3 On Your Side: Air Passengers Opt For Premium Economy Over Cramped Coach Seats
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Did you spend any time on a plane this summer? Three out of four flyers in a recent survey complained about the size of their seat. If you think planes feel a bit more cramped than you remember, that's because they probably are. 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan tells us what we can expect to see next.
Airlines are racing to update their cabins and service with luxurious new options for a select few. But for the rest of us it seems like we're paying more for less - shelling out money to check bags, to eat on-board, sometimes even to choose a seat.
Several airlines have introduced new so-called slim line seats that take up less space -- allowing more seats to be squeezed on board. CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg says, "For some people once you get past a 6-7 hour flight they just cannot bear being in the back of the plane and step up, that is what the airline is hoping for. It is additional revenue for the airline."
In fact on long haul flights a number of carriers are finding a way to cash-in on economy flyer fatigue with a 'premium economy' at a cost far below business class, but more than the cheap seats.
Singapore Airlines is installing premium economy seats now. Flyers will have the added perk of being able to order a fancy meal ahead of time to be delivered to their seat during the flight.
By the way, Airlines for America, a group representing airlines in the United States says that the travelers paying the big fares at the front of the plane help keep prices low for economy travelers.
