MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Alaska Airlines thinks one inch of legroom makes a difference

May 8, 2012, 11:55 AM | Updated: 1:29 pm

Most tightly packed airline passengers would likely notice if they got more legroom, or at least Seattle-based Alaska Airlines thinks that’s the case.

Alaska plans to install seats on its newest airplanes that provide an extra inch or more of space between rows in the main cabin. The seats are made by Germany’s Recaro Aircraft Seating and the seatbacks and bottoms are not as thick, or deep, as existing airplane seats, allowing for the extra legroom.

Alaska Airlines says it’s the first customer to get the new seating in North America, which features a literature pocket above the tray table, away from knees and legs.

The air carrier plans to install the smaller profile seats in all 22 of its new Boeing 737-900 ERs, which are set for delivery in the fall of 2012.

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Alaska Airlines thinks one inch of legroom makes a difference