I remember flying in the 1980s -- seats had 4 inches of cushion and legroom was great. (Also, you could be picked up or dropped off not just at the airport, but at the gate -- this is extraordinarily convenient for novice travelers, children, and so forth).
This article points out that passengers have waist sizes that are 2-inches larger than they were 20 years ago -- the timeframe over which seats and legroom have been getting smaller.
Under regulation flying was so much more enjoyable than it is today. Yes, prices have come down but I’d prefer to go back to regulation. I’d be better for the mental health of the flying public.
I think Carter's de-regulation of airlines was a great thing that ushered in a new era of equality in terms of travel. Not only the rich should be able to fly.
If you personally want a wider seat and don't mind the extra cost, you can have it. It's called first class.
First class has only a few seats so that isn’t a solution for everyone. It wasn’t just rich people who flew under regulation. My family wasn’t rich when we flew in the 70s. Also, the experience of flying in the 70s being much better than today isn’t all about seat size. I think the experience under regulation was sufficiently better than it is today that I wish we would go back to regulation.
Making seats smaller means they can fit more on the same plane, which means lower ticket prices. If this weren't happening, then people who make good choices regarding diet and exercise would end up effectively subsidizing people who make bad choices.
This article points out that passengers have waist sizes that are 2-inches larger than they were 20 years ago -- the timeframe over which seats and legroom have been getting smaller.
Spirit is the worst in this regard.