| Author |
Message |
    
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 1944
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:15 pm: |     |
Me, too, mjh .... that's kind of what I was saying above. It's about being polite.
It's really pretty simple.
The basics: Notify the person behind you before you recline, so that they can move their drink or laptop or head so that it doesn't get knocked over or squashed.
If in so doing, the person behind you points out that s/he is 6'5" or just had knee surgery and reclining would cause them agony or permanent damage, then respect that.
If you're not 6'5" or have a knee issue, grin and bear it when the person reclines - as long as they do so considerately, as indicated above.
|
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1545
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:23 pm: | |
Nobody likes being confined in a cigar tube for a couple of hours, and at high prices. Not me either, and I travel between 150K and 200K miles a year.
Just got back from the weekly commute to San Francisco/San Jose. Even in first class, the press is on, as everybody brings everything on board.
I advise people: check your roll-a-boards and other luggage. Bring your laptop or briefcase on board to work or play.
Why do you need your suitcase above your head? What are you gonna do? Gonna change your underwear, shoes, and socks somewhere over Grand Isle, Nebraska?
Not having to deal with bringing that damn suitcase on board and flinging it up in the overhead bin saves me, and would save a lot of others, tremendous irritation and frustration. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 4888
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:26 pm: | |
Sometimes if you are flying for a short time you don't want to check your luggage. I flew to AZ a few weeks ago for a night. I am not going to check my luggage when I can just carry it on and go. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2351
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:28 pm: | |
But Innisowen, it's not about making YOUR life more convenient, it's about making MY life more convenient. This is America, after all. Let's talk about how your inconvenience makes my life easier...
 |
Purplebug
Citizen
Username: Purplebug
Post Number: 50
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:39 pm: | |
If you are really 6'5 and about 250lbs, bump your knee condition. I would be sitting on your lap.
I would find it odd that none of you row mates would offer to switch seats with you. I would think that moving you somewhere else, would also aid in their comfort also.
I mostly travel internationally now. HUGE BINS overhead, which I love. Domestic, I try not to do unless I really like the people whom I have to visit.
You know I get involved in the weirdest situations, so sometimes I do need to change clothes. I am also allergic to people with too much perfume on and bad body ordor; so I need to carry medicine also. Sometimes I break out a face mask a la Michael Jackson, and that some how makes the people want to move away from me.
It is all about courtesy. Unfortunately, manners are going the way remoteless cable boxes. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3161
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:41 pm: | |
I want to fly with Tom!
Actually, I want to fly as little as possible. Fortunately, I won't be doing so this next week. (peak travel week!) |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2354
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:50 pm: | |
Purplebug, Yes, I am truly 6'5" 250lb (well, sometimes as low as 230 or as high as 260). And the others in my row promptly put on their iPod and DVD player. They were not comfortable, but by the time they realized why, we had taken off, and they probably fetl like they shouldn't say anything. Besides, who wants to sit in a middle seat if you don't have to? |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1547
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:57 pm: | |
Per Rastro:
"But Innisowen, it's not about making YOUR life more convenient, it's about making MY life more convenient. This is America, after all. Let's talk about how your inconvenience makes my life easier..."
Rastro, I know, I know... Everybody on board is so important that they absolutely have to crawl all over one another as quickly as possible both on the way in and on the way out of the plane with their roll-aboards, briefcases with laptops, iPods, and Blackberries, and the plastic newspaper shops bag with the paperback and the box of pretzels.
And they absolutely have to be "connected" by mobile and Blackberry as long as possible.
My philosophy is that I am important enough (at least to myself) that I don't want to "connect" or talk en route, unless the seat mate happens to be a CFO or CEO, and that doesn't happen often any more.
And I know that I add enough value that my clients don't care how long it takes me to collect my bags and get to meetings.
Now, if you're 6'5" amd 250 lbs, please go to NetJet or ExecuJet and lease some space. That gives me more room and also makes you happier. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10725
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:04 pm: | |
The most upsetting thing is when you are flying first class and don't feel you have to rush to board only to find that the peons in coach have taken all the overhead bin space.
That should be a capital offense!!! |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2355
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:06 pm: | |
Actually, on most airlines the attendants will not let coach passenvers put bags in the first class bins. In fact, I've seen bags removed from the PLANE when someone did not fess up to doing so. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10727
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:12 pm: | |
I don't know what the rules are, but I see it happen all the time.
As I said, off with their heads!!!! |
IShep
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 137
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:27 pm: | |
This whole, "you shouldn't recline your seat if it makes ME uncomfortable" argument is unacceptable. That means that you feel that your comfort is more important than mine. That's just wrong. And it would be wrong to say that mine is more important than yours, but it is a feature that I have the option of using. Though I'm not 6'5", I am also tall and I find that if I recline not only can I sleep better, but I can also extend my legs under the seat in front of me. I think if it is so uncomfortable for anyone to travel in coach if the person in front of them reclines s/he should be spending the extra cash (or miles) to upgrade to First. I have had very tall people sitting behind me and I haven't had the knees in the back issue--only with people who wanted to annoy me.
If anyone has an injury the airlines are usually pretty good at giving them the bulkhead--though on some recent flights I've noticed even these seats have greatly reduced legroom. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 1002
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:30 pm: | |
I think flying is great.
I mean, thinkaboutit.
In a span of less than eight hours I can finish my coffee at home AND be on the slopes at Alta.
It sure beats the heck out of covered wagons.
TomR |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2356
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:34 pm: | |
IShep, but then you're putting your comfort above mine, just as you accuse me of doing. And I'm not talking about being uncomfortable. I'm saying it is physically impossible for you to put your seat back when I am behind you. There is also a difference between being tall, and having long legs. My inseam is over 37".
"I can sleep better"??? How about "I can still feel my legs." |
IShep
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 138
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:48 pm: | |
Rastro, I feel your pain...I hear you, and I certainly don't feel right about putting my comfort above yours. And I'm not asking this to be a wise-••• but can't you extend them under the seat in front of you? But in any event, where does that leave us? I don't want you to be in pain, but if I don't sleep on the plane (and only sometimes when I'm dead tired), my work will suffer. I flew United twice this week and paid $29 extra on both occasions to sit in Economy Plus --now that I no longer live in Jersey I am subjected to flying US Air and United without any status (a big boo hoo when you are a frequent bus. traveler). At first I thought that was awful...more add on charges, how annoying...they even charge $2 for skycap service, but after reading this thread I think it's nice that at least we get a choice for some more leg room. At least that way I might not feel bad for reclining anymore--as I obviously do now. Honestly, though, I simply cannot sleep sitting up so vertically.
|
IShep
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 139
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 2:50 pm: | |
Also, if it's physically impossible for me to recline, then this is a non-issue. I would just not be able to recline. I would be bummed...but what else could I do. In the past 13 years of heavy business travel, I have never had this problem. The guy who habitually kicked me seat was just a jerk--and only about 5'8". |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 1948
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 3:25 pm: | |
Again, the rules:
Quote:It's really pretty simple.
The basics: Notify the person behind you before you recline, so that they can move their drink or laptop or head so that it doesn't get knocked over or squashed.
If in so doing, the person behind you points out that s/he is 6'5" or just had knee surgery and reclining would cause them agony or permanent damage, then respect that. (edited to add: unless it is possible for this person to have his/her seat re-assigned, but bear in mind that this is NOT always possible.)
If you're not 6'5" or have a knee issue, grin and bear it when the person reclines - as long as they do so considerately, as indicated above.
i.e., the 5'8" guy is a jerk, too. As long as you told him before you reclined, so that he didn't spill his drink. ;-) Recline-ees are also responsible for their behavior, and are obliged to take other people's comfort into mind as well. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2358
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:00 pm: | |
IShep, the only times I wish I was shorter is when I'm buying (and driving) a car, and when I'm flying. My lower leg (knee down) siply will not fit under a seat. My legs are really that long, that I cannot extend my legs under the seat in front of me.
I wish I could upgrade for only $29. I'd pay it out of my pocket, even on business trips. I almost always fly Continental, and the upgrade is usually a 50% premium, minimum. |
IShep
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 140
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:06 pm: | |
Yep, coach on Continental is the pits. Lucky for me most of the time I flew Continental I would get upgraded (I would seek out large aircraft where my chances were better, especially on the transcont flights). I miss that about Continental, but now that I'm on US Air and United without any status, coach is definitely not as bad as I recall on CO.
After this exchange, I'll be much more conscientious of extra tall folks behind me.
By the way, have you frequent travelers checked out flyertalk.com ? There are great tips there for folks like us. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2359
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:26 pm: | |
Also (though I could do it in my sleep these days) seatguru.com tells you the best and worst seats (and WHY) on just about any plane from any airline. |
IShep
Citizen
Username: Twinsmom
Post Number: 141
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:32 pm: | |
cool...I'll look at that Rastro. thanks. |
Amie Brockway-Metcalf
Citizen
Username: Amie
Post Number: 505
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 9:53 am: | |
As far as not bringing kids on a plane, if I didn't bring my 3mo and 2 1/2 year old, they'd never see their Seattle grandparents or Texas cousins. That's worth hours of discomfort.
As a matter of a fact, we're flying to Cabo via Atlanta in a couple weeks...and advice for the 2 1/2 year old? He'll be in a car seat and will have a portable dvd player well stocked with the Wiggles and Thomas, but any other suggestions would be great. We fly with him at least 4-5 times a year and he doesn't sleep (yes, the Benedryl makes him hyper.)
We flew this exact trip when he was 9 months old via Dallas. My inlaws upgraded us to 1st class. Let me tell you, if there's anything the suits on the first NY to Dallas flight on a Monday don't want to see, it's a baby in 1st class, especially a nursing one. Yipes. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1366
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:54 pm: | |
Amie,
Enjoy the trip, and no guilt about taking kids on planes. If others don't like reality, well, they can go try to found an airline that only allows people over the age of 18, and forbids awkward carry ons.
The airlines run a business, and you are a customer. Do your best to entertain the kids, and have a great flight. Does your 2 1/2 year old like stickers? I found a big set of cheap stickers and a small spiral notebook were a big hit for travel at that age, as was the miniature MagnaDoodle. (we never had the DVD player)
I'm old enough to remember (as a kid) before deregulation, when flights were much more expensive relative to incomes, and family air travel was indeed much ls frequent. I'm very glad that era is over, because I'll take a three hour flight over a two day drive for family vacations any day! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6762
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 3:39 pm: | |
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/02/17/lost.baggage.ap/index.html |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12587
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 10:53 pm: | |
This thread is interesting, because we took a plane yesterday. My seat was able to recline about 5 degrees, i.e. an immeasurably small amount. I did look behind me to make sure I wasn't going to crush anyone. I happened to be seated in front of the emergency exit row, so there was lots of room behind me.
|
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 214
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 10:04 am: | |
Thread drift:
How about the luggage-claim area? Why can't people stand, like 8 feet from the conveyor, and step up when they see their luggage. I hate it when there's a wall of people standing right at the edge the whole time waiting for their bags forcing me to say, "excuse me, could you move so that I can get my bag?"
If you don't see your bag yet, stand back, so we can all see!
J.B. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 4906
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 10:14 am: | |
When I got back from my trip, I was trying to get my luggage off the conveyor. As I am pulling it, it gets caught; everyone stood there, watching, not offering to help, not moving out of the way to make it easier for me to get. Unbelievable... |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12590
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 10:48 pm: | |
Yes, and on Friday night, someone let his two little girls stand right by the conveyor, and I feared someone would pull his bag off the conveyor and knock one of the girls down.
|
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3079
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 7:58 am: | |
J.B. the other option, which is the one I generally choose (although I don't fly all that often), is to stand back (by myself and/or with the kids) and wait for everyone else to crowd up and get their bag. When they're done and cleared out, then I go up and get my bag without having to be aggravated by all the other obnoxious pushy people! |
Amie Brockway-Metcalf
Citizen
Username: Amie
Post Number: 508
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 9:20 am: | |
I flew quite a bit during my last pregnacy, and every single time I was the only person who would help people pull their bags off or shove the errant bag that was about to fall off back on the belt. I was noticably pregnant, too. |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 227
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 10:44 pm: | |
Meandtheboys,
Better yet, "Let's not rush to get our luggage, let's have a drink first." Upside: nice buzz and no waiting for luggage. Downside: ????
I think we're on to something.
J.B. |
Lou
Citizen
Username: Flf
Post Number: 66
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 10:52 pm: | |
Amie, I know this depends from airline to airline, but based on what you experienced, how far in your pregnancy can you fly? |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 4934
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - 8:04 am: | |
Lou that is actually dependent on your doctor, not the airline. I believe after 7 and a half months they rec you don't fly. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2365
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - 11:31 am: | |
Tom, The reason your seat only reclined about 5 degrees is because you were in front of an emergency exit row. They don't want those seats to recline into the pathway that people might have to use to exit the plane quickly. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12595
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - 11:57 pm: | |
Ah, that makes sense. Another bonus result is that the people behind me were SURE not to be crushed by my reclining. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2369
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:45 am: | |
Which is another reason people love the exit row seats. Not just more room, but more *guaranteed* room. Though if there are two exit rows, one behind hte other, the second row is better since the first row likely will not recline for the same reasons as above. |
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