Brazilian Airlines Must Now Rank Their Seats By Legroom Space
Here’s something to add to that Passenger Bill of Rights idea that is continually kicked around. In Brazil, the government is actually requiring the country’s airlines to provide a rating on the abundance of legroom in their planes, or lack thereof. It would ensure that passengers are comfortable, or at least prepare people for what to expect when it comes to their in-flight comfort.
The National Civil Aviation Agency has created a five-tiered system that will actually assign a letter grade and color to legroom availability and comfort. An "A" rating means there will be at least 28 inches between headrests, but the bottom of the barrel—an "E" rating—means there is only about 26 inches between the seats. There’s no rating for seat comfort, so you’ll still be totally surprised when your seat is as hard as a rock. If this ever makes it to the US, we’ll need to change the E to an F so even elementary school kids will know their seat assignments suck.
There will be labels right near the seat displaying all this new legroom information, as well as the details on seat width. These legroom labels will most likely becomes a great way to allow airlines to charge a little extra for that coveted exit row seating. Speaking of those exit row seats, those seats and bulkhead seats won't be included in the rating system, so there's no way to earn an easy A.
In a way, this rating system seems slightly ridiculous, but at the same time it is totally awesome. Look for Brazil to have their seats rated A-E by March 2011.
Related Stories:
· Brazilian Airlines to Post Legroom Ratings
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· Are You Inclined To Recline Your Airline Seat?
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· In-Flight Comfort coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: kalleboo]
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