Poll a large number of fliers about what they want in an airline, and the answer will be legroom. Airline seats have shrunk for years, at least in coach. Travelers believe it has gone too far.
In a recent study by Morning Consult, legroom was at the head of the list of what fliers wanted, with it mentioned by 81% of those questioned. More overhead storage was second at 78%, another issue of smaller and smaller amounts of space for passengers. Food service on long flights took third place at 71%, followed by reclining seats at 69%.
It is no secret why airlines keep shrinking seats. More passengers per flight means more money. Several members of Congress are so miffed about the trend that they want a standard and larger seat size. Most airlines have coach seats that are less than 17 inches wide. A quick look inside most commercial airplanes about to take off shows that there are a lot of people for which 17 inches is not adequate.
Airlines have started programs that offer passengers relief from seats that are small and do not recline. Premium economy is what the service is often called. For an upgrade fee, which can be in the hundreds of dollars, passengers can sit in a no man’s land between coach and either business or first class. It is a win-win for the airlines. Passengers who want more room and can afford it increase passenger dollar yield per plane. Passengers can’t like the fees, but at least they can ride in comfort.
The airlines have taken the dislike of small seats and turned the problem around. For the 81% of fliers who want more legroom, it’s available. What used to be free has become costly.
Are You Still Paying With a Debit Card?
The average American spends $17,274 on debit cards a year, and it’s a HUGE mistake. First, debit cards don’t have the same fraud protections as credit cards. Once your money is gone, it’s gone. But more importantly you can actually get something back from this spending every time you swipe.
Issuers are handing out wild bonuses right now. With some you can earn up to 5% back on every purchase. That’s like getting a 5% discount on everything you buy!
Our top pick is kind of hard to imagine. Not only does it pay up to 5% back, it also includes a $200 cash back reward in the first six months, a 0% intro APR, and…. $0 annual fee. It’s quite literally free money for any one that uses a card regularly. Click here to learn more!
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings to provide coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.