A coalition of consumer groups that has questioned the safety of the nation’s increasingly crowded airline cabins and shrinking seats is calling federal safety tests scheduled for next month outdated. With airlines squeezing smaller seats in each cabin, federal regulations adopted last year required the Federal Aviation Administration to study whether the size of airlines seats should be regulated. AdvertisementPassengers and consumer groups have complained repeatedly that airlines have shrunk seat sizes and legroom during the last decade to boost profits. The FAA will test to see how fast the passengers exit the cramped seats and escape the cabin, according to the consumer groups. The consumer groups also note that passengers on today’s flights are more often distracted by smartphones and portable computers than in the past.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 22, 2019 00:00 UTC