Which Airlines Have the Most Legroom — and Which Are the Most Cramped?

Size does matter when it comes to flying, especially concerning the legroom between your seat and the one in front of you. A recent survey using seat pitch statistics—an industry term for the distance between a seat and the same spot on the seat behind it—revealed significant differences among US airlines.

The domestic airlines with the most legroom in 2024:

• JetBlue Airways: 32.3 inches
• Southwest Airlines: 31.8 inches
• Delta/Alaska Airlines: 31.0 inches

The domestic airlines with the least legroom in 2024:

• Spirit/Frontier Airlines: 28.0 inches
• Hawaiian Airlines: 29.0 inches
• United Airlines: 30.1 inches
• American Airlines: 30.2 inches

Experts caution that for those needing more legroom, selecting the right airline—and even the specific aircraft—can make a substantial difference in comfort. Once the seat pitch drops below 30 inches, passengers with long legs may find the space particularly restrictive.