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by WildGreenLeave 2589 days ago
But is this because it is KLM or because you are paying more in general compared to other airlines?

In the last 6 months I traveled between Amsterdam - Bangkok twice (11 hour flights) both times using KLM, and although they aren't as cramped as some other (cheaper) airlines I upgraded my seat every single flight to get a bit more leg room. But I can't compare to other (premium) airlines yet.
1 comments
philjohn 2589 days ago
Dutch people are tall, with an AVERAGE height of 1.83m (>6')

It therefore makes sense that the Dutch flag carrier has slightly more generous leg room than the norm.

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zerkten 2589 days ago
That's an interesting point which is probably something the manufacturer can accommodate to some degree with their configurations.

Generally my experience is that US carriers will select the cheapest and densest configurations, especially for domestic routes, including Hawaii. They've been applying this to transatlantic routes recently as well, but I think they'll do this globally as refits occur. It all fits with the pattern of a race to the bottom that is horrible for customers and staff that turn up every day to get us safely to our destinations.

I think EU and other global carriers are at a different stage on the race to the bottom. There is still some differentiation between national and budget airlines. There are consumer protections and regulations that US air travelers could only dream of. In terms of outlook, I see these comforts diminish with future recessions and pressures on the airlines.

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bobthepanda 2588 days ago
The main difference is that the low-budget in EU is much more aggressive, to the point where IMO there's not much sense in racing to the bottom with them; you'd never beat them on cost. And European consumers are more willing to put up with crappier flights because (Western) Europe is so much smaller; Lisbon to Berlin is under 4h. Plus the high speed rail is available as an additional competitor, so national airlines have to differentiate there as well.

The major American carriers mostly compete with each other and Southwest.

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