Several airlines have discovered that making the economy seats even smaller helps bring in dollars in other ways.

Airlines looking for bigger profits have found the answer to their quest in the coach cabin. Several have discovered that making the economy seats even smaller helps bring in dollars in other ways.

One is that it gives them more room to work with in the pricier premium seat areas. This allows airlines to lure in higher ticket price customers by tempting them with amenities like fully reclining seats.

It also means there will be no resulting losses in the number of saleable fares in economy class, as populating coach with smaller seats means that there’s room for more of them.

The other thing airlines are loving about the newly downscaled seats in coach is that they are lighter than previous models. Even with the extras, they add less weight and thus fewer gallons of fuel are required to stay aloft.

Customers haven’t been as thrilled about them. The change in seating pitch prompted a passenger to liken the experience to sitting in a hole.

In an attempt to distract fliers from their discomfort, one airline noted that they plan to increase snack availability and electronic entertainment.

Said a spokesman, "With food and TV, people are mesmerized."