The objective of this paper is to develop a predictive model for the comfort and acceptability
of airplane seats. As the average BMI of the nation steadily increases, so does seated hip breadth.
Seated hip breadth is an important anthropometric factor to consider when designing any seat as
it is crucial to allot sufficient space to fit the width of the user. Rather than the average airplane
seat width increasing alongside the average seated hip breadth, it has steadily decreased. This
leaves an increasing percentage of the population not accommodated by standard airplane seats.
This thesis investigates specifically how comfort and acceptability are affected by airplane seat
width by collecting data using human subjects. The data collected is then used to produce a model
for comfort and acceptability. Using this model, the dimensions of the seat and a hypothetical
passenger’s anthropometry could be inputted, and the passenger’s response could be predicted.
More importantly, the model can be used in the process of airplane seat design to assess what size
seat is needed to accommodate the desired percentage of the population. This can improve the
design process and be used to better accommodate a growing population
