Knee Defenders
Oct 26th, 2003, 11:38 PM
#24
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Not only does the defender user probably recline his/her own seat... he'd probably complain even MORE if airfares were to go up, which is what would happen if there were more legroom/less seats on planes.
Everyone's looking out for themselves these days. What's next? A seat-width extender for overweight people to encroach on their neighbors? Or how about a window-shade lock? That way if you're in the aisle seat, you can keep the window passenger from bothering you with that annoying sunlight! Calamari, i like your idea!
Everyone's looking out for themselves these days. What's next? A seat-width extender for overweight people to encroach on their neighbors? Or how about a window-shade lock? That way if you're in the aisle seat, you can keep the window passenger from bothering you with that annoying sunlight! Calamari, i like your idea!
Oct 27th, 2003, 03:13 AM
#27
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I saw the inventor's website. He sounded so self-righteous and melodramatic, took himself so seriously, I burst out laughing.
This would probably be my reaction if I ever discovered someone using such a device. I'd love to tell him that the device ought ideally to not so much keep the forward seat from reclining, as to cause it to move forward and fold up on the passenger, sorta like Mrs. Hofnagle's hospital bed. Unfortunately he might not remember the hospital drama series, "St Elsewhere."
Anyway, when I stopped laughing, I'd ask if he'd indicate if my normal degree of seat recline (which is maybe a third of full recline) hurts his knees. In short, negotiate. Because with a war already (literally) being fought because of what some people did one September day on an airplane, I think the time has come for a truce.
This would probably be my reaction if I ever discovered someone using such a device. I'd love to tell him that the device ought ideally to not so much keep the forward seat from reclining, as to cause it to move forward and fold up on the passenger, sorta like Mrs. Hofnagle's hospital bed. Unfortunately he might not remember the hospital drama series, "St Elsewhere."
Anyway, when I stopped laughing, I'd ask if he'd indicate if my normal degree of seat recline (which is maybe a third of full recline) hurts his knees. In short, negotiate. Because with a war already (literally) being fought because of what some people did one September day on an airplane, I think the time has come for a truce.
Oct 27th, 2003, 04:01 AM
#28
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SantaChiara - thanks for the chuckle...all other, perhaps I have been lucky, but I have found a "solution" perhaps....before the plan takes off and the seat is flung into my knees I tell the passenger I will be using my lap top and that if they are going to put there seat back I would appreciate a warning so that I don't risk damage to the machine....seats have never gone back....if they do I will be ready... I plan to bang hard on the key board.
Oct 27th, 2003, 06:11 AM
#29
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I'm hoping the inventor perfects a "nose defender", next, to protect us from all of those interesting smells circulating in the cabin. And, perhaps, an ear defender: A special earplug that only blocks out the inane comments of surrounding passengers, but allows you to converse with your travel companion and hear the pilot's announcements. 
Oct 28th, 2003, 04:20 AM
#33
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This is a bad idea and will only increase the "air rage" problem.
For Ira and those that want to see how this device works:
http://www.kneedefender.com
For Ira and those that want to see how this device works:
http://www.kneedefender.com
Oct 28th, 2003, 06:24 AM
#34
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It was interesting to read the posts and to find that I'm the lone person who is considering buying one! I have long legs and I'm sick of cradling the passenger ahead of me too.
Politely asking them to not recline quite so far back is practically useless. To be quite honest, I don't see why some think that using it is being inconsiderate and the person who is darn near 'nursing' you is not. Actually, I haven't read anything (yet) negative about people who recline too far.
I want to believe all in all most folks would be sensitive enough to not do it and I understand how 'put upon' some would feel not being able to recline at all....I DEFINITELY see BOTH sides....one person's comfort isn't as important as the other. I'm 5'10" and I definitely can not afford to take first class and can't get bulkhead seating during every flight.
I don't think anyone would entertain the thought of purchasing something like this unless they have been in a number of situations where they are simply fed up.
It's a tough call....one that won't be resolved unless all airlines ban it or if they modify the seats where it does not recline back so far. Just my 2 cents, wanted to share it not start an argument. With any luck, this will open up dialogue about how we should start being considerate of our neighbors on terra firma or otherwise.
Politely asking them to not recline quite so far back is practically useless. To be quite honest, I don't see why some think that using it is being inconsiderate and the person who is darn near 'nursing' you is not. Actually, I haven't read anything (yet) negative about people who recline too far.
I want to believe all in all most folks would be sensitive enough to not do it and I understand how 'put upon' some would feel not being able to recline at all....I DEFINITELY see BOTH sides....one person's comfort isn't as important as the other. I'm 5'10" and I definitely can not afford to take first class and can't get bulkhead seating during every flight.
I don't think anyone would entertain the thought of purchasing something like this unless they have been in a number of situations where they are simply fed up.
It's a tough call....one that won't be resolved unless all airlines ban it or if they modify the seats where it does not recline back so far. Just my 2 cents, wanted to share it not start an argument. With any luck, this will open up dialogue about how we should start being considerate of our neighbors on terra firma or otherwise.
Oct 28th, 2003, 06:41 AM
#35
Renee,
Although I wouldn't use one, I do agree that people who recline all the way in coach are pretty inconsiderate. Personally, I never recline my seat because I know how uncomfortable I am when someone does it to me, and, to me, it isn't any more comfortable anyway.
I have no problem with people who feel the need to recline a bit. But when a person reclines so far back that I can count their dandruff flakes, it does get me irritated. I, too, wish that airlines would make seats that recline only far enough as to not infringe upon my legs.
I know many people will say, "hey, they make the seats to recline that far, so I'm going to do it."
It was interesting, on my flight back from Orlando last week on my business trip, there were a lot of people who were at the same convention as myself. Although on a regular business trip, these people might recline, I'd say nine out of ten people from my convention did NOT recline on this flight. I surmized it is because they might know or did know the person behind them, and they did not want to make them uncomfortable.
Perhaps it is easier for many to recline fully when they don't know the person behind them. Their thought being, "I don't care if they're uncomfortable because I'll never see them again."
I guess all I'm saying to people who fully recline, think a little bit about the person behind you and respect their space a little bit, too.
Although I wouldn't use one, I do agree that people who recline all the way in coach are pretty inconsiderate. Personally, I never recline my seat because I know how uncomfortable I am when someone does it to me, and, to me, it isn't any more comfortable anyway.
I have no problem with people who feel the need to recline a bit. But when a person reclines so far back that I can count their dandruff flakes, it does get me irritated. I, too, wish that airlines would make seats that recline only far enough as to not infringe upon my legs.
I know many people will say, "hey, they make the seats to recline that far, so I'm going to do it."
It was interesting, on my flight back from Orlando last week on my business trip, there were a lot of people who were at the same convention as myself. Although on a regular business trip, these people might recline, I'd say nine out of ten people from my convention did NOT recline on this flight. I surmized it is because they might know or did know the person behind them, and they did not want to make them uncomfortable.
Perhaps it is easier for many to recline fully when they don't know the person behind them. Their thought being, "I don't care if they're uncomfortable because I'll never see them again."
I guess all I'm saying to people who fully recline, think a little bit about the person behind you and respect their space a little bit, too.
Oct 28th, 2003, 07:31 AM
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Just to muddy up the waters further! How about the kids who kick the back of your seat?? We try to choose airlines/planes that seem to give more leg room - Lufthansa, Singapore - Continental was not bad.. We were on one flight when the person in front reclined full back to the point that we could not eat our dinner.. the cabin attendant very nicely asked the person if they would go back to upright until we had eaten.. They did and never did go back to a FULL recline.. (This was after Sept. 11) Along with my first comment about the kids kicking the back of the seat.. had a thought about the tall people who always have their knees in your back and deliberately flex them!! As I said, just muddying the waters!!
Oct 28th, 2003, 07:37 AM
#38
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If I recline my seat (and I do; I'm 5'10" too) I fully expect the person in front of me to be able to do the same.
I agree with Dick that this is an open invitation for Air Rage on someone's part. I suspect the airlines will ban the contraption soon enough.
Koshka
I agree with Dick that this is an open invitation for Air Rage on someone's part. I suspect the airlines will ban the contraption soon enough.
Koshka
Oct 28th, 2003, 08:14 AM
#39
As a not-tall person, I'm not as bothered by reclined seats as far as knees go. Can you tall people tell me if a partial-recline hits your knees? I've never given it much thought because I never knew this was a problem.
Oct 28th, 2003, 08:15 AM
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Maitaitom,
I agree with you 100%!
Marty,
It's not a matter of 'learning' to cope...it's a matter of being considerate! It's not being unreasonable to ask that someone not crush your legs.
Skaye,
I can't stand that either...kicking the back of someone's seat is atrocious...and it usually is a kid. As far as the tall person deliberately having their knees in your back....it may not be so deliberate. The length of a person's legs can't be helped....but I can see how some folks will forget that someone else is sitting in front of them. During my trip to Paris, I usually had to slide my left leg under the seat and the right leg out in the aisle....or sit with both knees facing outward to avoid a recliner or to prevent digging into someone's back....that's too long to be so uncomfortable.
Koshka,
The real problem wasn't that the person in front of you being unable to recline...it was about the person BEHIND you being squashed by a 'recliner'.
Anyways, I rarely recline...and when I do, I ask the person behind me if they are ok.....maybe I'm an idiot....but I like being considerate. lol
I agree with you 100%!
Marty,
It's not a matter of 'learning' to cope...it's a matter of being considerate! It's not being unreasonable to ask that someone not crush your legs.
Skaye,
I can't stand that either...kicking the back of someone's seat is atrocious...and it usually is a kid. As far as the tall person deliberately having their knees in your back....it may not be so deliberate. The length of a person's legs can't be helped....but I can see how some folks will forget that someone else is sitting in front of them. During my trip to Paris, I usually had to slide my left leg under the seat and the right leg out in the aisle....or sit with both knees facing outward to avoid a recliner or to prevent digging into someone's back....that's too long to be so uncomfortable.
Koshka,
The real problem wasn't that the person in front of you being unable to recline...it was about the person BEHIND you being squashed by a 'recliner'.
Anyways, I rarely recline...and when I do, I ask the person behind me if they are ok.....maybe I'm an idiot....but I like being considerate. lol
