American Reverses Plan for Downsizing Seats

Image: PHOTO: An American Airlines A321. (photo via Flickr/Eric Salard)
Image: PHOTO: An American Airlines A321. (photo via Flickr/Eric Salard)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 3:50 PM ET, Tue June 13, 2017

American Airlines has reversed its decision to reduce seat pitch to 29 inches on its new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Airline Geeks obtained an internal memo from the airline that dictates the rationale behind the reversal.

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In the memo, American says it can be a leader in changing people's perceptions about air travel.

"It is clear that today, airline customers feel increasingly frustrated by their experiences and less valued when they fly. We can be leaders in helping to turn around that perception," states the memo.

The airline will return to 30-inch-pitch seats in the 737 MAX.

"Designing aircraft interiors is an art and a science," said American Airlines president Robert Isom in the memo. "It requires us to take into account customer experience, revenue and other considerations. We've reassessed what's appropriate for the markets served by our new 737 MAX and have found a way to deliver a minimum of 30 inches of pitch for all Main Cabin rows.

[READMORE]READ MORE: American Delays Premium Economy Rollout [/READMORE]

"This is the right call for customers and the right call for our team members who take care of them," Isom added.

The airline's memo details that there will still be space for 172 seats. One Main Cabin Extra row will be switched to a Main Cabin row. American reiterated that it is also looking at this seat configuration for its new Boeing 737-800 aircrafts as well.

"We're confident that, with this change, the MAX will be a great aircraft for both customers and team members." says the memo.

The aircraft already features large overhead bins, power at each seat, free streaming videos, satellite-based Wi-Fi access and more.


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