Comparing Economy Seat Pitch on the New Airbus A220-300
Until last week, the Airbus A220 did not exist. Well, not as the A220, at least — as part of a partnership with Bombardier, the Canadian manufacturer's former CS100 and CS300 became the Airbus A220-100 and A220-300, respectively.
The larger -300 model made its airshow debut at Farnborough this week, with attendees getting a chance to peek inside. The interior is identical to that of the "old" CS300, which we've reviewed in the past, though Airbus has added its A220 branding to the headrest covers.
The cabin of this Airbus demo plane also had another feature I hadn't spotted before — variable seat pitch — giving airline visitors an opportunity to see how outfitting decisions impact passenger comfort on this flashy new narrow-body plane.
I happened to run into 6-foot-2 TPG reader Steve S. on the plane, and asked if he wouldn't mind helping me demonstrate the seat pitch.
Let's start with a pitch of 35 inches — a very generous amount that's probably more than JetBlue's thinking about offering on its upcoming A220s in regular economy, but a bit less than what you'd get in Even More Space rows. Steve looks pretty comfy.
32 or 33 inches is more likely what you're find in regular coach on JetBlue, but it's more generous than what other carriers, like Delta, are expected to offer.
31 inches has been the standard for many aircraft flying within the US — this could end up being the amount Delta decides to go with for its regular coach seats.
And, finally, 30 inches — the standard amount you'll find on some low-cost carriers, like Ryanair's 737s, but two more inches than you'll get on Spirit's A320 family fleet.
Considering the 3,600-mile range you'll get with the A220-300, six-hour transcon flights may become the norm — and if you're tall like Steve here, you'll hope your airline has opted to add more than 30 inches of pitch between seats.
The CS300 (now the A220-300) has been said to offer "the most comfortable economy class you'll find," and while the overall cabin design certainly plays in there, your carrier's seat pitch pick will have a lot to do with your comfort, too.
Let's hope US carriers decide to go with at least 31 inches of pitch — and ideally quite a bit more for JetBlue.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees