Aircraft seat pitch has decreased from 34 inches to 31 inches, causing discomfort for passengers. Airlines claim seat cushion technology has improved, but legroom remains a major complaint. Some airlines are ordering planes with an extra inch of pitch. Comfort is the second biggest concern for flights longer than six hours, after legroom. Seat width is also a concern. Airlines decide on seat pitch when ordering planes.
Aircraft seat pitch has decreased in recent decades from about 34 inches (about 86 cm) to just 31 inches (less than 79 cm). Wheelbase is the measurement from one point on a seat to the same point on the seat in front (or behind). Airlines have defended the decrease in pitch distance by saying seat cushion technology has improved to take up less space, then claim legroom hasn’t changed. However, lack of legroom remains a major complaint among passengers, especially on flights longer than six hours. Fortunately, some airlines have started ordering planes with an extra inch (about 2.5 cm) of pitch, which is good news for most travelers.
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On flights under six hours, comfort is the fifth concern for airline customers; for flights longer than six hours, however, it’s the second biggest concern, after enough legroom.
While legroom is a concern, seat width is also a big deal. Seats are measured using people’s hips, although elbow room requires much more width.
Airplane manufacturers often suggest a seat pitch of 34 inches (about 86cm), but airlines ultimately decide what pitch they want when ordering planes.
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