Flying in America is more comfortable because of the coronavirus

While the novel coronavirus has killed thousands and roiled economies, there’s been an unlikely upside for air travel in the U.S.

Passengers flying in America now have more cabin space as airlines are deploying widebody aircraft domestically because demand for international routes has slumped, according to OAG Aviation Worldwide.

“Such short-term fleet changes create great opportunities for the regular domestic road warrior suddenly faced with a deeper seat, more leg room and more space,” OAG analyst John Grant wrote in a report. “The chances of grabbing a lie-flat seat for a three-hour flight have increased significantly.”

For example, United Airlines Holdings Inc. will be deploying an extra 780 domestic wide-bodied services in March, Grant said.