Are airplane seats dangerously small for fat Americans?

Researchers worry that antiquated seating standards no longer match up with our expanding waistlines

Airplane seat
(Image credit: Charles O'Rear/CORBIS)

Under safety standards written more than 60 years ago, airplane seats must be designed to accommodate a 170-pound passenger. The trouble is, Americans have grown much larger in the decades since the rules were established, and some engineers are starting to question whether airline seats are strong enough to protect overweight travelers, according to The New York Times. Is flying unsafe for obese passengers? Here's what you need to know:

How heavy are we?

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