> the average width of an airline seat has narrowed from 18.5 to 17 inches Is this because planes are getting narrower? Is that for fuel efficiency? Reconfigu

> the average width of an airline seat has narrowed from 18.5 to 17 inches Is this because planes are getting narrower? Is that for fuel efficiency? Reconfiguring the seats doesn't make sense -- saving 9" only widens the aisle; not enough to add 1 extra seat across.