The Federal Aviation Administration has been ordered by a federal judge to review airline seat size for aviation companies operating in the United States. In order to fit in more passengers, airlines have been reducing seat size in economy class on most of their flights. This situation led customer rights group Flyers Rights to seek FAA intervention on the matter.

However, FAA declined to bring airlines under regulations on the issue. After receiving negative response from FAA, Flyers Rights decided to move court. The court ruling will now push FAA to check the issue detail.

As per reports, airplane seat width has reduced from average of 18.5 inches in early 2000 to 17 inches by 2010. Airlines have also reduced legroom for most of their economy flights. Airlines have been offering better space in business class segment and passengers in economy class have to squeeze themselves in smaller seats.

The Judge said in the order, "As many have no doubt noticed, aircraft seats and the spacing between them have been getting smaller and smaller, while American passengers have been growing in size."

As per CNN report, “The FAA does regulate significant parts of an airplane cabin, including the safe design of each seat and its ability to withstand a high impact landing or crash.”