I actually hope the problems with people fighting over reclining seats and planes having to be diverted, and all the ensuing havoc, will continue. The airlines will be forced to do what they should have done in the beginning--adjust the seats so they don't recline as much as they used to when the seat pitch was different. Seriously, broken laptops? Drinks spilled, not being able to read a book or eat your meal is ridiculous. You don't need your seat to recline five inches to sleep. Two is fine. I've done it on 17-hour flights.

If you can't manage to snag and pay for exit row seats, which usually don't come available on international flights till check-in, you will be looking at a lot of $ for a premium upgrade. It's one thing for a four-hour flight in the US, quite another for longer flights out of the country.

Passenger comfort certainly isn't job one for the airlines anymore. But they could take a look at some adjustments.

[quote=denise adams;933178]I think you are all missing a great opportunity.

If someone reclines and extends their head in your lap obviously they feel trusting and open to you. This is a golden chance to shave, clean their teeth (with plastic tools of course) pop zits ,apply make up all at a nominal fee ($50 per task) .The flight attendants will accept major credit cars (after assessing processing fees)-everybody wins!

Conde Nast Traveler must have been reading TOTV! Let's Get Rid of Reclining Coach Seats on Planes - Condé Nast Traveler

Dill or Bread & Butter slices:wave:

If a seat is built to recline the person occupying that seat has every right to recline their seat. Seats are closer together because passengers demand lower prices. We get what we pay for. It is NOT because airlines are greedy. In case you haven't noticed most airlines have gone bankrupt more than once. Airlines are a risky stock investment because airlines don't make money. A seat reclining in front of you can be uncomfortable but not any more uncomfortable than the narrow seats that have the passenger beside you overflowing into you space. Let's face it air travel has become very uncomfortable for all of us.

There must be an easier way to get the airlines' attention without committing civil disobedience. Imagine causing an airline to divert and being handed a $250,000 bill plus court costs. Imagine all the innocent passengers inconvenienced because two people deck it out over reclining seats. Imagine being dumped off in some unexpected location.

And don't even think about interfering with a flight crew member. That is a federal crime and will send a person to federal prison. Passengers should try to act like adults.

Well, I certainly wouldn't do it, but what's it going to take before the airlines address the problem? According to the article I posted a link to, they already have the ability to adjust the seat backs to not recline fully. Just do it! Let the recliners and the not-wanting-to-be-reclined-upon compromise.

Last long flight I took from Tokyo to Chicago was great! Fully reclined seat made into a bed, almost gourmet meals, drinks, and a Bose noise deadner.

It was American Airlines first class and so well worth the frequent flier miles.

In coach class on domestic flights, seats should only recline 2-3 inches. Problem solved.