In the world of modern aviation, space is the new luxury. As airlines try to maximize profits, seats are getting thinner and rows are getting closer. The technical term is “seat pitch”—the distance from one point on a seat to the same point on the seat in front of it. While 31 inches used to be the standard, some carriers in 2026 have pushed the limits of human endurance. If you are over 180cm (5’11”), you might want to think twice before booking with these five carriers.
1. Spirit Airlines (USA) – The “Ultra-Slim” Leader
Spirit Airlines continues to hold the title for some of the tightest seating in the skies. With a seat pitch that can drop as low as 28 inches, it is a challenge for even average-sized passengers. Their seats are also “pre-reclined,” meaning you can’t even move your seat back to find a better angle. In 2026, Spirit’s business model remains clear: you pay for the seat, but you definitely don’t pay for the space.
2. Wizz Air (Europe) – The Neo-Tight Experience
Wizz Air has rapidly expanded its fleet with the Airbus A321neo, but more planes don’t mean more comfort. To keep ticket prices at “pizza-level” costs, Wizz Air has packed these aircraft to the maximum limit. With a pitch of 28 inches on many of their short-haul routes, it is a tight squeeze for flights over two hours. If you’re flying from London to Dubai on Wizz, be prepared for a very intimate experience with the seat in front of you.
3. Frontier Airlines (USA) – Hard Seats, No Space
Matching Spirit inch-for-inch, Frontier offers a 28-inch pitch. What makes Frontier particularly tough is their “slimline” seat design. These seats have very little padding, so not only is there no legroom, but the seat itself can feel like sitting on a plastic bench after the first hour of flight. It’s a “no-frills” experience taken to the absolute extreme.
4. TUI Airways (UK/Europe) – The Holiday Squeeze
You might be heading to a relaxing holiday, but the journey there might be anything but. On some of their short and medium-haul aircraft (like the Boeing 737), TUI has been known to offer just 28 inches of legroom. While they are a “leisure” airline, they prioritize getting as many sun-seekers to the Mediterranean as possible, often at the expense of your knees.
5. Ryanair (Europe) – The Consistent 29–30 Inches
While Ryanair often gets the most “hate,” they actually offer slightly more space than Wizz Air or Spirit—usually around 29 to 30 inches. However, because their seats do not have seat-back pockets, the space feels a bit more open. Still, it lands on our list because of the “slim” design that offers zero lumbar support, making that 30-inch gap feel much smaller on longer flights to the Canary Islands or Morocco.
How to Survive the Squeeze in 2026
If you have to fly these airlines, here are three tips to save your legs:
- Book the Exit Row: It’s worth the extra €20 if you are tall.
- The Aisle Seat Hack: Choosing the aisle allows you to lean slightly into the walkway (careful with the trolley!) to stretch your legs.
- Check the “SeatGuru” or “AeroLOPA”: Before you book, check the specific tail number or aircraft type to see the exact seat pitch.
Budget travel is a trade-off. We love the €19 tickets, but we pay for them with our comfort. In 2026, the best way to travel is to be informed. If you’re tall, sometimes spending an extra €30 for a “legacy” carrier like Lufthansa or KLM is the best investment you’ll make for your health.
