I traveled on airlines a lot for business before I retired. Airlines sure have changed in the last 40+ years. Some changes were good; eliminating smoking on airlines, some not so good, seat comfort and spacing in coach. We miss the old Midwest Express airline based in Milwaukee, their airplanes were first class seating throughout.
We now avoid flying on the airlines as much as possible. Dealing with the TSA, an over abundance of rude obnoxious people, and uncomfortable seats, we just don’t want the hassle or abuse. I would rather drive or fly myself.
When we do fly on an airline we pay extra for early boarding to get a bulkhead seat (SWA) or book far enough in advance and pay extra to select a bulkhead seat. My wife and I are not big, she’s had a knee replacement and it’s difficult for her to get in/out of a seat being they are so close together.
With quick egress being the goal the FAA needs to mandate seat spacing large enough for a person to actually stand up, this would allow for passengers to get out quickly in an emergency. I am not a fan of government mandates but if the FAA doesn’t mandate more space between seats the airlines won’t increase it on their own.
Yes ticket prices would go up, and maybe they should. I don’t base my airline choice solely on price, there are many factors, safety and comfort being high on the list. I avoid budget airlines altogether.
Airline travel used to be a big part of the travel experience, now it’s a hassle at best, why make it worse being squeezed into an uncomfortable seat.