It can seem like an unnecessary cost when you’re booking a flight and paying for a better seat. If you’re looking for comfort or if you don’t like the standard economy seating, however, then exit row seats may be worth considering.
Located next to an aircraft’s emergency exits, these seats often provide additional space for your legs. This service may be offered at an additional cost by the airline, but the cost, comfort and limitations will differ from aircraft to aircraft and airline to airline.
At World Flight Vibes, we want travellers to make informed decisions about their flights and get the best value from their travel budget. For taller passengers and longer flights, exit row seats may be a good investment if the extra legroom is worth the price.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons, the rules of the exit row, and whether it’s worth the extra cost for your next trip.
What Are Exit Row Seats on a Plane?
Exit row seats are situated next to or behind the emergency exit doors of an aircraft. Depending on the aircraft layout, the space around these exits can provide more legroom than a standard economy seat.
These are often sold as extra-legroom seats, appealing to those who wish to have more room than standard economy, but not quite as much as premium economy.
But not every seat in the emergency exit row is created equal. The amount of legroom, seat width, recline and proximity to busy cabin areas can vary.
Please review the airline’s seat map and any seat description before booking. If you need more detail, you can also consult a specialist aircraft seat-map resource, but confirm the layout with your airline because aircraft configurations can change. Even a seat with extra legroom can have other restrictions that impact comfort.
Benefits of Paying Extra for Exit Row Legroom
Many travellers will find it worthwhile to pay for an exit row seat. The extra room may make sitting in economy more comfortable, especially if you are tall or have a long trip to come.
More legroom for taller passengers
The primary benefit is the leg room in the exit row. More room in front of you can help you stretch your legs and move around during the flight.
This can be especially beneficial if your knees usually touch the seat in front or you find standard economy seating restrictive.
Improved comfort on long-haul flights
For longer trips, extra space can help make sitting for hours more comfortable. While more legroom doesn’t necessarily mean a better night’s sleep, it can make you feel less cramped.
The upgrade might be more worthwhile for passengers who fly long-haul economy regularly than for a very short flight.
An affordable alternative to premium economy
An exit row seat might be a better choice if you need more room but not the extra amenities or extra-wide seats that come with premium economy.
You will be travelling in economy class, but please be aware of what your fare and seat will cover.
A practical choice for frequent flyers
Taller travellers and people who regularly fly economy may appreciate the extra space. If you’re someone who finds regular seating too uncomfortable, it might be worth the extra cost to get an exit row seat.
Disadvantages of Emergency Exit Row Seats
Although they have their benefits, exit row seats are not always the most comfortable.
Additional charges: Airlines may charge a seat-selection fee, and the cost varies according to the carrier, route, fare and seat availability.
Restricted recline: Some seats have limited recline, particularly where the seat is positioned in front of another exit row. This can make them less suitable if you want to sleep.
Fixed armrests: Some seats have tray tables built into their armrests. This design can restrict movement and may reduce the usable width of the seat.
Additional safety responsibilities: Passengers occupying designated emergency exit seats must be willing and able to assist in an evacuation if required.
Potential noise and disruption: Depending on the aircraft layout, your seat may be close to a toilet, galley or area where passengers gather.
How Much Legroom Do Exit Row Seats Offer?
There is no universal measurement for exit row legroom. Space available varies by aircraft model, cabin configuration and specific row.
Some seats have a significant legroom advantage, others have a smaller legroom advantage.
When comparing seats, look at the airline’s seat map and any published measurements. Seat pitch is the distance between the same points on the back of two adjacent seats, and can be used to compare seating layouts, but it is not a direct measure of the space available for your legs.
Keep in mind that more legroom doesn’t always mean a wider seat or more recline.
For more advice on choosing a comfortable seat, read our guide to the best seat on a plane.
Exit Row Seat Rules: Who Can Sit in These Seats?
The purpose of exit row seat rules is to ensure that passengers who are seated next to an emergency exit can help with an evacuation if needed.
Each airline and aircraft has specific requirements, so please consult the official policy before choosing your seat.
Who is eligible for emergency exit row seats?
Generally, eligible passengers must:
- Meet the airline’s minimum age requirement.
- Be willing and able to help in an emergency.
- Understand and follow the required safety instructions.
- Be physically able to operate the exit and perform the required duties.
- Meet any additional eligibility conditions set by the airline.
For example, British Airways requires passengers seated in emergency exit rows to meet its minimum age and safety requirements. Check the current British Airways seating policy for the exact eligibility criteria before booking. Ryanair requires passengers seated in emergency exit rows to be at least 16 years old and meet its other eligibility requirements. Check Ryanair’s current policy before booking.
These differences illustrate the importance of not taking the rules of one airline for granted on all flights.
Read the current official policies: British Airways — Choosing your seat and Ryanair — Emergency exit row eligibility.
Who cannot sit in an emergency exit row?
Children under the minimum age, passengers travelling with infants and passengers who are unable to assume the necessary safety responsibilities may be subject to restrictions depending on the airline and circumstances.
These restrictions are in place to ensure safe evacuation and are not an indication of a person’s overall travel capacity.
If you require assistance, please contact the airline before booking to help you find a suitable seat.
For broader safety guidance, consult the UK Civil Aviation Authority — Cabin safety and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency — Seats by exits.
Are Emergency Exit Row Seats Safe?
Emergency exit row seats are designed to meet aircraft safety requirements. Passengers in assigned seats, however, are expected to help the crew or to use an exit during an evacuation.
That’s why airlines evaluate eligibility and give safety instructions.
If you choose one of these seats, listen carefully to the safety briefing, obey crew instructions and keep the exit area clear. Cabin baggage must be stored as directed by the cabin crew. At take-off and landing, items cannot be left on the floor where they obstruct the exit area or where the airline’s safety procedures require them to be stowed elsewhere.
If you don’t want to take the responsibility, a standard seat is a perfectly reasonable choice.
For official information, see the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s cabin safety guidance and EASA’s guidance on seats by exits.
Exit Row Seat Prices: What Should UK Travellers Expect?
UK airlines do not have a standard price for exit row seats. Charges can depend on the carrier, route, aircraft, fare type, seat location and when you select your seat.
Rather than relying on an old price list, compare the seat-selection fee shown for your actual flight.
- Ryanair: Review seat-selection options and emergency exit row requirements on the official Ryanair website.
- easyJet: Compare standard seats and extra-legroom options on the official easyJet website.
- British Airways: Check seat-selection charges, fare conditions and eligibility on its official seating information page.
- Virgin Atlantic: Explore available seat types and additional-legroom options on the official Virgin Atlantic website.
When choosing a seat at World Flight Vibes, it’s important to consider the price against the distance of your trip and the level of comfort you’re looking for. The lowest price is not necessarily the best, and the highest price is not necessarily the best.
How to Decide If an Exit Row Seat Is Worth It
There are five questions to ask before choosing an exit row seat.
1. How long is your flight?
For longer trips, extra space might be more important as you will be sitting in the same seat for a longer period of time. For short flights, a regular seat might be enough.
2. Do you need extra legroom?
An exit row seat can be a significant comfort for tall people or those who frequently find themselves in economy seats.
3. Does the seat have any drawbacks?
Check for restricted recline, fixed armrests and proximity to toilets or galleys. If you’re looking for a seat that offers more legroom, you might not want it if you’re looking to get a good night’s sleep.
4. Are you eligible to sit there?
Check the airline’s exit row seat policy before booking. You may be reassigned if you do not meet the requirements.
5. Is there a cheaper alternative?
Compare exit row seats to other extra-legroom seats, bulkhead seats, and standard seats in various areas of the cabin.
The seat you like best will be based on your preference for legroom, sleeping, seat width, window seats, or aisle access.
Short-Haul vs Long-Haul Flights: Which Is Better Value?
Exit row seats on short-haul flights
On short-haul flights, exit row seats are available. For UK travellers heading to Europe, exit row seats may be a good option, particularly for taller passengers.
The value, however, is dependent on the length of the trip and the cost. If your flight is only a couple of hours and the fee is high, a standard seat may be perfectly adequate.
Extra legroom on long-haul flights
On long-haul journeys, exit row legroom can make a noticeable difference because you will spend many hours seated.
The extra room might be worth the cost for taller people or those who find it difficult to fit in a seat.
But take into account the recline, width and position of the seat. If you want to sit comfortably, a seat that offers more legroom but less recline might not be ideal.
Research all options before booking. An exit row seat may be more comfortable, but it is not necessarily the best seat on the plane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exit Row Seats
Do exit row seats recline?
Some do, others have limited recline based on the aircraft and row configuration. Check your airline’s seat map and seat description before booking.
Are exit row seats wider?
Not necessarily. They tend to offer extra legroom, but may have fixed armrests or built-in tray tables that reduce the width of the seat.
Can children sit in exit row seats?
Age requirements vary by airline. Ryanair requires passengers seated in emergency exit rows to be at least 16 years old. For British Airways, check the current seating policy for the applicable minimum age and other eligibility requirements. Please always refer to the policy for your flight.
Are exit row seats better than bulkhead seats?
Both are not necessarily superior. Exit row seats can provide extra legroom, but also have safety requirements and potential limitations. Bulkhead seats may offer more space in front, but can have fixed armrests and limited under-seat storage. Check out the actual seating arrangements before making a decision.
Can you get a refund if you are moved?
Eligibility for a refund is subject to the airline’s terms and conditions. Please read the official seating policy before buying an upgrade.
Are Exit Row Seats Worth Paying For?
If the extra legroom is significant to your comfort and the cost is within your budget, then exit row seats are worth the money.
They can be particularly useful for taller passengers and people taking longer flights. But the limited recline, fixed armrests, extra safety duties and requirements may make the upgrade not worth it.
We at World Flight Vibes want travellers to compare their options, review the airline’s current rules and determine if the additional space is worth the extra cost before upgrading.
An exit row seat might be a good option if legroom is a priority. If you are taking a short flight or would rather save money, a standard economy seat could be the better option.
