RI lawmakers call on FAA to set minimum airplane seat size, spacing

WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — Three members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation want the Federal Aviation Administration to set a minimum standard for airplane seat size and spacing.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline held a news conference Monday morning at T.F. Green Airport.

They say passenger comfort and safety is being compromised by the smaller and smaller distance between rows of seats.

"Less room between seats can make it more difficult for passengers to quickly exit the aircraft," they said in a news release.

The lawmakers, citing a travel website, say the distance between rows of seats has narrowed from 35 inches to 31 inches. They say it is as little as 28 inches on some airplanes.