Are Larger Airplane Seats Finally Headed Our Way?
Sharon Hsu July 18, 2018
Passengers longing for larger seats on flights may soon be in luck.
USA Today reports that the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill currently
up for approval in Congress would require the FAA to set a regulatory standard for
minimum seat width and legroom space within a year.
A minimum seat size would not only make for a more comfortable flying experience
overall, but also has implications for passenger safety. Commercial aircraft have increased the number
of seats onboard by nearly 8% on average since 2013, making for narrower aisles, smaller
seats and more crowded cabins. These cramped conditions make it more difficult for
passengers to move around, and, in the case of an evacuation, could prove deadly if
passengers and crew are unable to exit the plane quickly. In fact, according to USA Today,
the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation is conducting an audit to ensure
that today’s aircraft have still been able to meet the 90-second deplaning standard in emergency
situations.
Proponents argue that regulations mandating a standard minimum seat size could also
have health benefits for passengers. More cabin space during long flights could encourage
passengers to get up and move about, decreasing the risk of blood clots. And not having to
jostle with neighbors for space could also reduce air rage incidents.
Zander Futernick, founder of ZED Aerospace, warns passengers from celebrating increased
seat size too early, however. He tells USA Today, “If airlines can’t reduce space, padding and
comfort will be the first to go” when it comes to cost-cutting measures. Others worry that a
mandatory minimum seat width will just move the battle between budget and comfort into
other spheres, with airlines raising fare prices to make up revenue.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
the A330 can have either 8 or 9 across. 9 across means airline can sell 12.5% more seats in economy row, but you still can't go above maximum seating capacity for that aircraft.
most of the world fleet are narrow bodies. A B737 will always be 6 across. An A320 will always be 6 across. Most people will not pay anything like 20% extra for these aircraft to be 5 across. Stop complaining & go on a weight loss diet.
Re the 777 being the only plane with a seat width option: There is some choice in seat width for narrow bodies. The A320 series cabin is about 6" wider than the 737. So there is about 1" per seat extra to work with inside. At least in the past UAL seats were about 3/4" wider on the A320's. In today's millimeter crush that is huge. So choosing the A320 if it's available is a great way to upgrade. Airbus should promote this advantage.
There is definively. In 777 you can have 10 or 9 seats in a row which makes a big difference. I personally do not use any airline that applies 10 seats and try to avoid the "dream"liner in eco as both have really narrow seats.
Non-story story. Standardize around what metrics? "Average" Americans? Want a better seat? Buy F, J or PE.