What is Seat pitch?

Seat pitch is the distance from one point on a seat to the same point on the seat in front, used as a proxy for legroom.

Also called: Legroom.

How it works#

The figure measures row spacing rather than usable leg space: a slimline seat at the same pitch gives noticeably more room than a thickly padded one. Seat width matters too and depends on how many seats are fitted per row. Comparisons between airlines therefore only work when pitch, width and seating layout are read together.

Not to be confused with#

Seat pitch is not the same as seat width: pitch is the space in front, width is the space to either side.

In German#

The German term is Sitzabstand. German version of this term

Related terms#

• Cabin class: Cabin class is the physical section of an aircraft, economy, premium economy, business or first, each with its own seating and service.
• Exit row: An exit row is the seat row at an emergency exit, offering extra legroom and subject to legal requirements on who may sit there.
• Hard product and soft product: Hard product means the physical fittings of an aircraft or hotel, while soft product means the service, catering and staff experience.

Articles that use this term#

• Why seat pitch matters more than the cabin name
• Is the exit row or bulkhead seat worth paying for?
• What is the difference between premium economy and economy?
• How do cabin upgrades actually work?
• What is a fare class and why does it decide everything?
• What’s in the fare rules, and why read them?