The big squeeze at American Airlines

(ABOARD AMERICAN FLIGHT 1413, April 22) – One of these days on this page I’ll break open the weighty Wright Amendment. I’ll be interested to read your opinions on DFW vs. Love, and how you think any Wright retreat or retrenchment stands to affect Flower Mound. But at this moment, all I can think about is getting off this plane, and fast. For American Airlines, this flight from DFW to Las Vegas must have been perfect. Safe, on-time and packed with passengers. For the two passengers seated in 10E and 10F this morning, not so much.

Remember a couple of years ago when American ran its “more legroom in coach campaign”? I know they’ve discontinued that as a slogan and a business model, but I wasn’t prepared for what we found in 10E and 10F of this 757 -- the smallest amount personal seating space I’ve ever experienced on any large jet. Let me try to paint the picture for you while I’m still seated here. Actually, let me show you a picture.

First, for starters, I’m 6 feet tall. Not short, but I’m no giant. Sitting up straight, butt and back against the seat, my knees touched the seat in front of me. If I tried to stretch out my legs under the seat, I couldn't, because my knees didn't have enough room to get below the seat in front. You could barely stand in the row because the narrow space (combined with the reclining seat in front) meant you were guaranteed a lean. The seats on this plane must have been built with the narrow depth in mind, because they only leaned back a fraction of what a normal airline seat would do.

So what's the deal? I dunno. It was horrible. Yes, I'm thankful we got there on time and safe. But next time I have knowledge that the seats will be so tightly arranged, I'll fly another airline.

By the way, I'm sending a link to this post to American Airlines' customer service, and invited them to reply.

Postscript: My wife and I took separate return flights, and both were on AA 757s. On both our returns, the seat depth was normal, not at all like AA 1413 on Saturday the 22nd.

Update Friday May 12: I just got this reply from Keith at American Airlines customer service. I'm not too sure I like what I read, but I appreciate the honesty.

Our cost-restructuring effort has meant that every part of our business had to be considered. Our aircraft configurations are a market-driven response that allows us to tailor our service to be able to provide what our passengers value most. It is true that the expanded leg room sets us apart from our competitors. And, all other things equal, we win, hands down. However, without a fare premium, we unfortunately have to find other ways to maximize our revenue, which means using our aircraft to the fullest. Still, I am sorry you were uncomfortable.