In releasing its annual summer travel forecast recently, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) projected modest, 1.5-percent growth in passengers over last year and expressed relief that people continue flying despite the overall economic impact of higher fuel prices. I would venture that ATA should worry as well about the cumulative impact of wedging people in unbearable economy-class seating. Witness the aborted United Airlines flight to Ghana on May 29, turned back to Washington Dulles with an F-16 escort after a passenger reclined his seat and a fight erupted.
In recent weeks, I’ve had occasion to fly economy class on a couple of different flights with a major U.S. carrier–United Airlines–and I can attest to the fleeting resentment one feels when your forward neighbor has the audacity to recline. The very next thought that enters your mind is, “That’s fine. I’ll do the same to the person behind me.” But is that any way to travel? How do you maintain your composure when angling out of a bucket seat with your airline-issued pillow and blanket in hand (international flights only), headphones tethered to the armrest, tray table down and carry-on bag stored under the seat in front of you?
