Who designs airline seats (and why they can feel, well...#@%$#)

Love them or hate them, airline seats are one of the most debated parts of flying. But who actually decides whether you get a comfy ride or a “why does my knee touch the tray table” situation?

Turns out, it’s a mix of aircraft manufacturers, seat designers, and airlines themselves. Companies like Recaro, Safran, and Thompson are behind many of the seats you sit in — from slimline economy rows to lie-flat business class suites.

Here’s the tricky bit: every extra inch of legroom means fewer seats, and fewer seats mean less revenue. So airlines juggle comfort with economics. That’s why low-cost carriers often opt for slimmer, lighter seats — more rows = more tickets.

But design isn’t just about squeezing space. Materials are chosen for fire safety, durability, and weight savings. Even a small change in seat weight can save airlines thousands in fuel.

The good news? Passenger experience does matter. Many airlines now brag about wider seats, better recline, or USB ports as selling points. And in premium cabins, competition for comfort is fierce — herringbone layouts, sliding doors, even double beds at 35,000 feet.

So next time you settle in, remember: your seat wasn’t just “placed there.” It was designed, debated, tested, and negotiated. Whether it feels like a couch or a clamp… well, that depends on your ticket price.

Image source: Carl Malmer (Unsplash)