The number of flights is decreasing while the number of passengers is increasing, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Reports show U.S. flights carried more than 201 million additional passengers than flights in 2005. There were also 1.6 million fewer U.S. flights last year compared to 2005. That resulted in an 85 percent flight occupancy rate in 2017.

Unfortunately for passengers, seat size is shrinking. Airlines add more seats per row and more rows per plane. Where there previously were nine seats across on a standard Boeing 777, there are now 10 on many.

For airlines, it is pure economics. Fewer flights with more passengers equals more profit. Airlines save on plane maintenance, airport fees, fuel and other costs.

Aside from having less personal space, there is also less baggage space. Overhead compartments are not increasing in size. Space under the seats decreases as seat size decreases. Airlines are more diligent in sticking to baggage size restrictions. Passengers should not be surprised anymore when their planned carry-on bags are flagged as bags to be checked.

As much as I love having an empty seat next to me on flights, I also realize airlines would not survive if that happened consistently. These trends will not go in reverse. The best advice for travelers is to plan accordingly and be prepared for less overall space on flights.

— John Wroblewski, online writer