Joho the Blog
An Entry from the Archives

So what events?

"I don't know why I found this so annoying. But I did. I mean, doesn't he understand that one person's back is another person's front?"

Which is more important: You understanding why you found this so annoying, or his understanding that one person's back is another person's front?

Or, put another way, given these two instances of lack of understanding, which is in your power to remedy?

I am a bit over 6'3" and find most coach seating almost a form of torture. If the person in front moves back at all (and I mean even an inch) then I'm staring into their ear and way, way past most comfort zone with strangers (already having the armrest issue with the person next to me). I have in the past simply explained to the person that with seating so tight it just won't do to have them in my face. Only a few times have I found the person unresponsive, and then some mild blowing of pretzel and coke breath on their head worked magic.

I am not even five feet tall and I'm not large in any other direction, and if someone puts his or her seat back more than a notch, I'm miserable.

I paid for my seat on that plane, too. I used take this nonsense, sulking the entire way, but I no longer suffer in silence. If someone is doing something annoying, I tell them. Loudly. The last time someone leaned back into my seat, I tapped him on the shoulder (very firmly) and in a carrying voice said something like "Excuse me, could you move your seat forward a little? I don't have any room now." The seat snapped forward and stayed there the entire flight. (Not a word from him, either.) I also now make loud comments as I seat myself, on the order of "Well, I hope no one puts his or her seat back too far, as I have so much work to do!" (Repeat as often as needed, until the plane is seated.)

Remember a plane full of passengers seated straight-forward in their little cocoons is a plane full of people bowling alone. Make them confront themselves, and they'll usually stop. Give them reason to think you'll engage with them at all, and they might not even start.

Which is more important: You understanding why you found this so annoying, or his understanding that one person's back is another person's front?

I actually know why I found it annoying: Because it's annoying! He violated my precious space - try reading with someone's knuckles 4 inches from your eyes - and did so without any recognition that he's sharing a world.

And even if I didn't understand this, it'd still be more important for him to move his damn hands.

IMO.

So you weren't asking a question. You were just seeking validation. Sorry, thought those question marks meant something.

It's true, the romance and adventure of air travel are things of the very distant past.

And hell is other people.

Some airline companies have been disabling the reclining because the concept hasn't exactly met with success.

But K.G. I'm not sure if you're joking or if you should spend some time reading Dave Rogers new post. And perhaps taking it to heart.

David, I can't help thinking what the problem really is, is that you're traveling too much, but feel that you must or risk losing the 'connection'. Being self-employed can do that to people.

Shelley, I am definitely traveling too much, but this month anyway almost all of it is not to maintain my connectedness but to make money. And for that, I'm even willing to watch that guy's knuckles for a few hours.

Even meetings to maintain connectedness are essential when you're an independent. You have to network.

And to make some decent money, I would stare at hairy knuckles and hairier knees.

Sorry, Shelley, but if the guy's hanging his knees over the back of the seat, I'm definitely calling the flight attendant.

:)

David, I'll fly with you and be your bodyguard. :-) As for hell, it hath no fury like a woman who can't open her 12" laptop on a four-hour flight. I've done nice things on planes--I recently volunteered to get off a plane and on a later flight, for no compensation, and I've given little kids my prized window seat. Just don't take my space. *grrrrrrrr*

Don't fly United Airlines on international flights anymore. They've limited checked baggage to 50 pounds. Bags between 51-70 pounds are charged a flat $50 penalty. Over 70 pounds its much worse. Then, once onboard in their ultra-tight seats, they charge $5 for a glass of wine.

Most airlines allow 70 pound luggage and give free drinks. Take them, not United!