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Comparing Economy Seat Pitch on the New Airbus A220-300

July 17, 2018
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3 min read
Airbus A220 Seat Pitch Comparison
Comparing Economy Seat Pitch on the New Airbus A220-300
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Until last week, the Airbus A220 did not exist. Well, not as the A220, at least — as part of a partnership with Bombardier, the Canadian manufacturer's former CS100 and CS300 became the Airbus A220-100 and A220-300, respectively.

The larger -300 model made its airshow debut at Farnborough this week, with attendees getting a chance to peek inside. The interior is identical to that of the "old" CS300, which we've reviewed in the past, though Airbus has added its A220 branding to the headrest covers.

The cabin of this Airbus demo plane also had another feature I hadn't spotted before — variable seat pitch — giving airline visitors an opportunity to see how outfitting decisions impact passenger comfort on this flashy new narrow-body plane.

I happened to run into 6-foot-2 TPG reader Steve S. on the plane, and asked if he wouldn't mind helping me demonstrate the seat pitch.

Let's start with a pitch of 35 inches — a very generous amount that's probably more than JetBlue's thinking about offering on its upcoming A220s in regular economy, but a bit less than what you'd get in Even More Space rows. Steve looks pretty comfy.

32 or 33 inches is more likely what you're find in regular coach on JetBlue, but it's more generous than what other carriers, like Delta, are expected to offer.

31 inches has been the standard for many aircraft flying within the US — this could end up being the amount Delta decides to go with for its regular coach seats.

And, finally, 30 inches — the standard amount you'll find on some low-cost carriers, like Ryanair's 737s, but two more inches than you'll get on Spirit's A320 family fleet.

Considering the 3,600-mile range you'll get with the A220-300, six-hour transcon flights may become the norm — and if you're tall like Steve here, you'll hope your airline has opted to add more than 30 inches of pitch between seats.

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The CS300 (now the A220-300) has been said to offer "the most comfortable economy class you'll find," and while the overall cabin design certainly plays in there, your carrier's seat pitch pick will have a lot to do with your comfort, too.

Let's hope US carriers decide to go with at least 31 inches of pitch — and ideally quite a bit more for JetBlue.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.