Long‑Haul Economy Seats Shrink, Yet Some Airlines Still Offer the Most Space

The average economy seat pitch has slipped from roughly 35 inches in the 1970s to about 30 inches today, with no regulator setting a minimum. The FAA’s 90‑second evacuation rule limits total seat count but says nothing about spacing, allowing airlines to vary legroom. Most long‑haul cabins now feature 31‑32 inch pitch, while ultra‑low‑cost carriers often go as low as 28 inches. The article highlights airlines that provide the longest legroom in 2026, giving passengers a benchmark for comfort when booking flights. Travelers can use these figures to compare options, though the lack of a standard means differences will persist across carriers.