patrick.net

MolotovCocktail says

Won't happen. Even lightweight passengers are a lot of weight. Figure a carry on? Checked bag? If you increase capacity 20% these planes were not designed for that weight. They'd have to install new engines that would take 5-10 years to recoup the costs of the engines and new seats. Then passenger satisfaction would go way down.

Maybe it would work in Europe, but not working in the states. If it's a dedicated short route and the plane needs work, you're screwed and lose money on those short routes. Potentially for weeks. I'm not riding one of those going to San Diego or Puerto Rico.

WookieMan says

They'd have to install new engines that would take 5-10 years to recoup the costs of the engines and new seats. Then passenger satisfaction would go way

The seats weigh 50% less, so no new engines. They plan on saving fuel, actually.

WookieMan says

Then passenger satisfaction would go way down

Since when do they give a shit? Especially United.

WookieMan says

I'm not riding one of those going to San Diego or Puerto Rico.

They are supposedly only going to be used for flights 20 min or less. Basically flying busses crammed like an Asian subway car.

But I agree. I am not sure this dog will hunt in the US even if the FAA will approve.

MolotovCocktail says

WookieMan says

They'd have to install new engines that would take 5-10 years to recoup the costs of the engines and new seats. Then passenger satisfaction would go way

The seats weigh 50% less, so no new engines. They plan on saving fuel, actually.

Human weight. https://www.healthyforlifemeals.com/blog/average-weight-of-men-women#:~:text=Average%20Weight%20and%20Body%20Mass,for%20women%20is%20170.8%20pounds.

170lbs for women and 200lbs for men. This negates the weight savings of a seat if they have carry on or a checked bag. The seats don't weigh that much anyway. Humans do. Pack more humans in and the balances get off. Just because the seats are "deemed" safe doesn't mean the plane is.

This might go in Europe or somewhere else, but in the US it's easier to drive instead of 1 hour or less flights. I can drive to St. Louis or Minneapolis in 4-5 hours on a tank of gas. Not getting on a plane that makes me stand up that will ultimately charge the same rates. This might be a top 10 dumbest ideas I've seen. Loser that can't afford flight except once every 10 years will bite at it though.