Often, airline companies come up with new terminology with regard to their business strategy that could easily bewilder people. One such term that most travellers might not have heard of is ‘seat pitch’. What is it and what does it do? These are some common questions that we are going to answer for you in a simple way.
In this blog, we are going to provide you with an insight into what is a seat pitch in Airline Carriers’ flights.
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What is a Seat Pitch in Airlines?
In simple words, the term “seat pitch” basically refers to the total distance between rows of seats i.e., one seat behind the other, in an aircraft. So, if a seat pitch is greater the legroom is also greater which is important in the economic class.
An airline’s seat pitch (or distance between seats) is usually measured in centimetres or inches. Thus, the greater the distance between the seats, the more space a passenger gets in order to travel comfortably. It also means you get more legroom space and use the tray table more conveniently.
How do Airlines Offer Seat Pitch?
Seat’s pitch is a premium option that is available “on request” on all travel classes – Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class.
A regular seat pitch in economy class can range from 28 inches (71 centimetres) to 34 inches (86 centimetres). Most airline carriers will offer seat pitch ranging from 33 inches (83 cm) to 46 inches (116 cm) in premium economy class and further on in other higher class cabins. The seat pitch then further increases with each higher travel class.
- First Class: Seat pitch can range from 46 inches (116 cm) to 90 inches (228 cm).
- Business Class: Seat pitch can range from 33 inches (83 cm) to 82 inches (208 cm).
- Premium Economy Class: Seat pitch can range from 33 inches (83 cm) to 46 (116 cm).
- Economy Class: Seat pitch can range from 28 inches (71 cm) to 34 inches (84 cm).
There are several airline carriers that offer regular seat pitch to passengers travelling in economy class. For example, AirAsia and JetStar are low-cost airline carriers that offer a minimum of 28 inches seat pitch in economy class. While Korean Air and Malaysia Airlines offer 34 inches of seat pitch in economy class.
However, not every airline carrier may be willing to offer seat pitch on all their fleet of aircraft. This may also depend on the design and model of an aircraft.
Note* In the early’s 2000 seat pitch in the economy class is generally 34 inches to 35 inches apart which is around 86 centimeters seat pitch but nowadays 79 cm seat pitch that is around 31 inches which is available in an economic class, especially in short flights or you can say domestic flight.
Popular Airline Carriers and their Seat Pitch Options
Below we have included a few popular airline carriers (in alphabetical order) from around the world and their seat pitch options.
- First Class: None
- Business Class: 60 inches (152 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: None
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
- First Class: None
- Business Class: 70-75 inches (177-190 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 38 inches (96 cm)
- Economy Class: 31-33 inches (78-83 cm)
- First Class: 82 inches (208 cm)
- Business Class: 61 inches (154 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 38 inches (96 cm)
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
Air India
- First Class: 82 inches (208 cm)
- Business Class: 76 inches (193 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: None
- Economy Class: 31-33 inches (78-83 cm)
American Airlines
- First Class: 80 inches (203 cm)
- Business Class: 60 inches (152 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: None
- Economy Class: 31-32 inches (78-81 cm)
British Airways
- First Class: 78 inches (198 cm)
- Business Class: 72 inches (182 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 38 inches (96 cm)
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
- First Class: 84 inches (213 cm)
- Business Class: 78-82 inches (198-208 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 38 inches (96 cm)
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
- First Class: 86 inches (218 cm)
- Business Class: 55-60 inches (139-152 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: None
- Economy Class: 32-33 inches (81-83 cm)
Japan Airlines
- First Class: 83 inches (210 cm)
- Business Class: 60-74 inches (152-187 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 38-42 inches (96-106 cm)
- Economy Class: 33-34 inches (83-86 cm)
- First Class: 90 inches (228 cm)
- Business Class: 64 inches (162)
- Premium Economy Class: 38 inches (96 cm)
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
Qantas Airways
- First Class: 79 inches (200 cm)
- Business Class: 60-78 inches (152-198 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 38 inches (96 cm)
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
- First Class: 78 inches (198 cm)
- Business Class: 76 inches (193 cm)
- Premium Economy Class: 35 inches (88 cm)
- Economy Class: 31 inches (78 cm)
Does Having More Seat Pitch Mean Having More Legroom?
Well, having more seat pitch could give you some more legroom space, but this may not be equivalent considering the structure and depth of the seat in front of you. Factors, such as plane’s design and layout, seat configuration, the thickness of seats, placement of tray table at the back of seats, storage space underneath the seat, etc., can have an impact on how much legroom space you will actually get.
You will usually find more legroom space in the plane’s front rows, bulkhead and emergency exit rows.
Is there an Additional Fee for Requesting Seat Pitch?
Seat pitch is an option that is available to passengers in any travel class for a certain fee.
When you book a flight, most airline carriers will allow you to request your preferred seat pitch in the class of cabin you are travelling. The fee is inclusive of your flight’s fare.
You can request a preferred seat pitch, whether you are booking a flight online or via the airline’s customer service centre.
Conclusion
A seat pitch in airlines is thus, an option which you can easily avail yourself upon request so that you can experience a comfortable trip to your destination.
