You're jetting off on your dream getaway, navigating through security and preparing to board the aircraft, when you spot it: a cramped middle seat where you'll need to squeeze yourself in for the entire journey. Fortunately, there's now a method to determine which budget carrier offers the most spacious seats, so you don't need to compromise on your precious comfort.

Which? has worked out which airlines boast the largest seats, so you can ensure you're getting the best value for money. For short-haul journeys, the seat width (measured between each armrest) typically ranges from 17 to 18 inches, which might not seem significant. Nevertheless, that additional inch can prove crucial when you're packed in like sardines.

The carriers offering the most generous economy seats are Wizz Air, TAP Portugal, easyJet and Lufthansa, all measuring 18 inches across.

This means the airlines with the narrowest seat widths are British Airways, Jet2, KLM, Norwegian, Ryanair, Tui and Aer Lingus, which are all tied at 17 inches. Meanwhile, Vueling sits in between with 17.5 inches.

If you're keen to secure additional space on your budget flight without parting with extra cash, there are several tricks you can employ.

The first involves booking a seat in the bulkhead - those positioned directly behind the walls, curtains or screens that divide the aircraft. With no seats ahead, you'll have the freedom to fully extend your legs. However, these may be somewhat narrower should tray tables be housed within the armrest.

If a bulkhead doesn't appeal to you, opt for a seat near the back of the aircraft where the fuselage narrows. This can occasionally result in fewer seats per row - though naturally, you risk finding yourself beside the lavatory queue which can prove somewhat disruptive.

Should you be on a flight that has already departed and spot additional vacant seats, you can always courteously enquire with the cabin crew whether relocating might be possible.

Bear in mind, if you don't ask, you don't get - and provided you remain polite there's a possibility they'll accommodate your request.

Should you have particular requirements that would benefit from extra space, such as being tall or expecting, you stand a reasonable chance of being relocated to a more generous spot.