U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is slapping the airline industry with proposed regulations, after finally becoming fed up with the sardine-like conditions of commercial airlines.
The New York Democrat told The Associated Press, as if anyone needed to told, that the airlines have been slowly cutting down legroom and seat width – specifically a reduction of four inches in the front and two inches in seat width since the 1970s. Schumer wants to require the FAA to establish seat-size standards in order to stop airlines from shrinking those numbers even further.
While I’m certain that nobody likes spending their flights folded up like a tray table, what they do probably like is the gradual democratization of flying.
Specifically, according to the Atlantic, airfares have fallen about 50% in the years between 1979 and 2011, thanks to the deregulation of the industry. While this is great for consumers, the airline industry has struggled with profitability, which is perhaps why we’re seeing the incredible shrinking seat and the $9 snack box.
Airlines for America, an industry trade group representing an array of U.S. airlines, said it opposes the proposed regulation saying “market forces should determine what is offered," and that “customers vote every day with their wallets.”
I’m Anna Wells and this is IEN Now.
