one idea for a pricing solution - sell 1/2 seats
What do you think of this idea for addressing seat width issues.
I suspect part of the problem with people being reluctant to pay for two seats is the cost. Particularly since if they could pay it the would often choose business class. In addition many people who would benefit from extra space really only need half a seat, hence two people could share three seats. LCCs typically use A320/737 which have seats in blocks of three.
LCC are increasingly charging for seat select and extra leg room, while at the same time most flights still have some empty seats (which people like to be next to) or fill the hard to sell seats at bargain prices.
Why not extend the seat select concept to selling off the right/chance to have a spare set next to you. That way airlines can get some revenue from empty seats. If two people split the fee then the result could be similar to having sold the seat, especially if you factor in reduced baggage handling etc
The seat select options on short haul would become
1) seat select for a specific seat (say $5)
2) premium for extra legroom (e.g. exit isle for $25)
3) guaranteed empty middle seat (25%-40% of ticket price depending on load factors ie sell it at the cheapest % on offpeak flights)
4) preference for empty middle seat if there are empty eats on plane ($25- but only billed if an empty seat is available)