Best Economy Seat

This Is the Best Economy Seat of All the Airlines Flying Today

Courtesy of Japan Airlines

TALIA AVAKIAN 

When it comes to long-haul flights, having a comfortable seat can make all the difference.

In a new ranking from Skytrax, Japan Airlines’ Sky Wider seats took the spot for best economy class offering for the third time in the last four years.


The seats, which JAL introduced on international routes in 2013, have a slim design and organizational features meant to provide travelers with increased comfort.


Courtesy of Japan Airlines

The seats come with an average seat pitch (the space between the back of one seat and the back of the next seat) that ranges from 33 to 34 inches depending on the aircraft. That's very generous compared to many other airlines. For example, JAL's seats on Boeing 767-300ER have an average pitch of about 34 inches, while Austrian Airlines’ seats on the same aircraft have 30 inches, Asiana Airlines’ seats range from 31 to 32 inches, and Air Canada’s range from 31 to 33 inches, according to SeatGuru.

To be able to provide passengers with increased space, the airline also opts for a 2-4-2- configuration on its 787 aircraft, while most airlines typically implement a 3-3-3 layout. This allows for the airline to add an additional 5 centimeters of space on its 787s, which has a seat width of about 19 inches.

Besides the extra space, seats come with additional storage space underneath, a plastic bottle holder and accessory pouch, and a 10.6-inch touch panel entertainment monitor.


Courtesy of Japan Airlines

Long-haul economy flights on JAL also include amenities like two free checked bags, seasonal in-flight dining menus created in collaboration with noted chefs, a self-service snack bar on the airlines' European and North American routes, and mineral water bottled from the Japanese town of Tsusan.

JAL is a five-star airline, according to Skytrax, due to its in-flight cuisine, seats, and high-end offerings at first class airport lounges.