UK airlines could be forced to change their seating plans to allow more leg-room, after a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee warned that some planes were too cramped.
The report stressed that the minimum leg-room should be extended from 66cm to 72cm (26 inches to 28.2 inches) in order to ensure passenger health and safety, as limited space on some carriers may prevent passengers properly adopting the brace position and increase the threat of deep vein thrombosis .
The House of Lords Committee also said it is concerned about the risk of blood clots in more cramped seating.
Most UK-based airlines, including British Airways and Ryanair, already meet the Lords' recommended 72cm guideline, while others, including budget carrier Easyjet, do not on all seats.
An EasyJet spokesman said the report was "too inexact" in its definition and added that the airline was confident that most of their seats "would comply".
Committee member Lord Patel said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had failed to widen the gap between seats despite commissioning research highlighting that 72cm of leg-room was safer for passengers.
He also said airlines should ensure pilots receive appropriate rest periods, after union reports revealed that the schedules of those working for low-cost airlines may be putting lives at risk.
In response to the report, some airlines have warned that roomier planes would result in fewer seats, which could lead to price hikes and make aircraft less eco-friendly by cutting passenger numbers without reducing CO2 emissions .
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