Alaska Airlines will squeeze the space between economy seat rows as part of a reconfiguration of narrowbody aircraft to add first-class and extra-legroom seats.
The carrier will reduce the space between rows from 31 inches to 30 inches. The reduction will enable Alaska to keep the same number of total seats on planes even as it adds four additional first class seats on its 737-800 planes and four extra-legroom seats, called Premium Class, on 737-900ER and 737-9 Max planes.
Overall, Alaska will retrofit 218 planes in the initiative, which is scheduled to begin in the fall and be completed by summer 2026.
Alaska's seat vendor, Recaro, said the economy seats have a lightweight-design that will allow for a more "efficient" cabin layout without compromising passenger space.
"Our new seats from Recaro ensure that you maintain the same living space," Alaska added.
The seats will offer new features, the airline added, including a device holder with a built-in cup holder, USB-C charging and a six-way headrest with neck support.