Dicey margins prompt seat squeeze in airlines

Berlin

AIRLINES are packing ever more seats into economy class to protect profit margins from falling ticket prices, prompting concerns over health and safety from travellers and crew.

Slim-line designs, extra emergency exits and creative placing of galleys and toilets are all playing their part in the great seat squeeze, say industry watchers. Charlie Leocha, the head of consumer group Travelers United, told a US government advisory committee in Washington DC this week: "If you're a dog, you have very specific rules, but if you're a human being, there are no specific rules as to what is humane."