Originally Posted by
floridastorm
Actually most of the Asian airlines have 34 inch pitch as their standard international economy. It is only the western airlines that seem to think that 31 inch pitch is just dandy for 14-16 hours. If the Asian airlines can do it why can't the western airlines? The Asian airlines have to be competitive also. I am truly hoping that the FAA has the guts to make this ruling. The western airlines won't charge any more as they have to compete with the pricing of the Asian airlines and other carriers that have better seating and service.
Unfortunately I think 31-32 is more likely the norm for Asian airlines... including the likes of Thai, Singapore, Air China, Cathay in that mix. There are some configurations at the 32-34, but they're becoming increasingly rare with the introduction of new planes and 10 abreast in coach.