Airlines’ New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - American Airlines Introduces 17-inch Minimum Seat Width Rule for All Aircraft

American Airlines has implemented a new policy requiring a minimum seat width of 17 inches across its entire fleet. This move, coinciding with broader changes in airline seating policies slated for 2025, aims to address passenger discomfort stemming from shrinking seat dimensions. Their "Customer of Size" policy now mandates that passengers whose bodies extend beyond the armrests or need seatbelt extensions purchase an extra seat. This decision comes in response to long-standing passenger complaints about increasingly cramped cabins. While seat widths have historically been reduced to accommodate more passengers, leading to less space and frequent discomfort, this new standard at least creates a baseline for passenger comfort. Interestingly, some airlines have already offered wider seats, especially in premium cabins, where space often reaches 20 inches or more. American Airlines, with its recently updated fleet, seeks to improve the travel experience through increased connectivity and comfort. However, the standard 3-3 seating configurations found on many domestic planes, like the Boeing 737-800, still pose a challenge for passengers who may need more space.

1. American Airlines' new 17-inch minimum seat width rule seems to be a response to both FAA guidelines emphasizing passenger safety and comfort during flight and growing passenger dissatisfaction with ever-shrinking seat dimensions. It reflects a subtle shift in airline thinking about passenger needs, perhaps.

2. Studies have hinted at a connection between seat width and passenger well-being. Wider seats could very well translate to fewer complaints about cramped spaces and, in turn, better overall satisfaction among travelers. Of course, correlation doesn't equal causation, and more research is needed to establish the exact link.

3. Historically, the seat width game has been all about maximizing profits through passenger density. The trend has seen seat widths decrease to sometimes as low as 16 inches, igniting ongoing debate on balancing the desires of airlines with the realities of passengers' bodily comfort.

4. From an ergonomic standpoint, 17 inches could potentially be a better fit for a larger percentage of the population. It's interesting to think how body shapes and sizes play into the design of aircraft cabins, as this has clearly not been a major consideration historically.

5. This rule could have a ripple effect on how airlines price tickets. They'll need to balance filling fewer seats per row with maintaining profitability. It'll be fascinating to see how they adapt to this new constraint in the ever-evolving economic landscape of air travel.

6. This isn't just American Airlines' story. Other airlines are watching closely, especially given that seat width is often a competitive factor. How this influences their pricing and the overall flight experience for consumers will be something to monitor.

7. This move, along with other trends towards enhanced passenger amenities, indicates a potential broader change within the industry - a stronger focus on making flying a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. This remains to be seen though.

8. If airlines start focusing on seat dimensions, we might see a ripple effect onto other factors, such as seat pitch and legroom, which are also essential for a comfortable flight. This could lead to a total overhaul of how aircraft cabins are designed and configured. It's going to be interesting to see where these developments lead.


9. Passenger surveys repeatedly show that comfort is a key factor when choosing an airline. This rule change by AA is a sign that airlines are starting to realize this and respond with more thoughtful measures. For airlines, it might just be a matter of survival in this ever-competitive market.

10. Once American Airlines and other airlines roll out these seating changes, data on passenger satisfaction will become crucial. This post-implementation data will likely be used to refine and adjust airline seating policies further down the road. The process of optimizing the passenger experience is probably continuous and will be a lot of trial and error.

What else is in this post?

1. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - American Airlines Introduces 17-inch Minimum Seat Width Rule for All Aircraft
2. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Delta Air Lines Updates Policy with New Weight Distribution Requirements
3. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - United Airlines Launches Dynamic Seat Pricing Based on Passenger Size
4. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Southwest Airlines Switches to Assigned Seating with Size-Based Categories
5. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - JetBlue Creates Extra Space Zones with Adjustable Armrests
6. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Air Canada Implements New Seat Selection Algorithm for Passenger Comfort
7. Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Alaska Airlines Tests Flexible Seating Configuration System

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Delta Air Lines Updates Policy with New Weight Distribution Requirements

Delta Air Lines is making a change to its policies, introducing new weight distribution requirements for passengers. Basically, if you're taking up too much space and encroaching on someone else's seat, you might be asked to buy an extra one. This is part of a broader industry shift towards addressing passenger comfort and the reality of increasingly diverse body types in a space that's not necessarily designed for them.

Delta's standard economy seats are in the 17 to 18.5 inch width range, with a pitch of 30 to 33 inches. While this isn't a huge departure from the standard across most carriers, it does highlight the challenges airlines face in fitting various body sizes into smaller and smaller seat dimensions. The new policy is an attempt to manage those challenges in a way that hopefully leads to a better experience for everyone on the plane.

Furthermore, Delta is introducing a new boarding process starting in May. It will be organized by numbered zones. It remains to be seen if this will actually help with the boarding process or make things worse, but this seems to be an area where airlines see potential improvements. In conjunction with these passenger-related changes, Delta is also tweaking their baggage policies. It remains to be seen what the precise details of these changes are, but it looks like we'll see the usual changes regarding weight, size and perhaps pricing as well.

These shifts reflect a broader movement in the airline industry, with several carriers implementing new seating and weight requirements in preparation for 2025. Airlines are trying to navigate a balancing act, between accommodating more passengers on each flight (which impacts profitability) and the desire for a better passenger experience. We'll have to wait and see if this leads to the sort of changes that improve things for those with larger body types on their travels.

Delta Air Lines has recently revised its passenger policies to include specific weight distribution requirements. This means that if a passenger takes up space beyond their designated seat, they might need to purchase an additional seat. It's not exactly a novel concept—some airlines have addressed similar concerns in the past—but it does highlight a potential shift in the industry.

While Delta's standard economy seats fall within a 17 to 18.5-inch width range, and seat pitch varies, the new policy seeks to ensure passengers don't infringe on the personal space of those seated nearby. This also touches on the complex relationship between passenger comfort and aircraft performance. Weight distribution plays a key role in ensuring that planes operate efficiently and safely. Airlines have always factored this into their operations, but it seems they're now more actively including it into their passenger-facing policies.

The impact on the industry could be significant. If Delta's approach gains traction, other airlines might adopt similar policies. A more standardized approach across carriers would offer greater consistency for travelers. Interestingly, this development aligns with research indicating that passenger weight can influence fuel consumption. Future technologies aiming to monitor real-time aircraft weight, with a view to boosting operational efficiency, could be further fueled by these new requirements.

Beyond weight management, the policy might also impact how passengers are assigned seats. Airlines could optimize weight distribution across the aircraft to improve balance, potentially leading to a fairer and more efficient boarding process. This also raises the possibility that the industry will see a continued increase in the use of technology to predict passenger loads and optimize seating in real-time. Furthermore, we might witness a ripple effect into aircraft cabin design itself. Engineers might explore ways to optimize space and enhance comfort while adhering to these new weight distribution considerations.

The financial aspects are also intriguing. The policy change could potentially lead to a reassessment of pricing strategies for passengers who require more space. This might mirror the current tiered pricing system used for features like extra legroom. Even partnerships with baggage services become conceivable. Perhaps we might see a push towards travelers being more mindful of the weight of their belongings to streamline the overall loading process.

Ultimately, the data will be telling. By closely monitoring the implementation of this new policy, Delta and other airlines can gain crucial insights into the relationship between passenger weight distribution and the overall flight experience, including passenger satisfaction. It's likely a continuous cycle of refining and updating. This data-driven approach will likely drive further innovations and potentially help airlines improve the overall travel experience, while simultaneously maximizing aircraft performance and passenger safety.

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - United Airlines Launches Dynamic Seat Pricing Based on Passenger Size

United Airlines has implemented a new system where ticket prices for seats can vary depending on a passenger's size. They claim it's a way to better cater to individuals who may need more space. This move is happening alongside broader changes planned for 2025 by several major airlines, all related to passenger size and seat requirements. Depending on the flight and the demand for that route, the price of seats will differ. Through an improved mobile app, passengers can now request their desired seats, whether it's a window or aisle, even if it's not available when they first book their flight. Something that's quite nice, they've also made it so that families can now sit together on flights without having to pay extra. This change seems to be a step in the direction of improving the overall passenger experience. It's interesting that United is the first to use pricing that's tied to a passenger's size and it remains to be seen whether other airlines follow this approach. The long-term consequences for passenger comfort and airline travel in general are still yet to be fully understood.

United Airlines' new approach to seat pricing, adjusting costs based on passenger size, is an interesting experiment in the application of dynamic pricing to seating. It's based on the idea that aligning pricing with passenger comfort might incentivize more ticket sales, which from a capacity perspective makes sense when you consider the real cost of accommodating a range of body sizes.

It seems like there's a growing need for airlines to address the changing body sizes of their passengers. We've seen a clear increase in average body size over the past few decades, which could lead to discomfort for passengers who don't fit well into standard seats. This, in turn, could pressure airlines to re-evaluate their aircraft cabin designs to better accommodate diverse body types.

The idea of using dynamic pricing isn't new, of course. It's used in many other industries, such as hotels and car rentals. In this context, it could be a way for airlines to efficiently manage seat availability, ultimately resulting in fewer empty seats and potentially leading to more efficient utilization of smaller aircraft.

Historically, we've seen a decline in seat pitch, the distance between rows of seats, making things a bit tighter for many passengers, particularly taller individuals. With this in mind, the need for airlines to acknowledge body size in their policies makes sense.

Under the hood, it's likely United is using sophisticated algorithms to factor in a wide variety of data. These algorithms will take into account historical booking patterns, passenger size, and even real-time aircraft capacity. It's a fascinating intersection of data science and airline operations.

This approach could potentially lead to better revenue management for airlines. Combined with targeted customer information, dynamic pricing could result in greater profit without increasing the number of flights, a major operational constraint for any airline.

Studies show that passengers who have more space feel less stressed and report higher satisfaction with their flights. This suggests that addressing passenger size could not only improve airline profits but also contribute to passenger loyalty, which can be a crucial factor in this competitive environment.

The challenges airlines face in fitting people into standard-sized seats might lead to wider changes in how aircraft are designed. We might see aircraft manufacturers adopting more adaptable and versatile cabin configurations to better serve the needs of a diverse passenger base.

"Customer of size" policies have been around for a while now in various forms, but adherence and acceptance have been inconsistent. This move by United could potentially trigger a broader reassessment of such policies across the industry.

As this dynamic pricing model evolves, we might see an approach where it becomes more personalized for frequent flyers. Airlines could use data from loyalty programs to reward frequent flyers with seat choices that best fit their needs. This move toward more personalized travel experiences would further transform how airlines interact with their customers.

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Southwest Airlines Switches to Assigned Seating with Size-Based Categories

Southwest Airlines, known for its unique open-seating policy, is making a dramatic shift towards assigned seating starting in early 2026. This change, a departure from its long-standing tradition of over 50 years, is being driven by a desire to better meet customer preferences, as research showed a clear majority favor assigned seating.

Ticket sales for flights with assigned seating, including the introduction of size-based seating categories, are expected to begin in 2025. This move indicates a shift in Southwest's approach to passenger comfort, suggesting that they are recognizing the growing need for more individualized travel experiences.

Along with this shift, Southwest aims to improve the overall travel experience by introducing new cabin layouts with increased legroom. They also plan to offer premium seating options for passengers willing to pay extra for enhanced comfort. It will be interesting to see how Southwest's loyal customer base responds to these changes.

The switch to assigned seating aligns with a broader industry trend among airlines aiming to boost their financial performance by adopting more flexible and revenue-generating models. Whether this shift will remain beneficial to the airline in the long run is still uncertain, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment for Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines, known for its decades-long commitment to open seating, is undergoing a significant transformation by adopting assigned seating with size-based categories. This change, planned for early 2026, is a noteworthy departure for the airline. They'll start selling tickets for these new assigned seats in 2025, with a premium option that presumably offers even more space.

This decision, they claim, stems from passenger surveys revealing that a majority of current and prospective customers favor assigned seating over the traditional free-for-all system. It's a fascinating development, considering how integral the open seating concept has been to Southwest's brand identity for over half a century.

The assigned seating model also hints at the introduction of 'premium add-ons' for passengers willing to pay for better seats. This approach, common in other airlines, might reshape Southwest's revenue streams. Further enhancing the experience, they are also looking into cabin redesigns that prioritize more legroom. This is a clever move in light of some of the industry's recent trends.

Beyond these seating changes, Southwest is exploring new service offerings, including redeye flights that are planned to start in early 2025. It remains to be seen how these might be received by customers. These additions appear to be driven by a wider strategic goal of improving the airline's bottom line. This makes sense in today's competitive airline market.

Interestingly, the airline recently took delivery of five Boeing 737-8 MAX planes and has orders for 58 more in 2024. This substantial investment in their fleet aligns with their desire to offer a more contemporary and comfortable flight experience for passengers. This clearly hints at how they expect this to play out in the future.

While Southwest maintains that these changes were part of long-term planning, one can't ignore the possibility that external pressures from competitors and passengers might have had an impact. It's difficult to say to what degree, but it's likely a complex combination of factors that influenced this decision. The extent to which these changes will be successful in driving Southwest's future success will be very interesting to observe. It will be quite a change in the travel experience for the typical Southwest flyer.

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - JetBlue Creates Extra Space Zones with Adjustable Armrests

JetBlue is introducing "Extra Space Zones" as part of their 2025 updates, a move designed to boost passenger comfort. These zones, featuring adjustable armrests, offer up to 7 extra inches of legroom compared to standard economy seating, reaching a maximum of 38 inches. Previously known as "Even More Space," this seating option is being rebranded to "EvenMore" to highlight its enhanced features. The changes are likely a reaction to growing passenger desire for more spacious and comfortable seats in economy, a trend seen across the industry. It's interesting how JetBlue emphasizes this option during the booking process, making it easier for passengers to find and choose, which is a smart strategy for a carrier known for its relatively comfortable seats, especially compared to some other US airlines. While they don't offer a business or first class on most routes, this option allows those who prioritize legroom to get a more comfortable experience, although it can be more expensive. However, it does seem to be a move towards greater passenger comfort in the economy cabin, a positive development if it works.

JetBlue's initiative to introduce "Extra Space Zones" with adjustable armrests is intriguing. It seems to be grounded in the understanding that wider, adjustable armrests can alleviate a sense of confinement for passengers. The ergonomic aspect, encouraging better posture and relaxation, is potentially a significant factor in improving the flight experience.

Adjusting armrests could also reduce the frequency of disagreements over shared armrest space, which are known to contribute to passenger stress and discomfort during travel. By creating more defined personal space, it's possible that interactions among seated passengers become more cooperative and less contentious.

Research indicates that even small increases in personal space, such as a few extra inches, can noticeably improve passenger well-being during flights. This is linked to reducing the risk of various circulatory issues that can arise from long periods of sitting. This aspect may become increasingly significant as passenger body types continue to evolve.

Fewer passenger disputes would likely lead to a decrease in in-flight complaints, freeing up flight crew time to focus on other tasks, such as ensuring safety and providing service. A reduction in stress amongst both passengers and staff could be a positive outcome.

The design of these zones appears to factor in a wider range of body sizes, reflecting a more nuanced approach to passenger comfort than standard seating often accommodates. This is important given the increasingly diverse body sizes amongst flyers.

JetBlue's decision to focus on customizable options speaks to the growing trend of passengers seeking personalized experiences during their travel. This is echoed across industries, where customization and individual preferences are increasingly seen as a key component of customer satisfaction.

It is plausible that JetBlue's initiative could set a precedent in the airline industry, spurring further innovation in seating design. This could lead to the development of adaptive and modular seating configurations that better meet the evolving needs of travelers.

The introduction of adjustable armrests could also potentially simplify cabin organization during boarding. It's conceivable that passengers might find their seats and settle in quicker, leading to faster boarding and more on-time departures.

JetBlue's investment in comfort seems to be strategically sound from a business standpoint. Studies suggest that accommodating a wider range of body types can translate to a reduction in refunds and increase repeat bookings, ultimately improving the airline's long-term financial position.

Finally, it will be fascinating to see how other airlines react to JetBlue's approach. This could very well lead to a larger industry discussion around passenger comfort, influencing how airlines address issues like weight limits, cabin configuration, and service standards in the future. It's clear that passenger needs and expectations are changing, and airlines will need to adapt.

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Air Canada Implements New Seat Selection Algorithm for Passenger Comfort

Air Canada has recently implemented a new seat selection algorithm, ostensibly with the goal of improving passenger comfort. This new system affects travelers booked on Economy Basic and Economy Standard fares, who previously could choose their seats for free at check-in. Now, they'll need to pay a fee to select a standard seat, a change that has sparked considerable reaction from customers. It's noteworthy that Air Canada quickly suspended these newly imposed fees after facing substantial pushback from passengers, largely expressed through social media. The airline's swift response highlights the rising importance of customer feedback in the industry. This event suggests that airlines are becoming more mindful of passenger comfort and could signify wider changes in seating policies in the near future as companies try to better cater to evolving passenger expectations. The question remains: How can airlines reconcile increasing profitability with the need to maintain passenger satisfaction in light of such changes? It's certainly a complex challenge for the industry.

Air Canada recently introduced a new seat selection algorithm, a move that aims to improve passenger comfort by taking a more data-driven approach to seating arrangements. This algorithm isn't just about squeezing in more passengers; it also considers factors like past traveler behavior and demographics to predict ideal seating arrangements. This approach potentially leads to more personalized seating experiences, catering to a wider range of individual preferences.

Studies have consistently highlighted the link between seat comfort and passenger well-being. Discomfort due to cramped seating can increase stress and anxiety during flights, highlighting the importance of Air Canada's focus on this aspect. By using passenger data, they're attempting to create seating plans that reduce discomfort and improve the overall travel experience.

The use of algorithms in airline operations reflects a broader trend towards data-driven decision-making across industries, including healthcare and finance. Airlines like Air Canada are increasingly leveraging algorithms to enhance operational efficiency and enhance passenger satisfaction. Whether this will lead to better outcomes in the long run remains an open question.

With its data analysis framework, Air Canada can potentially identify patterns in passenger sizes and adjust seat assignments accordingly. They are likely hoping to increase comfort for a large portion of their passengers while also maximizing revenue. This is a complex optimization problem with many unknowns, but if successful, would be very interesting.

The link between seat design and passenger comfort is clear. Ergonomically designed seats that consider a variety of body types can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of issues that can stem from long periods of sitting in cramped conditions. This is something that airlines may need to consider more in the future.

Finding the right balance in seating allocation can influence both passenger satisfaction and airline profitability. A balanced seating strategy, one that considers passenger comfort, helps improve the chances of filling more seats per flight without sacrificing individual comfort. This, of course, impacts airlines' bottom line.

Airline data consistently demonstrates the impact of seat comfort on passenger satisfaction. Passengers are more likely to fly with an airline again if they had a positive experience during a previous flight. This means the new algorithm could play a major role in customer retention for Air Canada.

The intersection between AI and customer service is increasingly apparent in the development of these algorithms. The reliance on technology to manage seat assignments will likely affect labor dynamics within the airline industry. It's yet to be seen how airlines will manage these changes in the workforce and whether these changes are ultimately beneficial for everyone.

Airlines like Air Canada are collecting more data about their passengers to inform operational decisions. This means they can use feedback from passengers—from surveys or reviews—to get a better sense of how these new policies are received. This allows them to continuously adapt and refine future seating arrangements.

By considering passenger travel group information, such as family members or those traveling together, the algorithm could be further improved. This can potentially allow the airline to improve the overall experience for groups traveling together, including families, making it easier to get seats together, something that is a concern for many travelers. This is, however, also a complicated aspect of the seat allocation problem.

Airlines' New Seating Policies 7 Major Carriers Update Passenger Size Requirements for 2025 - Alaska Airlines Tests Flexible Seating Configuration System

Alaska Airlines is experimenting with a new flexible seating configuration system, aiming to revamp the passenger experience, starting in early 2025. They're boosting the number of Premium and First Class seats on their Boeing 737-900ER and MAX planes from 24 to 30. This involves a substantial investment of $130 million specifically focused on upgrading the Boeing 737-800 cabin. This major overhaul is partly fueled by a surge in demand for premium travel options, with Alaska seeing a noticeable increase in revenue from First and Premium cabins. By implementing these changes, they hope to increase premium seats by a whopping 13 million annually across their main fleet, essentially reimagining the passenger experience.

The upgrades aim to address the shift in traveler expectations, focusing on more comfort and premium features. Each new seat will come equipped with handy features like USB ports and spaces to hold personal devices, catering to the needs of modern travellers. While other airlines grapple with the evolving passenger landscape, including the challenges posed by a wider range of body types, Alaska is focusing on offering a more luxurious experience in a particular segment of their fleet. It's a move that's worth watching, as it might influence how other airlines adjust their offerings to maintain a competitive edge. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will ultimately pay off in terms of improved customer satisfaction and profitability, and what other changes will occur as a consequence.

1. Alaska Airlines is experimenting with a flexible seating system, aiming to adjust seat arrangements based on passenger numbers and characteristics. This adaptable system could revolutionize how airlines manage space on flights, striking a balance between passenger comfort and maximizing aircraft capacity. It's a concept that has the potential to optimize seat allocation on a more dynamic basis.

2. This approach leverages data to minimize wasted space by adapting seating layouts in real-time. It uses booking trends and passenger size distributions to dynamically optimize the interior space of the cabin, potentially enhancing operational efficiency. The idea is to match cabin designs and overhead storage with the actual passenger needs at any given time.

3. Research suggests a strong relationship between different cabin configurations and passenger comfort as well as overall flight satisfaction. Alaska's flexible seating trial may lead to a boost in customer retention due to increased comfort. It's a well-established fact that increased space usually equates to reduced stress, which is a particular benefit for longer flights.

4. Historically, airlines have been slow to react to changing passenger demographics and body types. The Alaska Airlines initiative could represent a key shift in the overall approach to cabin design. Their proposal to systematically modify seating based on individual passenger needs is potentially a sign that the airline industry is beginning to acknowledge the increasing diversity of their customer base.

5. By integrating passenger feedback systems, Alaska Airlines can monitor passenger comfort and satisfaction in real-time, which in turn can influence decisions about future aircraft cabin layouts. Their data-driven approach is similar to how adaptive retail environments customize their experience based on customer behavior, suggesting they're looking to bring such a strategy to the airline industry.

6. A broader shift toward more adaptable seating configurations could spark a wave of innovation in aircraft interiors, potentially leading to the development of cabin designs that can better accommodate a broader range of body types without compromising overall passenger capacity. This could lead to a reevaluation of established aircraft design norms to better meet evolving passenger needs.

7. The extent to which passengers embrace flexible seating configurations will determine how quickly the model is picked up by other airlines. This test is a fascinating look at consumer behavior and its potential effects on the travel industry. If successful, Alaska may become a trendsetter, altering airline seating practices in the coming years.

8. Studies indicate a clear correlation between personal space and psychological well-being. By giving passengers more control over their immediate environment, Alaska could indirectly impact the interactions amongst passengers on flights, potentially reducing friction caused by disputes over shared armrests and other shared space. Adaptable seating systems could help mitigate interpersonal conflicts on flights.

9. Implementing flexible seat configurations could also impact the typical procedures within the aircraft cabin, including boarding and deplaning. This could necessitate innovation in boarding technology to maximize the efficiency of the process when there are many passengers. Airlines will need to think about how to manage this process effectively.

10. As airlines explore more flexible seating options, they might start using customer profiling to offer tailored experiences in flight based on the passenger's preferences. AI and machine learning could play a key role in refining these methods. It seems likely this approach will become increasingly important for boosting passenger satisfaction in the future.