Two inches or $2 million - passengers jump at choice

American Eagle have saved $2 million by lowering the landing gear on Embraer aircraft by 2 inches. This makes the escape door only 5 feet 10 inches from the ground instead of six feet, eliminating the need, at least in some peoples minds, for an escape slide on emergency exits.

I discovered this on the flight today when I read the escape instructions on the flight safety card. It shows a picture of a woman, sitting on the edge of the open exit door. In the next picture her fall appears to be arrested by the passenger in front on the tarmac standing in the way or perhaps offering her back for support 'piggyback fashion'.

"Looks painful doesn't it," the steward said when I asked if the picture was a warning to 'stand clear' or an instruction to 'make a back'. He went on to describe the savings mentioned above. I aim to get a picture of the card on the return jouney and let you be the judge.