American Airlines has stated that following a feedback from customers and team members, it will not be altering the seat pitch of its 737Max economy seats that would have reduced the distance between seats to boost space for more premium seating. The current pitch of 30 inches will remain – American had suggested squeezing this to 29 seat pitch.
“It is clear that today, airline customers feel increasingly frustrated by their experiences and less valued when they fly,” the airline said.
Retaining the 30-inch pitch means American can configure its Max aircraft with 172 economy seats by replacing one row of main cabin extra seats — which typically offer four to six extra inches of legroom — with a row of standard coach seats.
“We’ve reassessed what’s appropriate for the markets served by our new 737 Max and found a way to deliver a minimum of 30 inches of pitch for all main cabin rows,” American Airlines President Robert Isom said. “This is the right call for customers and the right call for our team members who take care of them.”