Arthur Frommer Wades Into Airplane Seat-Reclining Wars
Travel Blog • Eva Holland • 05.06.10 | 1:03 PM ET
And gets some unexpected blowback. Last week, Frommer spoke out about Spirit Airlines’ plans to eliminate reclining seats on their planes—and, as he writes in his follow-up post, “an uproar ensued.” Strident emails supporting Spirit’s action poured in from readers. Turns out, there’s a major anti-reclining faction out there, and they mean business.
I’m a regular only-part-way recliner myself, and I’ve had to rescue my laptop from near-crushing by an abrupt full-recline more than once, so I can see both sides of the issue.
Where do you come down in the seat-reclining debate?
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Grizzly Bear Mom 05.06.10 | 1:47 PM ET
I’m waiting for the industry to install the “non kickable by a two year old child for the length of the trip” back of the seat.
Darrin 05.06.10 | 3:15 PM ET
Grizzly Bear Mom, you nailed it!
Other than that, I’d say be courteous and recline slowly to avoid what happened to Eva’s laptop. I think the cliche “don’t hate the player, hate the game” applies here. When the person in front reclines, I pretty much have to, otherwise I’m pinned. And if you buy a ticket for a last row seat (which most likely won’t recline), then you will learn fast not to do that again. Don’t hate the person in front of you; hate the airline for being cheapskates.
Saying that all the space in front of you is “your space” is absurd, since you also get a little space in back of your seat when your recline. And it’s the same amount of space that is “taken” from you when the person in front reclines, so it all averages out, unless you’re stuck in the last row. Don’t get too attached to the furthest few inches of space in back of the seat in front of you, and you just might be OK.
Dan 05.06.10 | 3:44 PM ET
Eliminate the reclining completely!!!...determine the best case angle for a seat and manufacture them that way and do NOT allow any reclining mechanism.
It’s a seat not a bed.
Make all seats the same size, have the same leg room regardless of location. I..e all coach are the same, all first class the same. reduce overhead bins to coat and hat size only! Require carry on’s to go ONLY under the seat in front of you.
ONE (1) checked bag for FREE with ticket only. and ONE (1) small carry on only. (see above).
Jim Benning 05.06.10 | 3:47 PM ET
I just don’t think seats should recline so far that the person behind can’t operate a laptop or see a seatback TV monitor. Some seats simply recline way too far.
Sophia Dembling 05.06.10 | 8:17 PM ET
I’m for manufacturing seats that tilt just little. It’s not like the full recline is all that much more comfortable. Just a little bit, so your weight is shifted backwards not forwards, is plenty. That’s as far as I ever recline my seat.
I like the bendy flaps for leaning your head against when you sleep. Perhaps they should have a full across-the-forehead strap for long flights, to hold your head in place.
Austin Beeman 05.06.10 | 10:47 PM ET
If seats recline, they should move slowly (no matter how hard you push.) I saw a sleeping girl get clocked by a seat that fell backwards.
I didn’t know you could be knocked away and almost knocked out at the same time!
TambourineMan 05.07.10 | 2:44 AM ET
“It’s not like the full recline is all that much more comfortable.”
If you’re tall, oh yes it is. That said, I’m with Dan, sort-of. Just give me a little more leg room and I won’t need a recliner. God forbid I annoy Jim while he’s entranced by the seatback Jennifer Aniston movie.
Larry J. Clark 05.07.10 | 4:39 PM ET
I recline. Sitting for 8 to 11 hours (or more) kinda puts you in the recling mode/mood. But like Darrin, I always try to recline s-l-o-w-l-y.
As for laptops…Why is anyone expecting the seatback tray to support an office? Where is that written? If you need to work, fly business class. Or get a netbook.
Of course, with airlines cutting back in-flight services, people are bringing on their own too-tall beverage containers. That can be special when a seat reclines.