Proof That Airlines Hate You (PHOTO)

And you thought your your last flight in economy was rough. Here's a seat that will give you venous thrombosis on a domestic flight -- that is, if you can get your legs in at all. You might have to have them flattened and folded first. Perhaps Qantas Airways is now offering this service. This and other comical travel nightmares in the new book Titanic Awards (Perigee Publishing). Photo by Sam Kindler.

 

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Comments

[TimothyWMurray]

10:50 AM on 05/07/2010

I have long held the belief that the Bureau of Weights and Measures ( http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/WM/WMHome.html) should certify the definition of a seat. Movie theater, bus, train, and especially airplane. Similar to the FDA certifying that eggs are grade AAA (and acknowledging the imperfection of the FDA) You could then buy a Grade A seat but if Expedia listed the coach seat as being grade B you would know that the cushion is so hard that your cheeks will be in pain by the time you reach London. Information is power, and truth in labeling is a start.

[Mr Universe]

07:28 PM on 05/05/2010

So just to play airline advocate for a second, Interiors of planes are completely modular. The seats can be moved forward and back. Divider walls can be placed anywhere within the cabin. Of course, in this age of competitive pricing, airlines tend to try to get the biggest bang for the buck (and most cramped inconvinence for the passengers). This particular scenario was probably the result of a quick turnaround of the plane before the ideal setup could be dialed in. It's likely more of a result of poor planning than intentional discomfort of passengers.

That being said; am I the only one who hates flying on Canadair Regional Jets?

[thefooligan5]

09:16 AM on 05/06/2010

Exactly. I doubt these seats were even sold.

[SapphireBlaze9]

05:16 PM on 05/05/2010

I wonder if they'll charge you if you make everyone put their bags in that seat so you can lay in the overhead compartment.

[BenjaminHeiple]

11:41 AM on 05/05/2010

I am 6'4" which makes most coach airline trips feel like this. One of the few times in my life I've hated my "tallness."

[SwingingFromCenter]

01:41 PM on 05/05/2010

That's why I don't fly coach.

[Graceless]

06:27 PM on 05/05/2010

Both my husband and I are tall (he's about the same height as you). Long trips via airplane are completely out for us because there is no earthly way we can afford to upgrade, nor would we want to shell out the kind of money that would get our knees a few extra inches.

[emerson7]

10:28 AM on 05/05/2010

i'm guessing:
1) baby carrier seats
2) raise arms to recline
3) or they really really do hate us.

[Aamedor]

09:02 AM on 05/05/2010

its the airlines new double leg amputee seating

[MarkInIrvine]

11:58 AM on 05/05/2010

exactly! way to speak truth to power! fanned.

[iRock]

08:15 AM on 05/05/2010

wow. just wow.

[Curandera]

06:29 AM on 05/05/2010

On the plus side, there is no charge to stow your legs in the overhead compartment.... yet.

[DarcieRN]

02:04 PM on 05/05/2010

As long as you fly before the end of August when that surcharge kicks in.......

[ipsocrapto]

03:44 AM on 05/05/2010

Looks like grounds for demanding an upgrade to me!

As if......

[cuzimacheater]

12:32 AM on 05/05/2010

So ... you curl up in the fetal position going, "I can't wait til this is over!" Makes sense with other flights I've taken.

[amoosefloats]

11:56 PM on 05/04/2010

Wow new First Class on Aeroflot!!

[PigsOnSoma]

08:29 AM on 05/05/2010

Jet Blue.

[hidflect]

11:36 PM on 05/04/2010

100% genuine plastic, self-asphyxiation bag included...

[CoronaDischarge]

11:32 PM on 05/04/2010

It seems they have two legs up on their competition.

[Rogman66]

09:35 PM on 05/04/2010

Being 6'3" this is pretty much how i feel on most flights.

[AlaskanWannaB]

12:47 AM on 05/05/2010

Same here. I have not flown in four years for this very reason. I feel like a sardine on most flights. No personal space!

[Graceless]

06:30 PM on 05/05/2010

I feel your pain. My husband and I don't fly anymore if it can be avoided (going so far as to book cargo ship transport instead).

[MarkInIrvine]

11:59 AM on 05/05/2010

sorry - tall people are not allowed to complaint about being tall (unless they are "freakishly" tall)

[SouthJerseySteve]

06:34 PM on 05/04/2010

Looks like a US Airways flight I took once before...