At 35,000 feet, with no room for your legs
It's travel season, which means many of us may soon be boarding airplanes. That's a prospect that not everyone looks forward to.
As of last year, according to the Gallup Poll, 35 percent of Americans have either a somewhat negative or very negative view of the airline industry. Bad as that sounds, it's better than in 2008, when more than half of Americans harbored ill feelings toward the industry.
But it's still bad, and it's not hard to see why: The number of seats is increasing and legroom is dwindling. Attempts to ease the restrictions on electronic devices have been delayed. American Airlines, Delta, US Airways and United are all raising the fee they charge to change your ticket.
And if you fly Samoa Air, your fare will be calculated according to your weight.
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We talk with air-travel experts to unpack some of the issues around commercial flight.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AIR TRAVEL:
• Report: FAA to ease up on in-flight electronic gadgets
The FAA restrictions on electronics date to before the advent of smartphones and computer tablets. The restrictions resulted from concerns that electronics could interfere with a plane's guidance and communications systems. But risk to cockpit equipment is considered lower now as gadgets emit less and plane equipment is better insulated. Travelers have become impatient to use their own gadgets, as pilots and flight attendants are increasing using electronic tablets in their work. (USA Today)
• TSA drops plan to allow small knives on planes
Knives are among the most common items surrendered by passengers at screening points at U.S. airports, figures show. But aviation safety experts say small knives and sports equipment present little threat to aircraft. The emphasis now is on detecting bombs. (CNN)
• American Airlines To Add More Seats To 737s, MD-80s
If you thought your coach-class seat lacked legroom now, American Airlines has some bad news: It's probably going to get worse. American plans to add seats to its Boeing 737s and McDonnell Douglas MD-80s, which account for about two-thirds of the airline's entire fleet of jetliners. The move was disclosed in a regulatory filing on Wednesday. (NPR)
