Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air are popular airlines for travellers as they offer low air fares across Europe and even further afield, such as Jordan and Morocco. However, as they operate their aircraft with all-economy layouts, legroom is often restricted.

This can make the journey difficult for taller passengers, who are often forced to choose from limited options like seats at the front of the plane or emergency exit rows. Unlike other flag carriers like Qatar Airways, these low-cost carriers focus on keeping fares as low as possible rather than prioritising customer service. Recognising its limited seating space, Ryanair once bluntly said: "If the size of our seats or doors does not meet your specific needs, you may not be able to board the plane". So which of Europe's leading low-cost airlines offers the most legroom?

Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air are the three leading low-cost carriers in Europe.

Wizz Air's Airbus A320neo planes are configured with 180 Geven Essenz slimline economy seats, while easyJet's aircraft are fitted with 186 Recaro SL3510 slimline seats. easyJet seats come with a seat width of 17.7" with a seat pitch of 29 inches (35" in the exit rows). Wizz Air seats have the same width and offer a seat pitch of 28-29 inches (37" in the exit row). The Airbus A321neo - the larger cousin of the A320neo - are fitted with the same seats on both airlines, 239 on Wizz Air and 235 on easyJet.

On all these aircraft and for both airlines, the seat backs are fixed and do not recline. They come with fixed headrests as the setup is designed for functionality. Those wanting extra legroom can book either the exit row or front row seats.

Ryanair currently operates only two types of Boeing 737, the Boeing 737-800 and the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200. The MAX 8-200 is the most modern aircraft in Ryanair service and features the higher seating configuration of the MAX 8.

The MAX 8-200s are configured with 197 Zodiac Z110 slimline seats offering a seat width of 17.7" - the same as easyJet and Wizz Air. The seat pitch is also similar, varying between 28 and 29 inches, with 35 inches in the exit row seats.

These seats also have fixed seat backs and do not recline.

In short, all three airlines have more or less the same seat pitch and seat width in their current generation Airbus neos and Boeing MAX aircraft. While Wizz Air does say it offers "both standard and premium seating options," these seats are just the front row, upfront and emergency exit rows seats that provide extra legroom. easyJet also has upgrade options to these seats, providing extra legroom.

Which budget airline offers the most legroom?

Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX 8-200:

Number of seats: 197

Class: All economy

Seat pitch: 28-29"

Seat width: 17.7"

Seat recline: None

easyJet A321neo:

Number of seats: 186

Class: All economy

Seat pitch: 28.5-29"

Seat width: 17.7"

Seat recline: None

Wizz Air A321neo:

Number of seats: 180

Class: All economy

Seat pitch: 28-29"

Seat width: 17.7"

Seat recline: None

According to this data, easyJet offers the most legroom due to a slightly bigger seat pitch of half an inch.