The Best Airlines for Tall People – Worldwide Overview

For tall people, legroom on a plane is not a luxury but a necessity. The average legroom in economy class worldwide ranges between 76 and 81 cm, while budget airlines can offer as little as 70-75 cm. The airlines featured in this article provide an above-average legroom of 79 cm, making them a more comfortable option for taller travelers. Still, sometimes investing in extra legroom is worth it for a more comfortable flight. Being a tall traveler can be challengingโ€”limited legroom, narrow seats, and little room to stretch out. Fortunately, some airlines prioritize passenger comfort. In this article, we explore the best options by continent so you can make your next flight much more enjoyable.

1. Europe: The Best Choices for Tall Travelers

โœˆ๏ธ Iberia (Spain)

Iberia is known for its modern fleet and comfortable seats. The airline offers solid legroom in economy class, making it a good choice for taller travelers.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom: Available for an additional fee
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: Varies by route and seat selection
โ€ข Additional benefits: Modern seats, good inflight entertainment options

โœˆ๏ธ KLM (Netherlands)

KLM is known for its hospitality and reliability. Passengers particularly appreciate the extra legroom and ergonomic seats, which help prevent back pain.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (Economy Comfort Zone): 35 inches (89 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: From โ‚ฌ20 per one-way trip
โ€ข Additional benefits: Wider armrests, priority boarding

โœˆ๏ธ Lufthansa (Germany)

Lufthansa combines German efficiency with comfort. The Premium Economy seats are popular due to their extra width and adjustable footrests.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 30-31 inches (76-79 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (Premium Economy): 38 inches (96 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: From โ‚ฌ25 per one-way trip
โ€ข Additional benefits: Punctual service, adjustable reclining seats

โœˆ๏ธ British Airways (United Kingdom)

British Airways is praised for its excellent inflight entertainment and extensive meal options. Premium Economy seats offer generous legroom.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (World Traveller Plus): 38 inches (96 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: Varies by route and seat selection
โ€ข Additional benefits: Seat reservation system, comfortable headrests

2. North America: Space and Comfort in the Air

โœˆ๏ธ Delta Air Lines (United States)

Delta is known for its friendly service and Comfort+ class, where passengers get more legroom and additional storage space.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (Delta Comfort+): 35 inches (89 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: From $40 per one-way trip
โ€ข Additional benefits: Personal screens, extra storage

โœˆ๏ธ United Airlines (United States)

Unitedโ€™s Economy Plus option is popular among tall travelers because it offers a relatively affordable upgrade with significantly more space.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 30 inches (76 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (Economy Plus): 34 inches (86 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: From $30 per one-way trip
โ€ข Additional benefits: Inflight entertainment, spacious baggage options

โœˆ๏ธ Air Canada (Canada)

Air Canada is appreciated for its modern fleet and flexible baggage policy. Preferred Seats offer extra legroom for taller passengers.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (Preferred Seats): 35 inches (89 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: From CAD 50 per one-way trip
โ€ข Additional benefits: Comfortable seats, friendly staff

3. Asia: Luxury and Comfort in the Air

โœˆ๏ธ Singapore Airlines (Singapore)

Singapore Airlines is renowned for its excellent service and premium inflight entertainment. Tall travelers appreciate the adjustable footrests in Premium Economy.

  • Standard legroom: 32 inches (81 cm)
  • Extra legroom (Premium Economy): 38 inches (96 cm)
  • Cost of extra legroom: Varies by route
  • Additional benefits: High-quality entertainment, wider seats

โœˆ๏ธ Emirates (United Arab Emirates)

Emirates offers one of the most luxurious flight experiences. Their Economy Extra Legroom seats provide significant comfort improvements.

  • Standard legroom: 32 inches (81 cm)
  • Extra legroom (Economy Extra Legroom): 34 inches (86 cm)
  • Cost of extra legroom: From โ‚ฌ49 to โ‚ฌ182 per flight
  • Additional benefits: Luxury service, priority boarding for extra legroom seats

ย โœˆ๏ธQatar Airways (Quatar)

Qatar Airways is globally recognized for its spacious cabins and award-winning hospitality. The extra legroom options in Economy Comfort Seats make long journeys much more enjoyable.

โ€ข Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
โ€ข Extra legroom (Economy Comfort Seats): 34 inches (86 cm)
โ€ข Cost of extra legroom: Varies by route and availability
โ€ข Additional benefits: Spacious cabins, high-quality meals

4. Oceania: The Best Choices for Long Flights

โœˆ๏ธ Qantas Airways (Australia)

Qantas excels in inflight wellness programs and extra-wide seats in Premium Economy, allowing tall travelers more relaxation.

  • Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
  • Extra legroom (Premium Economy): 38 inches (96 cm)
  • Cost of extra legroom: Varies by route
  • Additional benefits: Wellness program, comfortable seats

โœˆ๏ธ Air New Zealand (New Zealand)

Air New Zealandโ€™s Skycouch is an innovative option where passengers can transform their seat into a couch, perfect for taller travelers.

  • Standard legroom: 31 inches (79 cm)
  • Extra legroom (Economy Skycouch): 33 inches (84 cm)
  • Cost of extra legroom: From $100 per flight
  • Additional benefits: Relaxed atmosphere, high-quality meals

Cost of Extra Legroom by Airline

  • Iberia Extra Legroom: Varies by route and seat selection
  • KLM Economy Comfort: From โ‚ฌ20 per one-way trip
  • Lufthansa Premium Economy: From โ‚ฌ25 per one-way trip
  • British Airways World Traveller Plus: Varies by route and seat selection
  • Delta Comfort+: From $40 per one-way trip
  • United Economy Plus: From $30 per one-way trip
  • Air Canada Preferred Seats: From CAD 50 per one-way trip
  • Singapore Airlines Preferred Seats: From โ‚ฌ22.20 per flight
  • Emirates Extra Legroom: โ‚ฌ49 to โ‚ฌ182 per flight
  • Qatar Airways Economy Comfort Seats: Varies by route and availability
  • Cathay Pacific Premium Economy: Varies by route and seat selection
  • Qantas Premium Economy: Varies by route and seat selection
  • Air New Zealand Skycouch: From $100 per flight

Conclusion: Is Extra Legroom Worth It?

For tall travelers, having enough legroom is essential for a comfortable journey. The airlines listed here already offer above-average legroom, but investing in extra space can make a significant difference. If you can afford it, extra legroom is well worth the price for a more enjoyable flight!

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