There’s both good news and bad news from British Airways: the airline plans to reduce legroom on a limited number of short European routes, but the change will only affect a small portion of its network.
British Airways will reconfigure some Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft to add two extra rows—12 seats in total—by trimming seat pitch by one inch. That adjustment will set legroom at 29 inches, comparable to EasyJet’s standard and slightly more generous than some competitors, though less than Ryanair on comparable aircraft.
The carrier says the change is intended to help keep fares competitive. A British Airways spokesperson told The Daily Mail that starting next year the airline will make a modest increase in seat capacity on its A320 and A321 fleet to support lower ticket prices, while continuing to offer the quality and value customers expect.
These alterations are expected to affect short-haul flights operating from Gatwick (LGW) and Heathrow (LHR). The announcement follows British Airways’ recent decision to discontinue complimentary food and drink on short-haul economy services, underscoring a broader shift to control costs and maintain affordable fares on shorter routes.
Passengers who fly these short-haul sectors may notice slightly reduced personal space, but the airline emphasizes that the change is limited in scope and focused on keeping travel costs down. Travelers concerned about legroom can consider checking specific aircraft and seat pitch when booking, selecting seats with extra legroom where available, or choosing alternative carriers and fare classes that prioritize greater personal space.
Overall, the update reflects a common trend in European short-haul aviation: airlines adjust cabin layouts to balance ticket prices and operating costs, often offering optional extras for those who prefer more comfort. British Airways has framed this move as a targeted, pragmatic step rather than a widespread overhaul of its product across long-haul routes.