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Wronging Your Rights
November 30, 2016
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What's the price for not being able to fit in the assigned seat, with your knees trapped on the back of the next seat?
It's a torture pitch for roughly half of the population (slightly taller or taller than the mean) that is becoming widespread and progressively standard - going from rational 31-32" pitch to 28-29".
The airlines like to tell us that economics justifies tight seating and they have no choice.
FlyersRights has asked why regulatory authorities don't step up and set a minimum floor space requirement for humans travelling by air, as already exists for livestock and pets.
Why don't two-legged animals enjoy the same level of protections?
Purchasing extra legroom or higher classes of service is not always an option, and shouldn't be necessary.
When the race to the bottom takes airlines below the level of human decency it is time for the public to say "enough, stop!" We are not cattle.
When companies - not just airlines - have to squeeze their customers this hard in order to make a profit, it usually comes down to greed. The idea that airlines need the extra 6 seats to turn a profit is hogwash.
And Ryanair has said that if not for EU safety regulations, they would have added standing seats.
If we had a nickel for every time we heard the following...
"The market is efficient. If the level of service drops below what customers will accept, they'll move on."
"I don't understand this urge for regulating that which you don't like. The low-cost carriers offer cheap fares but that cheapness comes with certain restrictions - (duh!) - and among those restrictions is the seat pitch."
"If the airline restrictions are not acceptable to you, don't fly 'em. People can choose to take the train if they so wish, or not to travel at all."
"I can get a cheap meal at McDonalds, but I don't like the taste, so I forgo cheapness in favor of something I prefer."
"When did anyone dictate that every airline has to be all things to every passenger? No one is forcing anyone to fly in conditions they don't like."
"Personally I don't want to pay higher prices just because tall or fat people are too greedy to pay for extra space."
... we would never have to fundraise!
With utmost respect, this is absolute rubbish. Taking a train from Los Angeles to New York isn't an option for most people.
Also, in many cases people cannot "move on.", as there might not be anything available to move on to. And, don't tell us that tall people should purchase business fare if they don't want to travel in pain).
Nor can passengers go and purchase 30% more room for a 30% more money because the airlines have decided you either want to be crammed for the cheapest coach fare or you want to pay three times coach for premium economy.
The lack of leg-room for seating in passenger jets has been linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can cause fatal blood clots, particularly on long-haul flights. The research also showed more space between seats could allow passengers to evacuate planes more safely in an emergency.
FlyersRights stands firm - we need minimal regulations governing humane standards regarding leg space and seat comfort on aircraft.
"The market" won't do it. |
FlyersRights' founder and spokesperson, Kate Hanni, is available for media interviews regarding holiday air travel from now until New Year's!
Kate's tips:
- Don't wrap your gifts before packing them in carryon or checked baggage
- No electronics or batteries in checked baggage
- Keep medications in carry-on or purse (high level of theft of medications according to airport crime database)
- Try to get your flights early in the morning and without connecting flights, especially no connections in Texas due to weather/thunderstorms there
- Pre-ship anything valuable (Christmas presents) with insurance if you can afford to do so. That will ensure your gifts and expensive electronics are at your arrival area
- If you are going on a cruise give yourself 24 hours between the arrival of your flight and departure of cruise
- Pack all medications in carryon and a set of comfortable jammies or sweats in case you do end up in a "cot city" in Chicago or elsewhere
- Stay calm. The holidays are stressful enough!
To reach our airline expert Kate Hanni for interview requests, call +1 707-337-0328.
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