Delta reduces the tilt of the seat on some 2-inch aircraft

Delta Air Lines comes to the rescue of passengers who feel that their blood pressure increases each time the seat in front of them folds completely.

Starting this weekend, the airline is reducing tilt economy seats by 4 to 2 inches on all of its 62 domestic A320 aircraft. The tilt of the seat will increase from 5½ inches to 3½ inches in business class. It will take about two months to adjust the entire fleet.

"It's not about adding seats or removing anything," said Savannah Huddleston, a spokeswoman for the airline. "It's about customer comfort."

The Delta A320s are primarily used on popular commercial lines that fly one or two hours in the US, and the reduction in seat tilt is intended to prevent travelers from bowing suddenly and disturbing laptops. passengers sitting behind them. As many business travelers know, a fully tilted seat can mean the end of the ability to work.

The reduced tilt, which the airline claims to be only testing, is a potentially risky move for Delta. Travelers tend to have strong opinions about reclining seats. Some have the feeling of having paid the spot and therefore have the right to bow completely. On the other side of the aisle are passengers who regard the recliners as coarse and who feel that a fully inclined seat invades their personal space.

Huddleston said the reduced tilt would allow business passengers to do several tasks at once, allow them to work, watch entertainment shows in their seats and have a drink. The Airbus A320 fleet was chosen because these planes are frequented by business travelers who do not tend to bow completely or take a nap.

"There has long been a debate among frequent travelers [about whether] flyers should have the right to bow or not, "said Scott Mayerowitz, managing editor of The Guy Guy's travel website. "Delta appears here to try to find a balance between those of us who want a little space to work and those who want to take a nap."

Last week, Delta was named the country's best airline by the airline's quality report, an annual survey conducted by the nation's top airlines, which beat all previous Alaska Airlines.

"Delta has tried to differentiate itself from other airlines by stating that some frequent passengers would pay more for a slightly better experience," Mayerowitz said. "That's why, for example, seatback TVs are kept when other airlines pull them out. At first glance, it's hard to see how this would benefit passengers, but given Delta's recent track record, it may be an improvement. "

You can contact Christopher Muther at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Chris_Muther and on Instagram @Chris_Muther.