HI HR54

Average airline legroom has decreased from 35 inches in the 1970s to approximately 31 inches today, while seat width narrowed from 18.5 inches in the 1990s to about 17 inches.

The federal government does not impose minimum passenger seat size requirements, and the airline industry opposes establishing any seat standards.

Reduced seat dimensions combined with rising obesity rates may pose safety and health risks to passengers during emergency evacuations.

Requests the Secretary of Transportation to establish minimum dimensions for passenger seats on all aircraft operating in interstate and intrastate air transportation.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Secretary of Transportation and Hawaii's congressional delegation.