Have you ever sat down on uncomfortable aircraft seats? It’s not pleasant. And it seems like they’re starting to get more and more uncomfortable. But why?
There are a few reasons. Airlines are trying to save weight, cushions are potentially becoming a thing of the past and cost efficiency all play a role. Here are our main reasons behind uncomfortable aircraft seats.
The Reasons Behind Uncomfortable Aircraft Seats:
Efforts to save weight
Taking out cushions
With the same effort as above, some are taking out cushioning all together. Instead, using nylon or other material diaphragms as sort of a cushion in itself. Which isn’t as comfortable as what was the industry standard of having separate fabricated foam cushions on the seat for better passenger comfort.
Using tougher materials
Some are using the same as above and using very firm surface leathers or suede with embossing. It might look nice but they are harder in nature, thus not as comfortable! Molded foam cushions are a factor in comfort as well. In an effort to save cost in mass production, they use molded cushions from a pouring solution which ends up getting very firm. Which again, equals less comfort.
Creating a higher aircraft capacity
Another issue is that a lot of carriers, understandably, want to go high density in their aircraft. Meaning maximum capacity of passenger count, which in turn may narrow the seats. Our growing population demands larger capacities on flights!
Installing smaller armrests
This can be a big problem as people are already fighting for space in their seats. Sometimes armrests are so narrow that there is barely enough room for one arm to rest on it – not to mention how you must share this small amount with the person next to you!