It’s bad. Worse than bad. I’m talking about the comfort level of economy seats these days. It has shrunk from a pitch of 34 inches to 28 -32 inches, depending on the airline. Why? So the airlines can install MORE rows of seats. More seats=more money. Never mind our comfort levels…or the fact that most Americans are taller and wider (heavier) than we used to be.
Enter the modern day battle over whether one should recline one’s seat or not. Both sides can be argued (and have!)
And there have been more than passionate words said on the subject. Passengers have gotten into physical altercations. The latest incident occurred this week on a United flight. On a cross country flight (from New Jersey to Colorado), a woman tried to recline her seat. She discovered that her seat wouldn’t recline. She called a flight attendant over when she realized the reason why. The man in the seat directly behind her had used a new device that prevents airline seats from reclining. Despite the passenger and flight attendant’s request, the man refused to remove the Knee Defenders. The woman got so upset that she threw a cup of water in the man’s face. This resulted in the flight being diverted from Denver, Colorado to Chicago, Illinois. Funny thing, both passengers were seated in Economy Plus, meaning they had an extra four inches of pitch (legroom) more than normal economy class seats. Know who wasn’t laughing? All the other passengers that didn’t get to Denver at their designated time thanks to these two passengers…
So, should these devices be allowed on planes or not? Should we be allowed to incline our seats or not? I would love to hear your opinions on this topic…
Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
Terrance….thought I would comment about airline travel. Traveled from Raleigh-Durham,NC airport to Las Vegas last April,2014. Was on southwest airlines and were the seats and knee room tiny! On way back was diverted to Boise,Idaho though it was to be a straight flight to Denver,Colorado. Gate sign at Vegas said Denver but on runway pilot said going to Idaho first w/o any explanation. Even crew was surprised as most lived in Denver area. Got to Denver to change plane to continue to NC 90 minutes late. Finally arrived in Raleigh at 11;30 pm after leaving Vegas at noon. Upon departing plane into the jet tunnel that connect plane to terminal, my companion slipped on a metal strip running across the walking area of tunnel. Broken nose,broken wrist and head trama was the result of the fall. There were no handrails in tunnel and no emergency supplies at gate. To make long story short,still no communication from airport,insurance co or airline. Local lawyers will not touch it because of strange NC law about any % of passenger fault indicated then not liable. Bills are in thousands of dollars w/no end in sight. Be careful of getting on and off airplanes. U have any suggestions,love to hear them, Steve
Oh my gosh! What a horrible experience! I’m hearing more and more of these kind of unpleasant experiences albeit without injury, just inconvenience and aggravation and frustration (and experiencing them for myself). Oddly, it happens (at least to me) more during domestic travel on U.S. airlines than on overseas travel on foreign airlines. Isn’t that pathetic? Sadly, I think it will only get worse–not better! I don’t know the legalities of your friend’s situation but I do know that airlines protect themselves pretty well from ever being liable. Not sure what recourse he/she has if has spoken with lawyers and they say it’s a no win. I am sorry and hope he/she will be okay.
My answer is a definite NO! When I pay for a reclining seat, I expect to receive a reclining seat. And I expect that the person in front of me does too. Another passenger has no right to unilaterally decide I don’t have that right. I’d like to see all airlines ban this device so that flight attendants don’t get burdened with trying to mediate these disputes.
I agree! The airline must make and enforce policy NOT leave it up to fliers.