UK legislators urge more legroom on aircraft
LONDON – A UK government committee has called for a reduction in the £80 tax for premium economy services on long haul flights which was introduced in February.
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee said charging the same tax for premium economy as first class was wrong and would make it too expensive for some passengers, including those who opt for the seats on health grounds.
“The committee feels that an extra tax on those who may have a medical need for extra leg room is unfair.”
The committee also suggested that airlines should be forced to increase legroom on planes by at least two inches (5 cm) from the current minimum of 26 inches (66 cm) to at least 28.2 inches (71.6 cm).
The Lords said the increase was needed because people are getting bigger
Failure to increase legroom could prevent passengers making the recommended brace position during an emergency, it added.
Long-haul flights would not be affected as airlines already have a more generous seat pitch on these routes.
The committee also cited unions’ concern about fatigue among pilots flying for low-cost airlines, which may be putting passengers’ lives at risk.
It called for the UK Civil Aviation Authority to commission a long-term study into the effects of fatigue on aircrew.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026