I used to fly 300,000 miles a year in the 80s/90s. Some things that have changed over the years. I have not been on an airplane driven by an EX Navy jock since the 80's. Back then flying MD80s meant a 30Deg Plus attack on take-off - a thrill and possibly something left in your pants.
The seating has definitely changed, seats used to be reasonable even for 6'-0" 250 medium fat boys, now the seating is the same as any bus.
FAT people - any male over 200# should be forced to buy TWO seats. Try sitting in a middle seat with a FAT person on ether side - No picnic that.
Knee room - there is NONE and if someone leans their seat back, that person is one to two inches (a very slight exaggeration) from your chin - PEOPLE we are not in JAPAN. Personal space for Americans is HUGE, Thank GOD
Allow me to expand.
I hate and despise those airline seats. You are right, they are entirely too small for Americans and as for that guy punching the lady’s seat, he was very crammed in there.
I have not ridden in an airplane since 1995 so my experience is limited.
And I am one of those people who maybe should buy two seats.
I don’t know the answer except I stand by that if the seat leans back the occupier should be allowed to do so and the person behind has no business punching the seat.
The airline should have just moved the guy or the guy should be punching around the captain’s seats or some such.
The first time I flew in one of those, I heard a large CLUNK just after the pilot rotated. I swore it was the tail hitting the ground. In retrospect, it was probably the gear retracting. It was quite a thrill, though.
Last time I was on a plane was on People’s Express. Or it should be called Cattle Car Express.... I’ll take a car or a train nowadays.
Cannot agree more with your observations.
When booking flights i always open SeatGuru and consider the plane/seats.
Todays seating design are comfortable for munchkins