At about 6′ tall, when I travel, I can bet my knees will be rubbing against the back of the passenger seat in front of me. I know this is a problem for many people, especially the unusually tall or long legged. Finding the right comfort zone or angle can frequently be managed, but when the person in that seat decides to recline, the war is on. Quite literally, in fact, flights have been turned around in the air due to unruly passengers coming to blows over a reclined seat.
A device has gained popularity among frequent fliers. It’s called Knee Defender from Gadget Duck. The great idea behind the Knee Defender is that it gives you, the passenger, the ability to protect your knees against the onslaught of seat-backs. Simply place Knee Defender on the arms of your tray table against the back of the seat cushion and the seat will no longer be able to recline. The video I’ve linked to above will demonstrate how effective Knee Defender can be.
The airlines and those who like to recline disagree about the Knee Defender. Some airlines have policies against the harmless little device and “any device that could cause damage to existing equipment, or that may diminish the design, function or capability of any aircraft part or component.”
Passengers who recline are standing up for their “right to recline” siting their purchased ticket and the capability of the seat as the basis of their cause. Common courtesy would suggest that taking the time to slowly recline or maybe giving a nod to the passenger seated behind you to let him/her know that you are about to recline could help prevent some discomfort.
While we all should have learned our manners including how to play fair and get along back on the playground, onboard a passenger jet it seems those rules don’t apply. In a 3-way battle for leg space and comfort, the recliners, non-recliners, and airlines all have a say with no clear winners.