CNBCさんのインスタグラム写真 - (CNBCInstagram)「Faced with congested airports, rising costs, a pilot shortage and a resurgence in travel demand, airlines are increasingly turning to the same remedy: bigger planes that fit more passengers.⁠ ⁠ Flights operated by the 11 largest U.S. airlines had an average of more than 153 seats on domestic flights last year, up from an average of nearly 141 seats in 2017, according to aviation data firm Cirium. In April, U.S. carriers have 0.6% more seats in their domestic schedules compared with the same month of 2019, despite operating 10.6% fewer flights.⁠ ⁠ The trend toward larger planes, part of a strategy known in the industry as “upgauging,” means airlines can sell more seats on each flight and make do with fewer planes, which are in short supply. ⁠ ⁠ See how the trend is expected to take on increased importance ahead of what is expected to be a busy spring and summer for travel – and see why airlines face limitations to how much they can upgauge