The Consequences Of Adding More Airline Seats

One practical way to drive down the costs of air travel is to add more seating to airplanes. The problem is, the space is already cramped as it is -- yet airlines continue to add more passenger seats despite the additional discomfort. The bigger question is will these airlines still operate safely.

According to USA Today's interview with retired airline pilot John Cox, airplanes could add more seats as per certification. Once airlines guarantee they could evacuate passengers within 90 seconds. Cox explains that most airlines do not maximize the number of seats as per their certification -- allowing them to add more but not beyond the number appointed.

Legroom and poor cabin comfort is guaranteed by more seats in airlines. Airplane manufacturer Airbus had an idea to stack seats together to improve legroom. If not, the idea of a "flying donut" is one of the better ways airplanes could introduce more seats without sacrificing cabin comfort. However, according to Stuff New Zealand, the "flying donut" certainly is a design feat and but it would require further research and investigation to properly implement.

As discomfort grows, rage also follows. Discomfort is likely to settle among travelers in economy class as seat spaces become cramped and armrest spaces become invaded either unintentionally or intentionally. According to Fortune, the discomfort has given way to frequent "passenger rage" as some passengers recline their seats in economy class affecting the passenger behind them.

Innovations in fixed seats for economy class could be brought in should more airline seats be needed. Companies specializing in airplane seats such as Zodiac has improved tablet holders, USB, and charging power outlets per seat. In a way, airline seats are turning into modern technology: the smaller they are, the more technology they have.

In the near future, airlines are likely to introduce more seats in airplanes given the possible immense competition between airline companies. But if new airline technologies dominate the future indeed, passengers will have less headaches.