A vehicle seat assembly for arranging in rows, such as for aircraft, has a compact construction to allow minimum seat pitch. The seat legs (8) have a low profile with support struts (16) being towards the front of the seat, the seats are convex or 'bucket' shaped, the recline actuating handle and storage pocket are located under the front of the seat, the backrest pivots (4) around the knee height for reclining movement, and the backrest is ergonomically shaped, having thin cushions (62) attached to the passenger side only.