in seats marked with the letters D, E, or F, can provide passengers with additional legroom compared to seats on the left (A, B, or C).
The difference might seem small, but it can be significant. On many aircraft, seats on the right offer between an extra half-inch to a full inch of space. This finding even applies to budget carriers like Ryanair, where every inch counts.
How to Claim Your Extra Space
The key to benefiting from this hack is proactive seat selection. Many airlines allow free seat choice during online check-in, which typically opens 24 hours before departure. Instead of accepting a random assignment, travellers should aim for a right-side seat at this point.
For those who like to plan further ahead, checking the specific seating plan for your flight is highly recommended. Using resources like the website AeroLOPA to examine the exact configuration of your plane model can confirm if the right-side trick will work.
For instance, most Ryanair flights use Boeing 737s. AeroLOPA data indicates that on these planes, the most spacious standard seats are D, E, and F in rows 3 through to 15.
Beyond the Right Side: Other Tips for Space
The research from Which? also highlighted other areas on the plane that typically offer more room. Seats located in front of a bulkhead, along an exit row, or at the very rear of the aircraft often have more generous proportions.
The legroom discrepancy isn't limited to Ryanair. According to reports from Sky News, passengers on an easyJet Airbus A321neo can gain an extra inch by sitting on the right. On this model, seats D, E, and F in rows 3-17 have a 29-inch seat pitch, compared to 28 inches for some seats on the left between rows 30 and 40.
Airlines like Norwegian also have varying seat pitches across their cabins, making it always worthwhile to scrutinise the seating plan before selection to ensure you get the best value and comfort for your money.
