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Please look into different airplane seat dimensions.
Hi! Thanks for your question on airplane seat dimensions. In short, after searching extensively through corporate websites, trusted media sites, and industry reports, I was unable to find specific dimensions for the space between the TV screen and tray table, or for the circumference around the top of the headrest. However, I was able to learn that many airlines are eliminating TV screens, as well as looking for innovative designs in headrests and travel pillows in order to increase traveler comfort. Below, you will find a deep dive of my methodology and research findings.
METHODOLOGY
After searching exhaustively, I was unable to find any information that specifically provided the dimensions of the space between the TV screen and tray table, or the headrest circumference, on commercial aircraft. First, I looked through news articles from trustworthy sources, such as Business Insider and industry reports from Aeroweb, and I was able to identify lists of the largest airlines (based on revenue) and the most commonly flown aircraft in the U.S. I then searched through information on the corporate websites of each of these airlines, as well as Seat Guru, looking for information pertinent to the dimensions you requested; however, the only dimensions regarding airplane seats that are given include seat width, pitch, and recline.
HELPFUL FINDINGS
While I could not locate the specific information you were requesting, I was able to locate some information about this topic, which I think would be helpful for your project.
Elimination of TV Screens
American Airlines is joining United Airlines and Alaska Airlines in the elimination of TV screens from the backs of seats on new planes. This is primarily the result of 90% of travelers having their own devices for use when flying. These individuals will now be able to connect to in-flight internet services, which should be installed in the entire American Airlines fleet by the end of 2019. The removal of the TV screens will also mean removal of the in-flight entertainment boxes, which will allow for up to 20% more leg room for passengers.
Innovative Headrest Solutions
HeadRest is an innovative product that contains two folding support wings and fits onto the back of the airplane seat in order to provide a U-shaped headrest for travelers. The result is a hammock to keep the passenger's head from sliding. The product, created by a Dutch industrial designer, in collaboration with Zodiac Aerospace's Human Factors and Ergonomics Lab, is designed to be retrofitted onto existing plane seats. It is covered in a stretchy fabric that is comfortable and removable for washing.
Air Travel Pillow
There is an existing patent for an air travel pillow that is designed to be used in the space between the TV screen and the fold-down tray on airplane seats. In fact, the pillow is placed on the fold-out tray when in use. It is made to provide support from the front. The user would lean forward, placing their head on the pillow, and sleep without fear of the head flopping forward, as sometimes happens with rear-supporting pillows.
The pillow inflates to approximately 1.5 cubic feet in size, and is constructed from sheet vinyl or PVC that is 0.003" thick. Flocking, or a fibrous coating, is applied to the sleeping surface, which allows for the absorption of perspiration.
POSSIBLE CONTINUED RESEARCH:
In understanding what information is and is not available concerning specific dimensions of airplane seats, I've suggested a few other routes you may be interested in researching:
- Given that many airlines are eliminating TV screens in new aircraft, you could look into the dimensions of seat backs in order to determine the amount of available room for use of a travel pillow.
- Most travel pillows are designed to provide rear support, which requires at least some degree of recline in the seat in order to prevent the passenger from sliding. It may be helpful to look into the amount of recline room each plane has, since this will likely impact the design of any pillows that make use of the headrest.
CONCLUSION
To wrap it up, after searching extensively through corporate websites, trusted media sources, and industry reports, a direct answer to your question is not available because there are no sources that provide the specific dimensions of headrest circumference or space between the TV screen and fold-down tray on airline seats. However, I learned that many airlines are eliminating TV screens, which could allow for more room for front-supporting pillows. Additionally, hammock pillows are being utilized more often to increase passenger comfort. If you would like to continue research on any of the topics I've outlined above, please let us know!
Thanks for using Wonder!