The Controversy Surrounding Double-Decker Airplane Seats in Economy Class

Double-decker and standing-room-only seat configurations for airplanes are unlikely to take off due to stringent FAA regulations and concerns over passenger safety. The FAA has rules regarding emergency exit access and physical requirements that seats must adhere to in "emergency landing dynamic conditions," but none of these regulations specifically address the issue of comfort or personal space in airplane seating. Additionally, political wrangling around airplane seating has led to legislation that would require a reassessment of evacuation rules and consideration for passengers of different heights, sizes, ages, and mobility.