“Be careful what you wish for.” It’s an adage that applies in many circumstances.
And right now it’s germane to the issue of passenger comfort on commercial aircraft. It seems that we are getting squeezed on like sardines because that’s what comes with the lower fares that we demand.
United Airlines president Scott Kirby said as much recently when he told employees that company might follow the example of budget airlines and reduce seat pitch in the economy cabin to less than 29 inches (73.6cm). Currently, United offers as much as 31 ins.
He is quoted at Skift.com as saying: “Seat pitch has come down. But seat pitch has come down because that’s what customers voted with their wallets that they wanted.
“I know everyone would tell you, ‘I would like more seat pitch.’ But the history in the airline industry is every time airlines put more seat pitch on, customers choose the lowest price.”
Related: What does a basic airfare buy?
The solution, according to Mr Kirby, is simply to pay more — for what United calls Economy Plus, which offers up to 36 ins in seat pitch. Or, presumably, for a business- or first-class fare.
Of course, this situation is not confined to United. Most full-service airlines in the United States are taking a leaf out of the budget-airline playbook by tightening up seat space and charging for items — such as stowed luggage, meals, drinks and seat selection — that used to be free.
And, where America goes, the rest of the world is bound to follow.
