Legislation approved in late April by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Federal Aviation Administration could reshape the air travel experience.
The bipartisan bill directs the FAA to develop proposed standards for passenger seating that could affect both seat pitch—the distance between rows—and seat width. Advocates pushed for these changes after observing a decline in average seat pitch from about 35 inches to roughly 31 inches and a reduction in seat width from approximately 18 inches to near 16.5 inches.
In addition to seating standards, the bill would ban in-flight voice calls made through internet-based apps such as Skype or WhatsApp, even as airlines expand onboard Wi-Fi services. It would also prohibit airlines from forcibly removing passengers who are already seated and boarded to accommodate crew members. When system failures or other disruptions occur, the legislation would require airlines to clearly and prominently post notices on their websites so travelers are better informed about delays, cancellations, or operational problems.
Overall, the proposal emphasizes passenger and crew safety, comfort, and health over cost-cutting measures. With the current FAA authorization set to expire on Sept. 30, the Senate is simultaneously developing its own version of FAA reauthorization legislation.