Posted on 04/16/2024 8:41:11 AM PDT by libh8er
Reclining seats are one of the most controversial airline amenities. For some, it's a necessity for getting comfortable on long flights. But for others, it's a source of broken laptops, spilled drinks, and mid-flight arguments.
No matter which camp you fall into, it's no secret that personal space in economy has slowly, but surely, eroded over the years. And as airlines release new seat designs, some travelers fear
When Southwest Airlines recently debuted its new cabins rolling out on planes in 2025, travelers were quick to take to social media complaining about the seemingly thin design. The airline has since confirmed that the new RECARO seats will have the same legroom, seat width, and recline capabilities as its current seating options. However, the internet backlash Southwest initially faced underscores just how protective fliers are over their legroom—what's left of it, that is.
While Southwest passengers can rest easy (for now), the recliner still risks an extinction in economy class as airlines increasingly opt for lighter seats, William McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, tells Condé Nast Traveler.
“This trend has been occurring for several years now, and I think it will continue,” says McGee. “Lighter seats are what the airlines want, because with the cost of jet fuel they are always looking to reduce weight onboard.”
Seats that don’t recline have fewer mechanisms inside and therefore weigh less, lightening the load on board each plane and helping reduce fuel costs considerably. “Recliners also require more maintenance, so that is an added cost as well,” McGee says. No-recline models have been flying for years on low-cost carriers like Spirit and Allegiant, who refer to the stationary seats as “pre-reclined,” as they’re molded at a slightly deeper angle than regular seats in the upright position.
(Excerpt) Read more at cntraveler.com ...
I have a chair that bends backwards a bit, without reclining. Why can’t they do that? No moving parts and it’s more pleasent to lean back a couple of inches.
Today’s reclining seats in economy class don’t recline very much. Not enough, IMO, to let you rest your head to nap.
I'd like to see stats on this. Are laptops really getting broken?
I've never had an issue with leaning my seat back ... a necessity to get somewhat comfortable in an uncomfortable seat. Just do it slowly and just enough to provide comfort. No need to slam it all the way back.
higher prices and lower quality.
It happens to all products in a massive debt, bloated government, money-printing financialized economy.
I’m 6’2. My knees hit the seat even when it is upright. When I can’t get the exit row, I tell the person in front of me that I have had both knees replaced (true) and ask them to please not to recline their seat.
Wait till you see the semi-standing, semi seated, “leaners’ that are in the research and design flow now.
And the first thing the airlines will do, is add more revenue producing seats off-setting the weight reduction from the non-reclining seats..
The last time I flew economy on an international flight, the person in front of me reclined their seat and it was impossible for me to eat the meal I was given because the back of their seat left me literally inches to get to the tray. Luckily the seat next to me was empty so I used that tray to place my meal. I was da*n glad it was my last international flight.
I miss the days when flying was a pleasant experience...
Airlines are increasing the size of the class (sometimes considered economy plus) between first class and economy.
They have seen in the last decade that some portion of economy class customers are willing to pay for a seat upgrade to economy plus, and I think they have seen more folks doing that over time.
They may as well go to seating astraddle benches head to back. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ll never board another airplane. Travel is comfort adn value prohibitive for me.
Yeah, because 2”-4” of recline makes all the difference 🙄
I usually don’t even bother with the recline.
I can certainly see why the airlines are doing this. The last few cheap flights I’ve taken on Allegiant have had no recline seats. But the tickets were so cheap that it seemed like a reasonable concession. Plus I really didn’t miss the recline. Whatever angle they’ve got the seats set at was fine for these relatively short flights (~2 hours). Might be a different story for a long flight.
Maybe I'm just not the complaining type but I don't think I've ever had an issue with reclining seats in front of me. As a big guy, I just accept the fact that the flight is not going to be the most comfortable experience for me. I envy the petite women who can be comfortable in those tiny seats however!
Overall, flying is not that stressful for me. I just bring a good book to read, some earphones, and a double vodka tonic before the flight doesn't hurt either!
Good. I hate it when someone encroaches into my space that’s cramped as it is.
What Flying Was Like in the 1960s
https://youtu.be/qDozRwcbX5A
One less thing for the Spirit airlines class of passengers to chimp out over.
I prefer a single malt Scotch, but same ending!
Just my anecdotal experience of flying...
Was on a Delta flight to Minneapolis-St Paul to Kansas City.
Was seated in the last row. Behind me was a bulkhead for the bathrooms.
Obviously, there was a row ahead of me. My row and the row ahead were fixed seats. No reclining and there was almost no legroom. When I sat down, my knees pressed against the seat ahead of me.
Thank god I was only 5’11. it was a bit uncomfortable as it was but luckily, it was a relatively short flight. I’d have hated to have been on that plane for three-four hours or if I were taller.
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