Traveling in a low-cost airline may be synonymous with cheap tickets, but also of discomfort. A study shared by the site specializing in Simple Flying Commercial Aviation shows which European airlines are offering less space.
Comparative between Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air
Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air lead the low cost market in Europe. All operate with planes configured exclusively in economic class, prioritizing as many places as possible. However, this has a price: less space for passenger legs. The smallest space for the legs recorded was the Hungarian company Wizz Air, which operates direct flights from Lisbon, Faro and Porto.
Among European airlines, the available space space varies considerably and can greatly influence the flight experience. KLM leads in comfort offering, making it available between 73.7 and 83.8 cm of leg space, closely followed by Lufthansa, with 76.2 to 81.3 cm. Ryanair has a fixed value of 76.2 cm (30 inches), slightly above Easyjet, which offers 73.7 cm, and vueling, measured between 73.7 and 76.2 cm.
TAP Portugal and Jet2 position themselves in the middle of the table, both with a margin between 71.1 and 78.7 cmdepending on the type of plane. In the lower positions, Tui and Wizz Air, which provide only 71,1 cm of ‘legorom’, putting them among companies with less leg space on short and medium distance trips through Europe.
Airplane and Capacity Models
Easyjet and Wizz Air operate exclusively with Airbus A320 family planes. WIZZ AIR uses 180 genes Geven Essenz in the A320neo and 239 in the A321neo, with spaces between 71 and 74 cm. Easyjet, in turn, has 186 places Recaro SL3510 in A320neo and 235 in A321neo, with slightly higher spaces.
Already Ryanair uses Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8-200. These models accommodate until 197 passengers in Zodiac Z110 seats, also with space up to 76 cm. All seats of these companies are “slimline” type and do not recline.
Seats with more space? Just for some
The most space options exist, but they are limited. In all three companies (Easyjet, Wizz Air, Ryanair) you can book seats with more space in the emergency lines or in the front row. However, these are forbidden to passengers with special needs, under 16 or traveling with lap children.
Dimensions that matter
Although the width of the seats is similar (about 45 cm), the combination with reduced pitch can make the trip uncomfortable, especially for higher passengers or greater physical complexion. Ryanair, for example, warns: “If the size of our seats or doors does not suit your specific needs, you may not be able to board the plane.”
No -class
None of these companies offers executive class or a true premium economy. Even the premium options on Wizz Air are just places in front of the plane or next to emergency exits.
Young and efficient fleet, but space remains tight
Despite the lack of comfort, these carriers operate with some of the most modern fleets in the world. The average age of Ryanair aircraft is 10.1 years, Easyjet is 11.1, while Wizz Air’s is only 6.3 years.
In practice, Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air offer very similar conditions for the space available to passengers. According to it, none stand out positively in this regard, and all limit comfort in the name of profitability, although Wizz Air is even the one that offers less space between seats.
For those who value the space for the legs, it may be worth considering companies that offer higher classes or less dense configurations.
Also read:
