Coach Can Be a Gamble
Economy comfort can vary widely depending on the airline. Some flights feel like an endurance test, while others feel like a quiet night in front of the TV—and the difference is noticeable. To save you future headaches, let’s take a look at which airlines still fall short and which get your comfort just right.
Alex Beltyukov - RuSpotters Team on Wikimedia
1. Spirit Airlines
Paying $35–$65 to bring a carry-on may seem surprising, but it's standard on Spirit. Seats don’t recline, tray tables are barely large enough for a phone, and there are no seatback screens. Even water comes at a cost. Nearly everything beyond the seat has an added fee.
Spirit Airlines Honest Review 2025 | Should You Book This Budget Flight? by Melina Kim
2. Ryanair
Cabin announcements often compete with in-flight scratch card sales. Ryanair's Boeing 737-800s are fitted with slimline seats, and you're stuck in one position for the whole miserable ride. The airline also charges for printing boarding passes and has limited in-seat storage.
3. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)
Economy class on long-haul Saudia flights offers a 31–32 inch seat pitch in a 3-3-3 Boeing 777 layout, which can feel snug on a 14-hour journey. Cabins are dated, alcohol isn't served, and though entertainment options are available, they're relatively limited compared to other Gulf carriers.
4. Wizz Air
Most routes involve Eastern or Central Europe, but consistency is lacking across their A320s and A321neos. Boarding can also turn a little frantic thanks to aggressive seat selection policies. You'll find some of the tightest legroom in Europe—typically 29-30 inches— and crew support is a serious dice roll.
5. Frontier Airlines
Seat materials on Frontier’s Airbus fleet have a firm, utilitarian feel. In-flight food and drinks, including water, are only available for purchase. Although there are no seatback entertainment screens, streaming is available through personal devices, although reliability varies.
6. Volaris Airlines
Volaris tends to overbook flights across U.S.-Mexico routes like LAX to Guadalajara. Aircraft are generally Airbus A320 family, but the interiors tend to wear out quickly. Seat cushions feel barely padded, and cabin cleanliness is a common complaint. Customers often report confusing refund policies and few solutions from the help desk.
7. Allegiant Air
Flights only operate on select days, so cancellations mean lengthy delays. Passengers often face additional fees for carry-on baggage and for printing boarding passes at the airport. No onboard Wi-Fi or food options—just a laminated menu with a few snack options. Small airports and remote destinations don't help either.
Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America on Wikimedia
8. Jetstar Airways
Despite being a Qantas subsidiary, Jetstar's coach doesn't benefit from that DNA; many trans-Tasman and Asia routes are run on older A320s or 787s. While 787s offer 30-31 inches of seat pitch with partial recline, both are criticized for discomfort on longer routes. You'll pay extra for drinks and even for choosing a seat on most flights.
Grahame Hutchison on Wikimedia
9. Tunisair
Flights between Tunis and Paris or Rome are unexpectedly unpleasant. Tunisair's A320s are frequently condemned for worn upholstery and broken screens. Passengers encounter delays with no updates. Customer service at Tunisair is often described as unresponsive, with difficulties in resolving booking and refund issues.
TRIPREPORT | Tunisair (ECONOMY) | Airbus A320 | Tunis - Milan by Troy Santulli
10. EasyJet
Budget travel across Europe doesn't always equal simplicity. EasyJet's tight 29–30-inch pitch and no-recline seats can lead to discomfort on longer routes. Ground services are lean, and boarding queues often snake into absurd territory. Don't forget—any overhead bag will likely cost you.
With the worst behind us, it's time to snuggle into some of the most comfortable economy seats around.
1. Japan Airlines
Coach seats on Japan Airlines' Boeing 777 offer a generous 34-inch pitch and wider seats than many competitors. Passengers flying routes like New York to Tokyo enjoy personal power outlets and sizeable touchscreens, making long-haul journeys surprisingly comfortable.
Toshi Aoki - JP Spotters on Wikimedia
2. Singapore Airlines
Chef-curated meals set Singapore Airlines apart, especially with menus designed to taste great at 35,000 feet. Economy flyers can savor wine pairings and regional dishes, while in-flight entertainment and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere even on the longest flights.
3. Qatar Airways
Travelers frequently praise Qatar Airways for its spacious coach cabins, which are often considered superior to those of its competitors. An award-winning Oryx One entertainment system includes larger touchscreens and USB-C charging ports, adding to an enjoyable experience on routes like Doha to New York.
Brussels Airport from Belgium on Wikimedia
4. Emirates
On flights between Dubai and the U.S., Emirates offers 32–34 inch pitch in economy with adjustable headrests and personal power outlets. The 13-inch ICE entertainment screens provide a vast library of movies and shows, improving the experience on their Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.
Andrei Dimofte from Stuttgart, Germany on Wikimedia
5. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways features ergonomic seats on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which fly popular routes such as Tokyo to Los Angeles. Bathrooms are also equipped with bidet functions and ample legroom that make your experience far less cramped. Talk about ultra-modern planes!
6. Turkish Airlines
Passengers flying from Istanbul to New York enjoy 32-inch pitch seats, and full hot meals served on real china. Their standard class also includes generous checked baggage allowances, fresh onboard snacks, and famously warm service.
Turkish Airlines Economy Class | How's Their 777-300ER in 2021? by Nonstop Dan
7. Delta Air Lines
Delta's Boeing 767-400ER aircraft features a 2-3-2 seating layout, allowing some economy passengers to avoid middle seats. USB ports, personal inflight entertainment screens, and a 31-32 inch seat pitch help make the main cabin more comfortable on transatlantic flights.
8. Cathay Pacific Airways
Their new Recaro seats on Airbus A350 aircraft provide 32-inch pitch and 11.6-inch touchscreens. Quiet cabins and adjustable headrests create a peaceful environment, allowing coach passengers to rest easily during long-haul flights like those between Hong Kong and San Francisco.
Brussels Airport from Belgium on Wikimedia
9. Etihad Airways
Etihad's Economy Smart Seats, found on Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 planes, include lumbar support and USB power ports. These ergonomic seats offer extra comfort and practical amenities, which provide main cabin travelers with more space and convenience on flights from Abu Dhabi to destinations worldwide.
mkb (M-traunreut at de.wikipedia) on Wikimedia
10. Air New Zealand
The innovative Skycouch on Air New Zealand's long-haul flights transforms three economy seats into a flat surface perfect for stretching out. Anyone traveling between Los Angeles and Auckland can appreciate the added space and flexibility during overnight flights.
