Calculating the Cost of a Better Airline Cabin for All

How much would it cost to get an extra inch of legroom and an extra degree of recline? https://twitter.com/AmelieAGagnon/status/681856821699678214 Good question. We couldn't write the math equation, let alone fit the answer in 140 characters. Even the controversial ten thousand character limit might not be enough, but we decided to try. First, let's look at the costs to airlines of that extra room. Show Me the Money Before we can understand the cost of space for airlines, we have to ask: Are they making the right kind of money on the space they have now? Even profitable airlines, could be flying unprofitable cabins. They make up the difference with ancillaries, extras, low fuel, consolidation, favorable labor contracts, efficient aircraft, strong network partnerships, and other ways. Basically, there is lots of padding. Think of that padded revenue as a delicious soufflé, which, when, a cold wind blows, becomes a sub-par pancake. Revenue buffers can change ov