Remember Airlines want this for youAmericans have gotten bigger. Airplane seats have gotten smaller. That pairing has led to a debate over whether the Federal Aviation Administration should redefine its definition of seat safety.
The agency has long maintained that if airplane seats — no matter their size — don't extend the time needed to evacuate beyond 90 seconds, it sees no reason to set minimum standards. As for the comfort of those seats? That's between the airlines and their customers.
But consumer groups, health experts and some members of Congress disagree, saying it's a mistake for the FAA to only consider the effect smaller seats might have on evacuations. They say it doesn't take into account other potential health risks passengers could face when forced to sit in small spaces for extended periods of time.
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