Economy seat size

[russ]

I do not consider myself abnormal when it comes to size...

Yes you do!

I am only 186cm but have very wide shoulders...

 

[Tortuga]

The solution, said Mr. Clark at Emirates, is to offer distractions like big meals, frequent snacks and lots of electronic entertainment.

"With food and TV," said Mr. Clark at Emirates, "people are mesmerized."

Sorry Mr Clark but that is not the solution and I am not mesmerised by a 4-5inch screen that allows people to smash the back of your chair for the whole flight while they figure out what it does. Maybe Mr Clark would like to sit next to me on a nice 12 hour flight while we discuss the wonders of economy class and the great entertainment it provides.

A good read that provides both sides of the argument. http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304384104579141941949066648

It is clear airlines are going to continue shrinking seat size until the regulators have to stop them for safety reasons (safe when it crashes?) - it is not great for my neck and back or DVT.

 

[mannej]

The solution, said Mr. Clark at Emirates, is to offer distractions like big meals, frequent snacks and lots of electronic entertainment.


Sorry Mr Clark but that is not the solution and I am not mesmerised by a 4-5inch screen that allows people to smash the back of your chair for the whole flight while they figure out what it does. Maybe Mr Clark would like to sit next to me on a nice 12 hour flight while we discuss the wonders of economy class and the great entertainment it provides.

A good read that provides both sides of the argument. The Incredible Shrinking Plane Seat - WSJ

It is clear airlines are going to continue shrinking seat size until the regulators have to stop them for safety reasons (safe when it crashes?) - it is not great for my neck and back or DVT.

You make mention previously that most people would prefer to go without the IFE and have more room to sleep. Whilst that may be your opinion I would suggest for a variety of reasons people wouldn't give their IFE up (look at the number of people who complain one a 1-2 hour east coast hop doesn't have IFE). Whilst everyone values comfort not everyone can sleep on a plane. Take away the IFE and watch the negativity come in towards that Long haul airline.

I think Juddles has nailed as to why you are finding the seats as they are in this day and age.

 

[Tortuga]

You make mention previously that most people would prefer to go without the IFE and have more room to sleep. Whilst that may be your opinion I would suggest for a variety of reasons people wouldn't give their IFE up (look at the number of people who complain one a 1-2 hour east coast hop doesn't have IFE). Whilst everyone values comfort not everyone can sleep on a plane. Take away the IFE and watch the negativity come in towards that Long haul airline.

I think Juddles has nailed as to why you are finding the seats as they are in this day and age.

I know full well why they are the way they are - airlines are companies that exist to make a profit and they will keep packing as many people in until they are told not to by regulators. I get that. People keep flying because they have become accustomed to the service it provides (getting from A to B - not necessarily in comfort). The only size limitation is what the regulators deem not safe for a crash situation. The reason a lot of people can't sleep is because it is so damn uncomfortable - I am a terrible economy sleeper. Put me in Qatar business class on the A380 and I slept like a baby.

Mr Clark's point was very accurate - instead of trying to make people more comfortable we are going to try distract them like children with toys and food. These days everyone has an ipad/phone/mp3 player, unfortunately I can't bring on my own chair that suits me. Companies always talk about striving to improve their product and service yet they conveniently ignore the glaring obvious deficiency because it might hurt their bottom line. There needs to be a balance - I have no problem paying a bit more but please stop making the seats smaller. If not for me for the person who has to sit next to me or the trolley that keeps starting fights with my shoulder.

 

[russ]

I have no problem paying a bit more...

I therefore recommend you fly PE or J.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Travel has become an entitlement. We have become accustomed to going to the airport when on holidays.

What became of the "Staycation"?

Just did one to Paihia north of Akl. No security hassles on the trip and great scenery to enjoy.

 

[Deleted member]

I like the IFE, I like the seats to be wide, and I like the food and wine to be good, so wherever and whenever I can I fly J or better. Otherwise I ain't going.
Staycation works for me.
Besides while Mrs GPH goes galavanting over the Christmas break this year, I'm treating myself to a long overdue new puppy. (Admittedly not a lot of difference in the cost between the two) so I shall have a month to train and aquatint myself with my new "man's best friend" ..... At least that's the plan.....

 

[medhead]

I therefore recommend you fly PE or J.

Y? Why not recommend the lower cost option of purchasing a comfort seat? that will achieve comfort in terms of person width.

(4) occurred on AC. Technically the seat was blocked with a note to say it was for my PNR. Unfortunately I think I was subsequently moved without reference to the blocked seat.

(3) occurred on MH, intruder was tourist in King-gees. Had an argument with him. The CSM could not confirm that my comfort seat was mine - just showed up in manifest as blocked.

(2) occurred on QF before I was a FF. Wife and I given aisle and therefore my comfort seat was next to my aisle seat and was shared with someone who should have paid for comfort seat herself . Airline probably thought "kill two birds with one stone".

(1) was with AC.

Maybe I should try again

4) is a hard one if they have a BP for that seat. The only real option being to ask for a refund of the comfort seat because it wasn't provided. I'm not sure of Canadian consumer laws as to whether that is a realistic option.

3) Probably one point to add to the difficulty of comfort seats. When I've booked them (not with MH) the comfort seat is listed on the booking confirmation. Maybe carrying that is required to prove your right to the seat. But if the manifest says it's blocked that supports your claim to the comfort seat. i.e. it's blocked because you paid for it.

2) not much can be done about that, you're always going to have to share the seat with a buddy. I guess if they are taking more than 50% then a quiet word to say "you're happy to share but you've paid for the seat" might work.

1) That's really rude of them to ask. I'd probably be rude back and say "I'm FAT". Maybe some people don't get embarrassed at insulting others. But if you want to achieve a comfort seat with minimum fuss that approach would have to shut down the questions. They can't see you over the phone, and they're not going to be at the aircraft to check. Nothing wrong with a lie to expedite the process.

BTW I'm not saying you're fat. I'm suggesting you lie to to them if questioned.

 

[Quickstatus]

BTW I'm not saying you're fat. I'm suggesting you lie to to them if questioned.

haha I'm not fat but was only allowed one Easter egg by wife.....:shock:

 

[JohnK]

I therefore recommend you fly PE or J.

That's not paying a bit more. That's paying a lot more.

 

[Pcoder]

Maybe what would be good is not necessarily a enforced standard, but a restriction on the classification of 'Economy'. If seats smaller then 17.5 inches width and/or 32 inches pitch for flights over 5 hours, the airlines should be forced to advertise the seats as 'Cramped Economy' and not 'Economy'.

More information like this should be provided, so that people can compare more easily between carriers.

 

[love_the_life]

Maybe what would be good is not necessarily a enforced standard, but a restriction on the classification of 'Economy'. If seats smaller then 17.5 inches width and/or 32 inches pitch for flights over 5 hours, the airlines should be forced to advertise the seats as 'Cramped Economy' and not 'Economy'.

More information like this should be provided, so that people can compare more easily between carriers.

People can compare already by using Seat Guru. There is information on width and pitch there. People need to do a bit of research if it is important to them.

 

[Pcoder]

My main point is not everyone is as savvy as people on this forum, so it would be good if there was some warning mechanism.

 

[Quickstatus]

Maybe what would be good is not necessarily a enforced standard, but a restriction on the classification of 'Economy'. If seats smaller then 17.5 inches width and/or 32 inches pitch for flights over 5 hours, the airlines should be forced to advertise the seats as 'Cramped Economy' and not 'Economy'.

More information like this should be provided, so that people can compare more easily between carriers.

Makes sense on one level though most people buy tickets on price. They don't look at other tangibles such as airline, or seat metrics. They really don't care - price is the number one game. Those who are more discerning will already know about it or will be doing their research.

I prefer if most did not know about the dark arts as explored in this website. I want people to use their points buying toasters, and flying superficially without the addedaccessories. More space for people like you and me.

I have tried to share the knowledge gained from here and elsewhere with non AFF people. Most people don't care. That's fabulous!!! Im still happy to assist people though - if they ask

 

[JohnK]

People can compare already by using Seat Guru. There is information on width and pitch there. People need to do a bit of research if it is important to them.

Does seat guru cover seat padding or width of arm rests? These can make a huge difference.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

1) That's really rude of them to ask. I'd probably be rude back and say "I'm FAT". Maybe some people don't get embarrassed at insulting others. But if you want to achieve a comfort seat with minimum fuss that approach would have to shut down the questions. They can't see you over the phone, and they're not going to be at the aircraft to check. Nothing wrong with a lie to expedite the process.

Extra seats can be requested for a number of reasons - not only customers of size, but also for musical instruments or even bulky items required to be carried in the cabin. Musical instruments may require a specific seat allocation (for example for a cello). So asking the specific reason may not be unreasonable.

 

[Quickstatus]

Extra seats can be requested for a number of reasons - not only customers of size, but also for musical instruments or even bulky items required to be carried in the cabin. Musical instruments may require a specific seat allocation (for example for a cello). So asking the specific reason may not be unreasonable.

Happy for them to ask but apparently my answer that I just wanted a bit more space did not fit with their expected answer(s).

Perhaps Next time I should say "Im a person of size". Im worried though that this answer may make its way into my PCV and affect it in a negative way.

 

[medhead]

Extra seats can be requested for a number of reasons - not only customers of size, but also for musical instruments or even bulky items required to be carried in the cabin. Musical instruments may require a specific seat allocation (for example for a cello). So asking the specific reason may not be unreasonable.

Probably a trade off. Someone with their cello might nominate the reason up front.

Happy for them to ask but apparently my answer that I just wanted a bit more space did not fit with their expected answer(s).

Perhaps Next time I should say "Im a person of size". Im worried though that this answer may make its way into my PCV and affect it in a negative way.

Good point about the PCV. Lying is never the answer.
I wonder how that might trade off against the value of someone who regularly buys an extra seat. *pondering

 

[love_the_life]

Does seat guru cover seat padding or width of arm rests? These can make a huge difference.

No, but neither is an airline website going to include this information.

 

[Quickstatus]

Good point about the PCV. Lying is never the answer.
I wonder how that might trade off against the value of someone who regularly buys an extra seat. *pondering

Dont know but the existence of a PE cabin may make the PCV lower for the extra seat whY customer