As airlines stuff more and more seats into coach cabins to maximize revenue, a new study seems to confirm that even though wider seats would be more beneficial for passengers, airlines are still prioritizing profits.
Thanks to technological advancements, the number of flights more than 13 hours long has increased 70 percent. Besides these longer flights, larger crowds and already cramped spaces make for a sufficiently uncomfortable and sometimes downright stressful experience.
As airlines stuff more and more seats into coach cabins to maximize revenue, a new study seems to confirm that even though wider seats would be more beneficial for passengers, airlines are still prioritizing profits.
Sponsored by the European airplane manufacturer Airbus and conducted by the London Sleep Centre, the study showed 18-inch wide seats improved restorative sleep by 53 percent over the 17-inch seat. According to Dr. Irshaad Ebrahim, “All passengers experienced a deeper, less disturbed, and longer night’s sleep in the 18-inch seat.”
Airbus is calling for airlines to standardize the 18-inch seat on long flights. Even though Airbus doesn’t make or profit from the actual seats, some question whether Airbus’ motives are aimed at protecting passengers or simply promoting themselves and taking a shot at its competitor Boeing, which consistently manufactures airplanes with narrower seats.
Airbus also pointed out that other industries, including the car industry, are going with wider seat options to improve people’s comfort and experience.
