When booking a flight in Canada, travelers often compare ticket prices, schedules, and loyalty programs — but comfort in the air matters just as much. For many passengers, legroom is a top priority, especially on long flights. Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines each offer unique seating configurations depending on the aircraft type, but the differences can be significant.
This detailed comparison uses fleet and seating data to determine which carrier truly gives passengers the most space to stretch out.
Air Canada: A Mix of Comfort Across the Fleet
As Canada’s largest airline and the nation’s flag carrier, Air Canada operates over 200 aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, and Bombardier models.
On narrowbody jets, the best economy class legroom is found on the Airbus A320 and A321, which offer between 31 and 33 inches of seat pitch. The Airbus A220-300, one of the newest additions to the fleet, features 31 inches of legroom and impressively wide 19-inch seats, providing extra comfort for longer journeys.
Surprisingly, Air Canada’s widebody aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner, typically offer 30–31 inches of legroom — less than the top-performing narrowbodies. However, older Airbus A330-300 aircraft provide slightly more space, with up to 33 inches in economy.
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WestJet: Extra Inches on the Dreamliner
WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, operates a mix of Boeing narrowbodies and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. On its domestic and transborder narrowbody fleet, legroom ranges between 31 and 34 inches depending on the aircraft type and seat location.
Where WestJet shines is on its 787-9 Dreamliner long-haul services. These aircraft offer between 31 and 35 inches of legroom in economy, with the highest measurements found in extra-legroom seats. This makes WestJet’s Dreamliner the most generous option for economy passengers on long-haul routes.
Porter Airlines: Compact But Comfortable on the E195-E2
Porter Airlines, a relative newcomer compared to its competitors, focuses on short to medium-haul flights. The Embraer E195-E2, which now makes up a significant part of its fleet, offers 30 inches of legroom in economy with a notably wide 18.3-inch seat.
However, its Dash 8-400 turboprops — common on shorter regional routes — provide a tighter fit with 30 inches of legroom and narrower 17-inch seats. While comfortable enough for short flights, they do not match the space found on larger jets operated by Air Canada or WestJet.
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Business Class: A Different Level of Comfort
Both Air Canada and WestJet offer lie-flat business class seats on long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 787, 777, and Airbus A330. These are designed for maximum comfort on flights lasting over eight hours. Porter’s business class offering is limited to its E195-E2 jets with a seat pitch of 36 inches, primarily for short-haul travelers.
How They Compare to Air Transat
Although not part of the main comparison, Air Transat, Canada’s fourth-largest airline, offers competitive legroom, particularly on its A330 aircraft, with 31–32 inches in economy and seat widths up to 18 inches.
The Verdict on Legroom
For domestic and short-haul flights, Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft take the lead with up to 33 inches of economy legroom. For long-haul travel, WestJet’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner stands out, providing as much as 35 inches in extra-legroom seats.
While Porter Airlines offers a comfortable ride on its Embraer E195-E2, passengers looking for more spacious seating may prefer Air Canada’s A320 family or WestJet’s Dreamliner, depending on their route.
In the end, the “best” airline for legroom in Canada depends on your travel plans — whether you prioritize short-haul comfort, long-haul space, or a balance between the two.