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Is it time for minimum airline seat standards?
Altercations and emergency landings due to fights over seat positions are key to some industry observers asking is it time for seat standards on aircraft? (www.usatoday.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
What is necessary is go back to the basics and RE-REGULATE the Airlines like they were in the good old days. Plenty of seat room, friendly fellow travelers, flights that ran on schedule, no lost luggage, etc. etc. etc.
It's the same old adage, you get what you pay for. Premium economy is the old economy, and there is no comparison in the good old days to today's economy. It's called steerage for a good reason. And if you treat them like cattle, expect no difference in their behavior.
Frankly, I'm mixed on this issue. While the free market (frankly, when was the last time we saw a free market in America?) sorts out some of this issue, airlines (and their investors) have created and sold more ways to reach into your pocket. Add the consolidation in the airline industry that has all but eliminated competition, and you end up with few alternatives other than to pay up or suffer.
I think the issue of safety will come up more as cramped passengers express their anger either toward their fellow passengers or toward the crew. When it becomes a safety issue, then government will intervene. It may also be hastened by our fine elected officials who can't snag a first class seat home for the weekend.
Frankly, I'm mixed on this issue. While the free market (frankly, when was the last time we saw a free market in America?) sorts out some of this issue, airlines (and their investors) have created and sold more ways to reach into your pocket. Add the consolidation in the airline industry that has all but eliminated competition, and you end up with few alternatives other than to pay up or suffer.
I think the issue of safety will come up more as cramped passengers express their anger either toward their fellow passengers or toward the crew. When it becomes a safety issue, then government will intervene. It may also be hastened by our fine elected officials who can't snag a first class seat home for the weekend.
Probably the airlines will hire a bouncer stew on every flight. As long as people sign up for the seats they will sell them. Simple answer is "don't sign up". Apparently you love government taking care of you because flying comfortably is a "right".
Not a right, but it surely is my expectation, particularly if you are sitting next to me taking up half my seat. Or was that you in first I passed on the way in?
I think Premium Economy (it has many names) will largely take care of this. Depends on the route but on longer hauls I will happily pay $150 EW for 5 more inches of leg room. If you do not want to pay that is your choice. If the airlines find they can sell all the Premium Economy seats my bet is they will add more.
Just some thoughts.
Just some thoughts.
Five more inches of leg room? The last time I flew (which is probably the last time I'll ever fly) I paid for Premium Economy... and got 1 inch, and a seat that reclined all of 1 1/2 inches. Try getting into something like that when you're 6'2" and 250 lbs, wearing knee braces.