Finding the best seats on an EasyJet Airbus A320 comes down to understanding a high-density, single-class cabin layout. With 186 slimline seats packed into a tight 28-to-29-inch pitch on standard rows, choosing the right spot can make the difference between a cramped flight and a relatively smooth journey.
Search intent for this topic focuses on identifying extra legroom, avoiding disruptive zones near galleys, and picking the optimal spots without wasting money on useless upgrades. Below is a breakdown of the cabin layout, the best rows for legroom, and common seat selection mistakes to avoid.
EasyJet Airbus A320 Cabin Layout and Seating Realities
EasyJet operates its Airbus A320 fleet in an all-economy, high-density configuration. The aircraft features Recaro slimline seats designed to maximize passenger capacity. Because these seats come pre-reclined with zero manual adjustment, your comfort relies almost entirely on legroom and cabin location.
The standard seat pitch across the majority of the cabin is 28 to 29 inches, which can feel restrictive for passengers over six feet tall. Understanding how the cabin is segmented helps you target seats that provide actual physical relief.
Best Seats for Extra Legroom
If you want to stretch your legs, you have to target specific rows where EasyJet allocates extra space. These seats cost more during booking, but they provide the only genuine relief on the aircraft.
Row 1 Up Front
The very first row of the cabin provides additional knee clearance because there is no seat in front of you.
- The tradeoff: The bulkhead wall restricts total stretch-out room for your feet, and you're seated right next to the forward galley and main boarding door, which means higher foot traffic during boarding.
Overwing Exit Rows 12 and 13
Rows 12 and 13 on the standard A320 layout serve as the emergency exit rows.
- The specs: These rows offer an expanded pitch of around 35 inches.
- The tradeoff: Outer seats near the emergency exits can feel noticeably drafty or cooler due to altitude exposure. Additionally, bags cannot be stored under your seat during takeoff and landing.
Best Seats for Views and Quick Exiting
If legroom isn't your primary concern, your strategy should focus on getting off the plane quickly or securing a quiet view.
Forward Window Seats (Rows 2 through 5)
Window seats in the front third of the plane give you clean views away from the engine distortion and let you deplane much faster upon arrival. EasyJet boards and deplanes primarily through the front door on most European stops, making rows 2 through 8 ideal for time-sensitive travelers.
Aisle Seats for Mobility
If you prefer stretching a single leg into the aisle or getting up to use the restroom without disturbing seatmates, target any aisle seat from row 5 forward. Avoid middle seats entirely unless the flight is booked well below capacity and you luck out with an empty seat beside you.
Worst Seats to Avoid on the A320
Certain spots on the EasyJet A320 guarantee an uncomfortable flight. Skip these locations when selecting your spot:
- Row 31 (or the final row): This back row often lacks a proper window alignment, suffers from narrowing cabin curvature, and sits directly against the rear lavatories and galley.
- Row 11: Positioned immediately ahead of the exit rows, these seats often have restricted or zero recline capacity to ensure emergency clearance regulations are met.
- Seats directly beside lavatories: Rows flanking the rear and front toilets experience constant queue congestion, slamming doors, and unpleasant foot traffic throughout the flight.
How to Secure Better Seating Without Overpaying
EasyJet charges for all seat reservations, with prices scaling based on the perceived value of the spot. To manage costs, consider these tactical approaches:
- Check load factors: Use third-party tracking tools or look at seat selection maps 24 hours before check-in to see if the flight is wide open. If the back half of the plane shows dozens of empty middle seats, waiting for free automated assignment at check-in might score you an empty adjacent seat.
- Book upfront bundles: If you need a guaranteed overhead locker space and quick exit, buying an Up Front seat bundle is often cheaper than buying a standalone exit row while still securing a better boarding priority.
- Download official specs: Review the current EasyJet information page to check if your specific flight utilizes an A320neo or an acquired former airline frame, as minor galley shifts can alter row numbering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EasyJet Airbus A320 seats recline?
No. The standard Recaro slimline seats on EasyJet's A320 fleet are fixed in a pre-reclined position to maximize space and prevent passenger disputes over personal room.
Are exit row seats colder than other rows?
Yes, rows 12 and 13 can feel cooler than the rest of the cabin because they are situated directly next to the emergency exit doors. Packing a light jumper or jacket is recommended if you book these spots.
Can anyone sit in the exit rows?
No. Passengers seated in rows 12 and 13 must be at least 16 years old, able-bodied, fluent in English or the local operating language, and willing to assist crew members in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation.
Is it worth paying for seat selection on short flights?
If your flight is under an hour and a half, paying extra for a specific seat rarely justifies the cost unless you are particularly tall or traveling with a group that needs to sit together. For longer legs across Europe, securing an exit row or front-row seat drastically improves the experience.
