Welcome to today's episode! Have you ever wondered why airline seats seem so cramped? Well, it all started back in 1978 with the Airline Deregulation Act. This legislation shifted the airline industry from heavy regulation to a free market system, which initially lowered ticket prices but also led to a series of consolidations.

Experts have found that, while the average American is getting larger—about 15 pounds heavier over the last 30 years—airline seats have actually shrunk. "We've been extremely lucky," says aviation expert William McGee, highlighting the dangers of tighter seating arrangements. In fact, major airlines have reduced legroom from an average of 35 inches to just 31 inches today. Budget airlines like Spirit offer even less, at 28 inches.

The small seats pose health risks, particularly for prolonged flights, increasing the chances of blood clots and complicating emergency evacuations. As FlyersRights President Paul Hudson points out, unlike other industries, airline seating has actually gotten smaller despite the changing size of the average passenger. He adds, "Only on airlines have they gotten smaller."

So, while we manage our discomfort with seat upgrades and stretching our legs whenever we can, the issue of cramped airline seating remains a pressing concern for many travelers.
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