Why are economy class seats so small?

As far as economy class, it's simply because of space and revenue. More people in less space. Why do a few inches of recline make a difference on airplane seats during take off/landing?



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Business class or premium first class on large aircraft like the A380 are exceptionally roomy and offer increasing room and privacy for the passenger - but they cost much more (in some cases, thousands of dollars more). As far as economy class, it's simply because of space and revenue. More people in less space.

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Fact: Seats are much smaller today than in previous decades The Big Four domestic carriers—American, Delta, Southwest, and United—have lost anywhere from 2 inches to 5 inches in legroom pitch, and 2 inches in seat width since the 1980s. (The average legroom pitch today clocks in at about 31 inches.)

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But if you want a comfortable experience, take note of which airline you book with, as not all are created equal. In general, ultra-low-cost carriers will offer a less comfortable experience — think no seat recline, no in-flight entertainment screens and less legroom — than more legacy, full-service airlines.

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Best Travel Tips for Flying Economy Long-Haul Flights How to survive long flights in economy
  1. Take your shoes off. ...
  2. Ask for a better seat assignment 10-15 minutes prior to boarding. ...
  3. Brush your teeth (seriously) ...
  4. Be proactively nice. ...
  5. Don't dress up—wear comfortable clothes instead.


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The airline will sell you the second seat at the lowest available cost. If none are available, the passenger may not be able to fly. Passengers must fit within the 17 inches between armrests or purchase a seat in advance. Those who do not cannot be guaranteed boarding unless a second seat is purchased in advance.

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Airlines with the Most Seat Space in Economy
  • Jet Blue. Jet Blue is the leader in the “most pitch” and “widest seat” contest because the majority of their economy and coach class seats are roomy. ...
  • Air Canada. ...
  • Virgin America. ...
  • Hawaiian Airlines. ...
  • American Airlines. ...
  • Cathay Pacific. ...
  • Emirates.


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The following airlines have some seats with widths below 17 inches, making them among the smallest in the industry:
  • Qatar Airways.
  • China Southern.
  • Caribbean Airlines.
  • Hawaiian Airlines.
  • Cebu Pacific.
  • AirAsia X.
  • Uzbekistan Airways.
  • Air Transat.


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The Downsides of Basic Economy Travel Few Amenities: Basic economy class typically limits how many amenities you receive, including limiting your carry-on luggage and charging you extra to choose your seat. You may also get less attention from the plane flight attendants, though that varies depending on the airline.

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Policies around plus-size travelers tend to vary from airline to airline. While a number, including United Airlines, require “customers who require extra seating” to buy an additional seat in advance, some refund the purchase if one or more seats are available after takeoff.

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The following airlines have some seats with widths below 17 inches, making them among the smallest in the industry: Qatar Airways. China Southern. Caribbean Airlines.

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Economy class seats usually recline and have a fold-down table. Seat pitch ranges from 28 to 36 inches (71 to 91 cm), usually 30–32 in (76–81 cm), and 30 to 36 in (76 to 91 cm) for international economy class seats. Domestic economy seat width ranges from 17 to 18.25 in (43.2 to 46.4 cm).

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Ryanair charge per seat, not by weight. They aren't allowed to discriminate against overweight passengers. If a passenger is too wide to fit in the narrow Ryanair seats, then they'd have to pay for a second seat.

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I am a bigger person, size 24-26-28. Will I fit in an airplane seat? You will probably need to buy two coach seats and ask for a seatbelt extender (or to have yours). Remember, two coach seats are generally much cheaper and more spacious than a single first class seat.

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How fat is too fat to fly? Even though there are no weight limits for fat passengers, there are normally three basic requirements for flying while overweight: Passengers must be able to sit with both armrests down. Passengers must be able to buckle their seatbelts.

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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane. Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule.

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You will be fine. at size 24 your bottom will fit in the seat BUT you may need a seatbelt extender (ask stewards as they pass) and you may find the table in front doesn't come down full.

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JetBlue scores at the top for the best airlines with comfortable economy seats. Passengers will enjoy an above-average seat pitch of 32-34” and a seat size of 17.8 – 18.4”. Not to mention, JetBlue is one of only two domestic airlines in the U.S. that offers free WiFi to passengers.

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How to survive a long-haul flight: 10 proven tips
  1. Find comfortable clothes to wear on long flights. ...
  2. Reserve a good seat. ...
  3. Prepare yourself for sleep. ...
  4. Don't pack too much in your cabin luggage. ...
  5. Take your own snacks. ...
  6. Move around the plane. ...
  7. Stay hydrated. ...
  8. Relax!


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How to Survive A Long-Haul Flight
  1. Workout A Day Before. ...
  2. Charge Your Electronics. ...
  3. Pick Your Seat Strategically. ...
  4. Download an Audiobook or Podcast. ...
  5. Pack Noise Cancelling Headphones. ...
  6. Bring Snacks. ...
  7. Stay Hydrated. ...
  8. Comfortable Clothes.


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