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Does getting on a plane instantly induce a case of serious claustrophobia no tiny bottle of liquor can conquer? Then do we have some bad news for you.

For almost 20 years, the standard setup in the back of a Boeing 777 was nine seats per row. But last year, nearly 70% of its biggest version of the plane were delivered with 10-abreast seating, up from just 15% in 2010.

Of the airlines that have bought Boeing Co.’s new 787 Dreamliner—a model touted as improving passenger comfort—90% have selected nine-abreast seating in coach over roomy eight-abreast. And 10 airlines around the world now fly narrower Airbus A330 jetliners with nine 16.7-inch seats in each row—among the tightest flying—rather than the eight it was designed for, according to the unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co.

 

While higher class seating is expanding, the leg — and shoulder and hip — room back in coach is getting squeezed, and the real losers are those stuck in the very middle of the row who have to climb over two people each way to reach an aisle.

So much for drinking away the pain.

Full story at WSJ via Boing Boing.

Travel or torture?

Photo credit: Carlos Tovar/WSJ