Flight Legroom: A Surprising Challenge for Shorter Passengers

Flight Legroom for Shorter Passengers

If you’re a frequent flyer like me, you’ve probably seen your fair share of strange behaviour in the air. You know the type – the person who seems to be in a constant battle with their seat, looking like they’re attempting some sort of contortionist routine? Yep, that’s me. I’m the one curled up in a ball, legs twisted and arms tucked in all sorts of awkward ways, just trying to make it through the flight without losing my mind (or my circulation).

Air Canada Economy Cabin

At almost 5’5″ – average height for a female – I’ve experienced flights in all sorts of cabins, but let’s talk Economy and Premium Economy – the real battlegrounds of legroom.

I know what you’re probably thinking: “Short(ish) people complaining about legroom? Isn’t that a tall person’s problem?” Well, hear me out – we’ve got our own set of struggles. Let me explain!

Air Canada Business Class – YOW – YYZ

Whenever I book a flight, I always book Economy class, even for business travel. But thanks to my Aeroplan 35K status, I sometimes get a sweet upgrade to Premium Economy (or Business class on shorter domestic flights). Now, don’t get me wrong, the extra legroom is definitely a nice perk, and I do love the extra space for my stuff. But when it comes to actually sitting comfortably, I’m all about having as much support as I can get – and sometimes that means getting a little cozy and looking silly!

Air Canada Premium Economy – International (source: Air Canada)

I always choose the window seat, not just for the view (though that’s certainly a perk), but because it provides an extra surface to lean into. You see, my legs are just short enough that I can’t quite get my feet flat on the floor when sitting fully upright. My toes may touch, but my heels don’t make contact, which, while it may seem minor, actually creates strain on the lower back and makes it difficult to get comfortable, especially on longer flights.

flydubai Economy Cabin Window Seat

Depending on the seat pitch – the distance between seats – I can sometimes rest my feet on the footrest in front of me, which is a relief. However, more often than not, the footrest is just a little too far, leading to yet another awkward seating setup. Instead of offering a true ergonomic advantage, the excess space can actually cause strain on the back and legs. Ultimately, the discomfort boils down to a simple lack of support.

Air Canada Economy – YYZ – DXB

Here’s where the contortionist routine comes in. To mitigate the discomfort, I’ve adopted a few strategies that might sound familiar to other shorter travellers: I try to sit cross-legged, curling up in a way that makes me feel more compact and supported. The window seat is my best friend in this regard, as it provides an extra surface to lean against and brace my body. If I’m lucky, I might even get to rotate my legs into a more natural position. Sometimes, I get creative and use my clothes to provide a little extra support. I’ll put on a sweater, pull my arms out of the sleeves, and then tie the sleeves together for added arm support. It’s my little hack for keeping my body relaxed and fully supported. I know it might sound a bit quirky, but hey, I know I’m not the only one who does this!

Air Canada Premium Economy – Seat Space

I do realize that while extra legroom might be one factor for discomfort, it’s the overall ergonomics of the seat that truly impact comfort for shorter passengers (and all passengers for that matter). Even when the seat is designed with extra space, the absence of adjustable features results in further discomfort.

Some airlines have made strides to accommodate passengers of all sizes by offering adjustable headrests and seats that provide better lumbar support, but these features are still not universal. Premium cabins like Business and First Class offer more flexibility, but the vast majority of travellers sit in Economy.

Air Canada A220 Economy (source: Air Canada)

The Ideal Seat for Shorter Passengers

What would ideal flight legroom for shorter passengers look like? For starters, better seat adjustment options are key. Having the ability to fine-tune the seat height, back angle, and headrest position can go a long way in improving comfort. Shorter passengers would also benefit from seats that offer better cushion depth, allowing the thighs to be supported without forcing the legs into a strange position.

Additionally, seats with highly adjustable footrests or a more flexible approach to the space between the seat and the floor could make a huge difference. A footrest allows passengers to elevate their legs slightly, reducing strain on the back and ensuring the feet stay flat, no matter how short the legs may be.

In conclusion, while extra legroom might seem like the holy grail for tall passengers, it’s clear that aircraft companies need to reconsider how they design seats for people of all heights. For short passengers, the goal isn’t necessarily more space – it’s better ergonomics, better support, and the ability to adjust the seat to fit their body. Until airlines take this into account, the dilemma of flight legroom for shorter passengers means that the quirky behaviours will continue!

Related Reading: 15 hours in Air Canada Premium Economy DXB to YYZ