Why Premium Economy Is Effectively Yesterday's Standard Economy: Pitch Shrank From 34 Inches To 30-31

For years, a standard economy class seat with 34 inches of pitch represented a reasonably comfortable way to fly long-haul, giving passengers enough room to stretch their legs without paying the substantial premium associated with business class. Today, however, that kind of space is increasingly difficult to find across standard economy class cabins, where 30 or 31 inches has become the norm for long-haul services.