It’s an interesting thought — since aircraft are usually mass-limited rather than volumetrically limited, it would make sense that if fares were ever based on passenger weight, heavier passengers might be entitled to more space. After all, if you’re paying more due to your contribution to the payload, shouldn’t that come with a bit more comfort…?
Currently, airlines maximise seat density up to the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight, but space isn’t really factored into pricing unless you’re booking premium cabins. If weight-based pricing ever became a reality, it would be logical (and probably fair) to align that with seat space. Though, of course, the commercial challenge is fewer seats mean less revenue — and that’s where the airline accountants would start sweating!
Fully agree - I PAY to check my large bag, so you bet that I’m putting my carryon backpack up top and having some room for my legs. If ever challenged on this by a flight attendant, I will object and ask them to gate check the roller bags that people insist upon bringing.
I think this is someone you are quoting, but I definitely disagree. It would seem that back to front boarding like in the old days, prioritizing windows, then middles, then aisles would maximize efficiency, especially with fewer large carryon bags. But this would devalue some of the airlines’ frequent flyer perks, so they won’t do it.
I don’t have a problem with roller bags. What I have a problem with is the person who brings their roller bag, and their giant backpack, and their purse or laptop bag, and their baby stuff bag, etc.
People abuse the “one carry on and personal item” thing.
Additional space mostly takes the form of increased pitch (which helps if you’re tall) but not increased seat width. Indeed, even first class seats are only about 3” wider than coach seats. As an extreme, United’s domestic FC on a 777 (the so-called HD version) is only 19” wide. But, it’s lie flat. Coach seats on a United A320 are 18”.