Extra legroom airline seat prices revealed

Beat the squeeze in the economy with extra legroom seats; here’s how much they cost in 2025. Flying can be a lot more comfortable when you have room to stretch your legs. Extra legroom seats give travellers the chance to spread out in economy class, but they do come at an additional cost. Below, we break down what you can expect to pay for extra legroom across major airlines, updated with the latest pricing.

Extra Legroom

Prices vary widely by airline, route, and seat location, starting as low as £5 (with Scandinavian carrier SAS) and reaching up to around £210 on Emirates’ longest flights. The good news is that booking online (especially at the time of your initial booking) often yields the best prices. Many airlines offer discounts or bundles when you reserve these seats in advance through their website.

At-a-Glance: Extra Legroom Seat Prices by Airline

For a quick comparison, here’s a summary of extra legroom seat price ranges for popular airlines. The table also links to each carrier’s official seat information page for more details on their extra legroom offerings:

AirlinePrice RangeBooking Link
Aer Lingus£15.99, £79.99Aer Lingus Seats
Air Canada~£15, £150Air Canada Seats
Air France£10, £63Air France Seat Plus
Air New Zealand£10, £85Air New Zealand Economy Seating
Air Seychelles£26, £55Air Seychelles Seat Selection
American Airlines£15, £130+AA Main Cabin Extra
British Airways£20, £50+BA Seat Selection
Cathay Pacific£37, £170Cathay Seat Selection
easyJet£7.99, £29.99easyJet Seat Options
Emirates£24, £209Emirates Seat Selection
Jet2£15, £30Jet2 Seats
KLM£20, £100KLM Seat Options
Lufthansa£22, £90Lufthansa Seat Reservation
Qantas£19, £130+Qantas Seating
Ryanair£11, £33Ryanair Seat Selection
SAS£5, £48SAS Seat Reservation
Singapore Airlines£18, £85+Singapore Airlines Seats
TUI AirwaysFrom £25TUI Travel Options
Virgin AtlanticFrom £40Virgin Seat Selection

Note: Price ranges are per passenger, for one-way flights, and are approximate. Actual fees can vary based on specific routes, demand, and booking timing. Many airlines charge higher fees for long-haul or prime exit-row seats, and some offer discounts for certain frequent flyers or at online check-in.

Below, we’ll look at each airline in more detail, including what their extra legroom seats are called, any perks that come with them, and booking tips. If you’re looking for cheap extra legroom flights, it pays to compare these options and book early, since prices can rise and seat availability is limited.

Aer Lingus

Where to find extra space: On Aer Lingus, extra legroom seats are located in the exit rows of the aircraft, perfect for stretching out your legs. These seats are available on both short-haul and long-haul flights.

  • What to book: When booking with Aer Lingus, look for exit row seats as an add-on. You must be an adult (over 14, with no mobility restrictions) to sit in an exit row.
  • Price: Approximately £15.99 on short-haul flights (e.g. UK to Ireland/Europe) and up to £79.99 on long-haul routes (e.g. transatlantic flights). These are typical fees per flight, per person.
  • How to book: It’s best to select these seats during the initial booking on the Aer Lingus website or via Manage Booking later. Aer Lingus often offers a seat map during booking where exit rows are marked for an extra fee.

Air Canada

Where to find extra space: Air Canada’s Economy cabin offers Preferred Seats, which include extra legroom (up to 4 inches more pitch than standard) and are usually towards the front of economy or in exit rows.

  • What to book: Choose “Preferred Seats” during booking. These extra legroom seats not only give you more space, but you’ll also generally board earlier and disembark faster, since they’re near the front.
  • Price: Ranges widely from roughly £16 up to £160 per one-way flight, depending on the route and flight duration. For example, short domestic flights might be on the lower end (~£15-£30), whereas long-haul international flights can approach £100+ for a Preferred Seat. (Air Canada quotes a range of $20–$199 CAD/USD for these seats.)
  • How to book: It’s easiest to add a Preferred Seat when booking your flight on the Air Canada site. You can also go to Air Canada’s seat selection page or use Manage Booking to select or upgrade to an extra legroom seat later. Aeroplan elite status members and certain fare types may get Preferred Seats free or at a discount.

Air France

Where to find extra space: In Air France Economy, extra legroom seats are branded as “Seat Plus”. These are typically located at bulkheads or exit rows, offering more legroom (at least 4 inches more pitch than standard seats).

  • What to book: Select the “Seat Plus” option when choosing seats. This will guarantee you an extra-legroom seat for your flight.
  • Price: Air France’s Seat Plus fees depend on flight length: roughly €10 (~£9) on short-haul European flights, €15-€20 (about £13-£18) on medium-haul routes, and around €50-€70 (£45-£63) on long-haul flights. For example, a Seat Plus on a short Paris-London hop might be around £9, whereas Paris-New York could be around £50.
  • How to book: You can reserve a Seat Plus during your flight booking on the Air France website, or later via Manage My Booking. Look for the Seat Options section. (Air France often runs promotions of up to 50% off seat fees if you purchase early.) Seat Plus is free for some elite frequent fliers and passengers on full-fare tickets. More details are available on the Air France seat options page.

Air New Zealand

Where to find extra space: Air New Zealand offers extra legroom by way of Exit Row seats in Economy. On certain long-haul aircraft, these may also be in a dedicated extra space zone.

  • What to book: Look for “Exit Row Seat” during seat selection. These provide significantly more space to stretch out, especially useful on long flights to/from New Zealand.
  • Price: Approximately £10 to £30 on short-haul flights (e.g. domestic NZ or Trans-Tasman routes), and about £75 to £85 on long-haul flights (such as flights between the UK/Europe and New Zealand). The exact fee depends on route length and demand.
  • How to book: During online booking, you can pay for an exit row seat if available. Alternatively, use Air New Zealand’s manage booking tool to select an Exit Row seat after ticket purchase (fees apply). Check the Air New Zealand UK website for seat selection options and any current pricing.

Air Seychelles

Where to find extra space: On Air Seychelles, extra legroom seats are simply the designated “Extra Legroom” options in Economy, usually located in exit rows of their aircraft (typically A320/A321 for regional flights).

  • What to book: Choose the extra legroom seats option during booking or seat selection. These seats are highlighted in the seat map (usually exit row seats over the wing or at the front of Economy).
  • Price: From £26 up to £55 per seat, per flight. The cost depends on the route (e.g. a shorter flight to nearby islands vs. a longer flight). Air Seychelles has a relatively small network, and these fees can fluctuate, but £26–£55 is the typical range.
  • How to book: You can reserve extra legroom while booking on the Air Seychelles website or later via their Manage Booking portal. It’s recommended to book early, as there are limited extra-legroom spots. More info can be found on the Air Seychelles seat selection page.

American Airlines

Where to find extra space: American Airlines offers Main Cabin Extra (MCE) seats in economy. These are in select rows (often front of economy and exit rows) and come with more legroom and a few bonus perks.

  • What to book: Look for “Main Cabin Extra” seating when selecting your seats. MCE seats have a small logo or are labelled on AA’s seat maps. They include extra legroom (typically 3-6 inches more pitch than standard coach).
  • Price: Prices start around £15-£20 on short domestic US flights, and can go up to £100+ on long-haul international flights or prime exit row spots. For example, a short flight from New York to Boston might charge $20 (£16) for MCE, whereas a long flight from London to Los Angeles might be $150 (~£120) or more for an MCE seat in a bulkhead or exit row.
  • Perks: Main Cabin Extra passengers get priority boarding (Group 5 on AA), allowing earlier access to overhead bins, and complimentary alcoholic beverages during the flight in addition to standard economy service. You’ll also be among the first economy passengers to deplane.
  • How to book: Add Main Cabin Extra seats during your flight booking on AA.com (you’ll see the prices on the seat map), or later via Manage Trips. AAdvantage elite members (Platinum and above) can select MCE seats for free at booking, and Gold members can select them free at check-in (if still available). More details are on American’s Main Cabin Extra info page.

British Airways

Where to find extra space: British Airways doesn’t have a special name for extra-legroom seats; they are essentially the exit row seats in Economy (World Traveller) or behind bulkheads. These offer a greater pitch than standard seats.

  • What to book: During seat selection, pick exit row seats (usually indicated on BA’s seat map and often annotated with extra legroom). Note that safety requirements apply; you must be an able-bodied adult willing to assist in an emergency to occupy these seats.
  • Price: BA’s seat reservation fees vary by flight length. Short-haul (e.g. UK to Europe) exit-row seats start around £20-£30. Long-haul exit rows are about £50 (and up) per seat, each way. For instance, an exit seat from London to New York may be roughly £50-£60, whereas longer routes (London to Sydney) could be higher. Note: BA often allows free selection of exit rows for top-tier frequent flyers and for anyone once online check-in opens (24 hours before flight), if unsold.
  • How to book: It’s best to pay for seat selection when you book your flight on ba.com. If you skip this, you can still go to Manage My Booking later to purchase an extra legroom seat. BA opens free seat selection for all passengers 24 hours before departure (at check-in), but by that time, exit seats may be taken, so if extra legroom is important, consider paying in advance.

Cathay Pacific

Where to find extra space: Cathay Pacific offers Extra Legroom seats in Economy Class on both regional and long-haul flights. These are usually the exit row seats (and a few bulkhead rows) designated for purchase.

  • What to book: Select an “Extra Legroom seat” during the seat selection stage. Cathay will clearly mark these seats on the seat map with an icon.
  • Price: For short-haul routes (within Asia), extra legroom seats cost around HKD $350-$400 (approximately £35–£40). For long-haul flights, the fee is higher, roughly HKD $1,080+ (around £110–£170 depending on the length of flight). In summary, expect about £37 on short flights and up to ~£170 on very long flights (e.g. Hong Kong to Europe or the US).
  • How to book: You can reserve and pay for these seats on Cathay’s website via Manage Booking or during your initial booking. If you forget, Cathay Pacific also allows purchase of extra legroom seats at airport check-in or boarding if any are still free. Marco Polo Club elite members may be able to select these seats at a discount or for free (Diamond/Gold get them free). For more info, check Cathay’s seat selection help page.

easyJet

Where to find extra space: easyJet has a few seating options, and Extra Legroom seats are among the most coveted. These are mainly the front row seats and exit row seats on their aircraft. They not only give you more legroom but also come with additional benefits on easyJet.

  • What to book: Choose “Extra Legroom” seats when selecting your seats (easyJet will usually label these on the seat map). These include the first row and the rows at the over-wing exits.
  • Price: easyJet’s extra legroom seat fees vary by flight length and demand. Generally, they range from about £7.99 up to £26.99 (and on some busy long routes up to £29.99). For instance, a short hop from London to Amsterdam might cost ~£10 for an extra legroom seat, whereas a longer flight to Egypt or the Canary Islands could be £20-£30.
  • Perks: Booking an Extra Legroom seat on easyJet automatically gives you Speedy Boarding (priority boarding group so you can board first) and an additional small cabin bag allowance (you can bring a second small under-seat bag, on top of the standard cabin bag). You’ll also often be among the first off the plane since front row and exit rows deplane sooner.
  • How to book: During the online booking process on easyJet.com, you’ll be prompted to select seats. Simply pick the ones marked Extra Legroom. You can also add or change to extra legroom seats later via the Manage Bookings section (for a fee). easyJet Plus cardholders get these seats for free or at a discount, subject to availability. More details are available on easyJet’s seat assignment page.

Emirates

Where to find extra space: Emirates’ Economy Class offers Extra Legroom seats, which are primarily the exit row seats on their Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft. These seats provide significantly more space to stretch your legs, but come with eligibility requirements for safety.

  • What to book: Select “Extra Legroom” seats during seat selection. On Emirates’ seat map, exit row seats are sold as Extra Legroom (often highlighted in a different colour). Important: You must meet Emirates’ safety requirements for exit rows, for example, you need to be 18 or older, not require a seatbelt extender, not be pregnant or mobility-impaired, and be willing to assist in an emergency. Emirates will re-seat you without a refund if you don’t meet these criteria at check-in.
  • Price: Emirates charges based on distance. On shorter routes (e.g. Dubai to the Middle East/India), an extra legroom seat might cost around $30-50 (≈£25-£40). For long-haul flights (e.g. Dubai to the UK, US, or Australia), prices can rise to around $100-200 or more. Emirates quotes an indicative range of $30 up to $260 (about £24, £205). For example, Dubai–London might be roughly £60-£80 for an extra legroom seat, while a very long flight like Dubai–Sydney could approach £150-£200.
  • How to book: It’s best to select these seats when booking your flight on Emirates.com (you’ll see the prices listed on the seat selection step). You can also use Manage Your Booking on the Emirates site to add an extra legroom seat later. If you wait until airport check-in, you can request an exit row (sometimes Emirates will offer any unsold ones at that point, often at the same fee). For full details and current fees, visit the Emirates seat selection page.

Jet2

Where to find extra space: Jet2 (a UK leisure airline) offers Extra Legroom seats on their flights, typically located at the exit rows over the wings or sometimes the very front row of the cabin.

  • What to book: During booking or via Manage Booking, choose “Extra Legroom” seats. Jet2 marks these on the seat map (exit rows on their Boeing 737-800s and 757s, for example).
  • Price: Jet2’s extra legroom fees depend on route length. Generally, expect around £15-£18 on shorter European flights, and up to £25-£30 on longer routes (e.g. Canary Islands or Turkey). For example, a flight from Leeds to Spain might charge ~£18 for extra legroom, while Manchester to Tenerife might be £25-£30. (Some user reports indicate £9 for standard seats and up to £25 or more for extra legroom in past years; recent ranges have crept up slightly, with £35 being a possible top-end on peak flights.)
  • How to book: You can pre-book these seats when purchasing your flight or holiday package on Jet2.com. All Jet2 passengers get an assigned seat for free at check-in, but if you want to choose an extra legroom spot, you’ll need to pay. Use the Manage My Booking feature to select seats if you didn’t during checkout. Jet2Holidays packages sometimes include free seat selection (depending on the package tier), so check your holiday details. For more info, see Jet2’s seat selection guide.

KLM

Where to find extra space: KLM offers two main types of seats with extra space in Economy: Economy Comfort seats (at the front of Economy, with about 4-5 inches extra pitch and extra recline) and Extra Legroom seats (usually at exit rows). Both provide more room than a standard seat.

  • What to book: You have two options:
    • “Economy Comfort”, these are not exit rows, but a separate zone at the front of Economy with up to 89cm seat pitch (about 35 inches) and up to 5 inches extra recline. Great for general extra comfort.
    • “Extra Legroom seats”, these are the true exit row seats with even more leg stretch space (though note exit rows may have slightly reduced seat width due to tray tables in armrests).
  • Price: Short European flights: Economy Comfort can be as low as ~€10-€30 (around £10-£25) and Extra Legroom around €30-€40 (£25-£35). Long-haul flights: Economy Comfort ranges roughly €85-€175 (£75-£155) depending on distance, while Exit Row Extra Legroom seats are about €50-€110 (£45-£100). For example, Amsterdam to Dubai might be ~€90 for Economy Comfort or €70 for an exit row; Amsterdam to New York could be about €120 for comfort or €100 for an exit row.
  • How to book: When booking on KLM’s website, after choosing your flight, you’ll be offered seat selection. At that stage, you can pick Economy Comfort or Extra Legroom seats for the displayed fee. You can also go to My Trip on KLM.com later to upgrade your seat selection. Flying Blue frequent flyer elites (Gold/Platinum) often get Economy Comfort seats for free or at a discount. Check KLM’s seat options page for the latest info.

Lufthansa

Where to find extra space: Lufthansa’s Economy Class extra-legroom offering is simply the “Extra Legroom Seats”, usually exit row seats on both short and long-haul flights. Lufthansa also has “Preferred Zone” seats (near the front of Economy), but those don’t necessarily have extra pitch; the true extra legroom are the exit/bulkhead seats.

  • What to book: Select extra legroom seats during seat selection. On Lufthansa’s seat maps, exit rows are indicated and come with a reservation fee. There isn’t a special brand name; they’re just sold as seats with more leg space.
  • Price: Lufthansa recently adjusted its fees. On short-haul European flights, an extra legroom (exit row) seat is roughly €25-€30 (about £22-£27). On long-haul flights, it’s about €50-€100 (around £45-£90), depending on distance. For example, Frankfurt to Barcelona might be ~€25 for an exit seat, while Frankfurt to Los Angeles could be ~€90. Some reports with Lufthansa’s new “Allegris” cabins indicate long-haul extra legroom up to €115 (£100+) on certain routes, so expect around that ballpark for the longest flights.
  • How to book: You can reserve these seats during the booking process on Lufthansa.com or afterwards via My Bookings. If you wait until check-in (starting 23 hours before departure), any remaining extra legroom seats can be selected for free on a first-come-first-served basis. However, popular routes often see them booked up. Lufthansa’s website Advance Seat Reservation page has an overview of costs and rules (e.g. HON Circle and Senator status customers get these seats free of charge).

Qantas

Where to find extra space: Qantas provides Extra Legroom seats in Economy, which are usually exit row seats on their aircraft. These can be on domestic flights (e.g. exit rows on a Boeing 737) or international flights (exit/bulkhead rows on larger aircraft).

  • What to book: Choose “Extra Legroom” seats during seat selection. On Qantas’s seat map, these will be highlighted (often annotated with a little extra legroom icon or note). Ensure you meet the standard exit row requirements (15+ years old on Qantas, able-bodied, etc.).
  • Price: The cost depends on the flight distance. For short domestic flights within Australia, extra legroom seats start around A$35-50 (approximately £19-£25). For medium-haul routes (e.g. flights to Asia or Hawaii), it’s roughly A$120-150 (about £65-£80). For long-haul flights (e.g. Australia to the UK/Europe or USA), Qantas recently charged about A$180-195 for extra legroom, which is around £100-£110. For instance, Sydney to London extra legroom might be ~£110. *(These figures reflect a mid-2020s increase Qantas implemented on long routes, up from A$180 to A$195).
  • How to book: You can add extra legroom seats when booking your flight at Qantas.com under seat selection, or later via Manage Booking. Qantas Frequent Flyer elite members (Gold and above) often have complimentary access or discounts for these seats. Qantas also allows the use of points to secure extra legroom seats. For full details or to book, see Qantas’s Extra Legroom Seats info.

Ryanair

Where to find extra space: Ryanair, the European low-cost carrier, offers extra legroom primarily in specific rows: Row 1 (bulkhead), Row 2 (D, E, F), and Rows 16-17 on their 737-800 fleet. These are marketed as “Priority” or “Extra Legroom” seats and come with priority boarding.

  • What to book: When booking your seats on Ryanair, select the seats labelled as Extra Legroom / Premium. Row 1 and the exit rows (16 & 17) are the prime spots. These are also part of Ryanair’s “Premium Seat” category, which includes priority boarding.
  • Price: Ryanair’s official fee range for Extra Legroom seats is €11 to €33 (or £11 to £33) per flight. The price is dynamic depending on route length and demand. Short hops might be around £11-£15, whereas longer flights (e.g. UK to Canary Islands) or peak times could be £25-£30+. For example, an extra legroom seat from London to Malaga could cost ~£15, while a London to Tenerife might be ~£30.
  • Perks: In addition to more legroom, priority boarding is included with these seats (you’ll typically board in the first group, which Ryanair calls “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” if you purchased that option or as part of the premium seat bundle). You also get to bring a larger cabin bag if you purchased the seat as part of Priority. Essentially, extra legroom seats on Ryanair double as Priority seats.
  • How to book: Reserve during the booking process on Ryanair’s website or app. If you skip seat selection, you can still go back into Manage Booking and buy an extra legroom seat later. Ryanair allows adding or changing seats up to 2 hours before the flight via the app, subject to availability. If you decide not to pay, Ryanair will assign you a random seat at check-in for free (but these will rarely be the extra legroom ones, as those usually get sold). More info on fees is listed on Ryanair’s fees page.

SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

Where to find extra space: SAS offers extra legroom by selling the Exit Row seats in economy for a fee. These seats have significantly more legroom than standard seats, especially on their short-haul aircraft.

  • What to book: Select exit row seats when booking or via SAS’s My Bookings. SAS typically has exit rows over the wings (e.g., row 12 on a 737) and sometimes the very front row, depending on the aircraft layout. These are the seats with extra legroom.
  • Price: For short-haul flights around Europe, exit row seat fees range from roughly £5 up to £17 (SAS has been known for low fees on short hops; for example, Oslo-Stockholm might be around €6-€10). For long-haul flights (SAS operates long-haul to Asia/USA on A350/A330), an extra legroom seat (usually exit/bulkhead) is around €50-€60 (approx £45-£50). The original range provided was £5 to £47, and that remains a good estimate. SAS often charges about SEK 600 (~£48) for long-haul exit row seats.
  • How to book: During your booking on flysas.com, you can choose seats and pay the extra fee for an exit row. Alternatively, use the SAS App or Manage Booking to select an “Extra legroom seat” later on. Note that if you have a SAS Plus (premium economy) ticket on a long haul, you may already have more legroom in that cabin, but for SAS Go (economy), these exit rows are the way to upgrade comfort. Euro Bonus Gold and Diamond members may get seat selection for free, including exit rows, if available. See SAS’s seat reservation info for more details.

Singapore Airlines

Where to find extra space: Singapore Airlines offers Extra Legroom Seats in Economy, which are part of their “Preferred Seat” selection. These are typically the exit row seats on all aircraft (and a few bulkhead seats on some planes). They provide generous legroom and a slightly wider seat pitch.

  • What to book: During seat selection, choose “Extra Legroom Seats” (sometimes just labelled as Preferred Seats with a diamond icon on SIA’s seat map). These are mostly at emergency exits. You can select them in advance for a fee on any economy fare.
  • Price: SIA groups its routes into bands. After a 2024 increase, Extra Legroom seat fees are roughly: ~US$25 (£20) for short-haul (e.g. Southeast Asia regional flights), around US$40-60 (£35-£50) for medium-haul (Asia to Australia, etc.), and about US$80-130 (£65-£100) for long-haul flights (Europe/US to Singapore). For example, Singapore to Kuala Lumpur might be US$25, while Singapore to London is now about US$100 (£80) for an extra legroom seat. The highest band (e.g. New York–Frankfurt fifth-freedom route now in Band 5) is around US$130.
  • How to book: You can add these seats via Manage Booking on singaporeair.com after purchasing your ticket, or directly during the initial booking flow (after selecting flights, the seat map will show extra legroom options for a fee). KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club members do not get these for free (all non-Elite Silver and below have to pay), although PPS Club members get regular seat selection free. If you don’t want to pay, you might snag an extra legroom seat for free at online check-in (48 hours before) if any are left, but on SIA, they are very often paid for in advance. More details can be found on Singapore Airlines’ Advance Seat Selection page.

TUI Airways (formerly Thomson)

Where to find extra space: TUI Airways (UK holiday airline) offers two categories: Seats with Extra Legroom and Seats with Extra Space. Extra Legroom seats are standard seats that have a couple more inches of pitch (often in certain rows), while Extra Space seats are often at bulkheads or exit rows that have a lot of open space in front (and sometimes also extra legroom). Here we focus on the Extra Legroom seats.

  • What to book: Choose “Seats with extra legroom” during the holiday booking process or add on later via TUI’s Manage My Booking. TUI’s extra legroom seats are usually in exit rows or a few specific rows on long-haul planes that have a bigger seat pitch. They give about two extra inches of seat pitch compared to standard economy seats. (For even more room, TUI’s “Extra Space” seats by exits/bulkheads can be considered, but those are a separate option.)
  • Price: TUI advertises extra legroom seat upgrades from £25 per person (one-way). The exact price varies by flight length and destination. Shorter flights to Europe might be around £25-£30 each way for extra legroom. Longer flights (to say Mexico or the Caribbean) could be more, roughly in the £40-£50 range per seat, each way. (Prices can fluctuate with promotions and seasons.)
  • Perks: Upgrading to Extra Legroom (or Extra Space) with TUI also grants earlier online check-in; you can check in 14 days before departure (versus 48 hours normally). This is a nice perk as it gives peace of mind and earlier boarding pass issuance. Additionally, you get to choose your specific seats on the plane when you purchase this upgrade (via an interactive seat map).
  • How to book: If you’re booking a package on the TUI website, under “Travel Options”, you can add on extra legroom seats for your flights. If you’ve already booked, use the TUI Manage Booking portal or call TUI to add the seat upgrade. Keep in mind that on TUI’s partner or codeshare flights (or if your flight is operated by another airline like easyJet), the rules might differ (often minimum age 16 for exit seats). You can find more details on TUI’s site under “Seats with extra legroom” in the Travel Options section.

Virgin Atlantic

Where to find extra space: Virgin Atlantic offers Extra Legroom seats in Economy on its long-haul flights. These seats are mainly a few rows of economy configured with extra pitch (up to 34 inches, versus the standard 31 inches). They are often located just behind the Premium Economy cabin or in exit/bulkhead rows, depending on the aircraft.

  • What to book: During seat selection on Virgin Atlantic, choose the seats labelled “Extra Legroom”. Virgin typically has about 36 extra legroom seats on each wide-body aircraft. Note: Virgin also has an “Economy Delight” fare, which includes an extra legroom seat plus other perks. If you booked Economy Classic or Light, you can still pay to select an extra legroom seat à la carte.
  • Price: From approximately £40 each way on Virgin’s routes. In practice, we’ve seen fees around $55 (~£45) on the low end, up to about $95 (~£75) on certain long flights. For example, a London to New York extra legroom seat might be around £50-£60, while a London to Johannesburg seat could be closer to £75. If you purchased the Economy Delight ticket, the extra legroom fee is already included in that fare.
  • How to book: It’s best to secure these seats during or immediately after booking on Virgin Atlantic’s website. Use the “My Booking” (Manage) section with your reservation code to pick seats if you didn’t initially. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members may be able to select extra legroom seats free of charge, subject to availability. If you haven’t pre-booked and decide later, you can also ask at airport check-in if any extra legroom seats are available for purchase (sometimes they may offer them at that point if unsold). Virgin allows changes up to 24 hours before departure for seat purchases.

Don’t Forget Your Airport Parking with APH

While you’re upgrading your flight comfort with extra legroom, don’t overlook the comfort and convenience on the ground. Booking your airport parking with APH not only saves you money but also takes the stress out of your journey. With over 44 years of trusted service and award-winning customer care, APH offers secure and affordable parking at all major UK airports. Reserve your parking in advance online to guarantee the best prices, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your trip from start to finish.

Book your airport parking with APH today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are extra legroom seats worth the cost?

Yes, particularly on longer flights or if you’re tall. They provide noticeably more space and, on some airlines, include extras such as priority boarding or earlier disembarkation.

Can anyone sit in an exit row seat?

No. Most airlines restrict exit row seating to able-bodied passengers aged 15 or over. Those with reduced mobility, infants, or passengers requiring seatbelt extenders are not eligible.

When is the cheapest time to book extra legroom seats?

Usually at the time of your initial booking. Prices often rise closer to departure, and availability is limited. However, some airlines discount unsold seats at online check-in.

Do frequent flyer members get free extra legroom seats?

Yes, in some cases. For example, American Airlines AAdvantage elites and British Airways Executive Club Gold members can often reserve extra legroom at no cost.

Do extra legroom seats come with other benefits?

Yes. Depending on the airline, benefits may include priority boarding (Ryanair, easyJet), complimentary drinks (American Airlines Main Cabin Extra), or earlier online check-in access (TUI Airways).

Disclaimer

All prices listed are approximate ranges in GBP based on publicly available information as of 2025. Airlines regularly update fees and policies, and costs can vary by route, aircraft type, and season. Please always check with the official airline website (linked above) for the latest and most accurate pricing before booking.

Post navigation

7 comments for “Extra legroom airline seat prices revealed

  1. Bill says:

    I booked and paid for normal seats, and then changed them for extra legroom seats and then pay, do I get a refund of the original cost of the normal seats, I had to pay £20 each for the extra legroom seats.

  2. Patricia Kettle says:

    Booking seats on Jet 2 vary from £9 for any standard seat to £25 for extra leg room. Don’t know where they get the £10 from – certainly not for extra leg room!!

  3. Pete Barden says:

    I will update this link

  4. M Whitwell says:

    I’m sure you have been asked this before – why do the economy airlines restrict printing the boarding pass until 24hrs before flying even if you pre-book and pay for seats together, which could be seen as an extortion anyway? this can/am sure is stressful mainly for elderly passengers with this uncertainty of getting your travel arrangements finalised.
    Once you have booked the holiday the seats are pre-paid for anyway.
    MW

    • Lottie Flies says:

      I’ve always thought it was so the airline did not have travelers showing up a day, a week or a month ahead of time.
      I have seen very many things much more bizarre than that happen at airline ticket counters.

      If you cannot check in until after the same flight number on the day before your booked journey has left (supposedly) then you cannot possibly think you were to be at the airport on an earlier day.

      This has become even more necessary in the current environment where every passenger is their own travel agent (remember those?) It is not uncommon for travelers to have booked their ticket for the wrong day or month due to a variety of reasons when making online bookings.

    • Patricia Kettle says:

      By waiting until the last minute, the airline has more chance of ‘selling’ the seat and making money. Also I think they have to know how many passengers there are going to be on a flight to distribute the seats evenly.

  5. Brenda says:

    Found leg room quite adequate on Dreamliner , squashed on a lot of the others , not helping when people in front recline there seats ,on short haul ,and not even sleeping !

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *