US House FAA bill would set minimum airline seat size requirements

A provision tucked into the US House’s FAA reauthorization bill would require the agency to regulate airline seat sizes. FAA said in early July there was no evidence that higher-capacity seat configurations would prevent passengers from evacuating in an emergency within the required minimum times. But the House bill would instruct FAA to establish minimum dimensions for passenger seats on aircraft operated by carriers flying within the US. The rules would include minimums for seat pitch, width and length that lawmakers say are necessary for the safety and health of passengers. Alison McAfee, a spokeswoman for Airlines for America, citing the FAA’s June 2 letter to FlyersRights.org, said FAA’s judgement that seating dimensions of US airlines “meet or exceed federal safety standards” was correct. “We believe market forces should ultimately determine whether the industry is meeting customers’ expectations, rather than government regulation,” McAfee said. “Travellers reserve the right to choose who they give their business to, which route best serves their needs, and which variety of service options they value most.”<br/>