Making Airline Travel Feel Less Like Torture

Back in economy class, conditions are noticeably less cushy—but they may soon get slightly better. Both B/E and Texas-based Weber Aircraft are offering next-gen models that move in new ways. At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg next month, B/E will roll out a coach seat with an "articulating bottom"; instead of just reclining, it has a bottom that slides out a couple of inches. Weber makes a similar seat for the new Boeing 787. "You're going to see a big wave of those in the next two years," says American's Hadden.

Of course, airlines aren't doing this because they care about your aching back. "That's as likely as Alcatraz prison asking, 'How can we make the prisoners more comfortable?' " says industry consultant Michael Boyd. Instead, they're upgrading coach seats to save on weight. B/E's new Spectrum model weighs 12 pounds less than its predecessor; some airlines figure one pound less saves $200 a year in fuel. While airlines appreciate the weight reductions, so far they've mostly refused to pay more for more comfortable coach seats, since coach customers choose flights mostly by price. That's a source of frustration to designers like Johnson, who's particularly proud of a new upscale coach seat called the Icon, which features an innovative method for reclining without impinging on the space—or banging the knees—of the passenger behind you. "It's the most innovative economy-class seat in 50 years, but [some airlines say] it's too heavy and too expensive," Johnson says. If it doesn't catch on, back at B/E's headquarters it will still make a great-looking office chair.

With Ashley Harris

© 2008