If you’ve ever booked a flight and wondered just how much legroom you’ll actually have, you’re not alone. In Canada, travelers have four major airlines to choose from—Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, and Air Transat—each offering a slightly different experience when it comes to economy class legroom and seat width.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the seat specs across all major aircraft types operated by these airlines, based on the latest data from AeroLOPA and ch-aviation. Whether you’re flying short-haul or long-haul, here’s what you need to know before choosing your seat.
Table of Contents
Air Canada: Canada’s Largest Airline with Mixed Comfort Levels
Air Canada is not only the flag carrier but also the largest airline in Canada, with a fleet of 208 aircraft. It operates everything from small narrowbodies to long-range widebody jets.
Air Canada’s Fleet and Economy Seat Specs
| Aircraft | Fleet Size | Legroom (Economy) | Seat Width (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A220-300 | 37 | 31 inches | 19 inches |
| Airbus A319 | 2 | 31 inches | 17.2 inches |
| Airbus A320 | 17 | 31–33 inches | 17.5 inches |
| Airbus A321 | 20 | 31–33 inches | 17.5 inches |
| Airbus A330-300 | 20 | 31–32 inches | 18 inches |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 47 | 30 inches | 17–18 inches |
| Boeing 777-200LR | 6 | 31 inches | 17 inches |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 19 | 31 inches | 17 inches |
| Boeing 787-8 | 8 | 31 inches | 17.3 inches |
| Boeing 787-9 | 32 | 30 inches | 17.3 inches |
Best and Worst Legroom on Air Canada
- Best legroom: Airbus A320 and A321, offering up to 33 inches
- Widest seat: Airbus A220-300, with 19 inches of width
- Tightest legroom: Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 787-9, at just 30 inches
Despite the larger size of widebody jets, narrowbody aircraft like the A320 often provide a more spacious feel in economy. For long-haul flights, older Airbus A330s offer slightly better legroom than newer models like the 787.
WestJet: Consistent Comfort with Extra Legroom Options
WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, operates a fleet of 143 aircraft. While primarily known for domestic and North American routes, the airline’s 787 Dreamliners offer an elevated experience on long-haul flights.
WestJet’s Fleet and Economy Seat Specs
| Aircraft | Fleet Size | Legroom (Economy) | Seat Width (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-700 | 36 | 31 inches | 17 inches |
| Boeing 737-800 | 54 | 31–33 inches | 17 inches |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 55 | 31–34 inches | 17 inches |
| Boeing 787-9 | 7 | 31–35 inches | 17.3 inches |
Standout Features on WestJet
- Most generous legroom: Up to 35 inches on Boeing 787-9 (select seats)
- Consistent seat width: 17 inches across most narrowbodies
- International comfort: The 787s serve key long-haul destinations including London, Tokyo, and Rome
WestJet’s Dreamliners are equipped with 60 extra-legroom seats, ideal for those wanting more space on overseas flights.
Porter Airlines: Compact Comfort for Regional Travelers
Porter Airlines is the third-largest airline in Canada and has expanded rapidly since its launch in 2006. Known for operating out of downtown Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, it has now expanded to larger aircraft and longer routes.
Porter’s Fleet and Economy Seat Specs
| Aircraft | Fleet Size | Legroom (Economy) | Seat Width (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| De Havilland Dash 8-400 | 29 | 30 inches | 17 inches |
| Embraer E195-E2 | 47 | 30 inches | 18.3 inches |
Porter’s Regional and Growing International Presence
- More spacious option: The Embraer E195-E2 offers wider seats at 18.3 inches
- Older aircraft limitations: Dash 8-400s offer just 17 inches of width
- Future growth: Porter expects to add 28 more E195-E2s, focusing on sun destinations like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta
Porter is gradually shifting from regional turboprops to modern jets, bringing a better in-flight experience to longer routes.
Air Transat: Leisure Travel with Surprisingly Spacious Seating
Though smaller, Air Transat focuses on international leisure travel and has optimized its fleet for comfort, especially in economy class.
Air Transat Fleet and Economy Seat Specs
| Aircraft | Fleet Size | Legroom (Economy) | Seat Width (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321neo | 19 | 31 inches | 18 inches |
| Airbus A330-200 | 14 | 31–32 inches | 18 inches |
| Airbus A330-300 | 10 | 31–32 inches | 18 inches |
Key Routes and Comfort Level
- Used for long-haul: A330s fly to Europe and now Brazil (Rio de Janeiro from 2026)
- Solid comfort: All aircraft offer 18-inch wide seats
- Legroom competitive: Consistent 31–32 inches across the fleet
Air Transat’s configurations offer comfort close to full-service carriers, despite its leisure travel focus.
Business Class Comparison: Who Offers the Best Premium Experience?
Air Canada
- Lie-flat beds on 787s, 777s, and A330s
- Longest route: Vancouver to Singapore (7,965 miles)
WestJet
- Lie-flat pods on the 787-9s
- Longest route: Calgary to Rome (5,265 miles)
Porter Airlines
- No long-haul widebodies
- Limited business class on E195-E2 with 36-inch pitch
Final Verdict Which Canadian Airline Has the Best Economy Legroom?
When it comes to short-haul narrowbody aircraft, Air Canada wins with up to 33 inches of legroom on A320 and A321 aircraft. For long-haul flights, WestJet’s Boeing 787-9 offers the most legroom, with select seats providing up to 35 inches.
In general:
- Best overall legroom: WestJet 787-9
- Widest economy seats: Air Canada A220-300 (19 inches)
- Most consistent comfort: Air Transat A330 and A321neo fleets
- Most improved: Porter Airlines with its E195-E2 jets
Is Canadian Airline Legroom Above Global Standards?
While none of these airlines could be considered ultra-luxurious in economy, Canadian carriers generally offer better-than-average seat pitch and width compared to ultra-low-cost U.S. airlines like Spirit or Frontier.
If legroom is a deciding factor for your next flight, knowing which aircraft you’re flying on can make all the difference.
