Americans Getting Bigger…. Planes Getting Smaller

Posted by isaclients on Nov 3rd, 2009 | no comments

The airlines is measuring and limiting the size of your checked and carry-on luggage and soon might be measuring passengers. Flying in “coach” or “economy” is squeezing more of the average American and the new trend with airlines is making overweight passengers purchase two seats.

“The average legroom in coach is getting smaller. The seat width remains unchanged in decades even as Americans get bigger.” – USA Today

United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski says it adopted the policy after receiving more than 700 complaints in 2008 from passengers who complained of an overweight seatmate encroaching on their space.

I wonder if United took as swift of action over luggage complaints or flight delays. Should we expect monetary compensation for personal inconvenience of the long waits on the tarmac?

Are airlines keeping up with the times?

The typical seat width — at 17 inches to 18.5 inches — hasn’t changed since 1958

I’m 6′4″ and have to fold myself into a “coach” seat and my body aches after a cross country flight so I do sympathize with passengers who have to sit beside another person who is overweight or tall, but I wonder if this will perk the ears of an airline who sees the opportunity to market to and accommodate “customers” who would otherwise be charged an additional seat or would be more comfortable with a little more leg room. Just a thought but I don’t know if anyone is listening!

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