bean29
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Post by bean29 on Aug 29, 2014 13:14:51 GMT -5
Sorry, but if the seats are designed to recline then the space the airline "Sold" to the passenger behind me is the space with the seat reclined. If the airline/pilot makes an announcement that I can recline my seat, I would not consider it rude to recline...it is rude to use one of those thingies that keeps me from reclining.
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lexxy703
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Post by lexxy703 on Aug 29, 2014 13:16:37 GMT -5
I recline my seat and I usually put my legs across the lap of the person sitting next to me. That's totally okay, right? And I'll usually snatch the pillow out of the toddler's hands as he walks down the aisle past my seat. You wouldn't believe how hostile some parents are! I like to eyeball me seatmate's lunch & if it smells good I'll ask for a bite!
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Aug 29, 2014 13:16:55 GMT -5
I recline my seat and I usually put my legs across the lap of the person sitting next to me. That's totally okay, right? And I'll usually snatch the pillow out of the toddler's hands as he walks down the aisle past my seat. You wouldn't believe how hostile some parents are! So it was *you* who took my 5 vodka shooters!
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lexxy703
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Post by lexxy703 on Aug 29, 2014 13:20:00 GMT -5
I recline my seat and I usually put my legs across the lap of the person sitting next to me. That's totally okay, right? And I'll usually snatch the pillow out of the toddler's hands as he walks down the aisle past my seat. You wouldn't believe how hostile some parents are! So it was *you* who took my 5 vodka shooters! Touch my drink & I'll throw a punch!
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violagirl
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Post by violagirl on Aug 29, 2014 13:20:18 GMT -5
I think it is an issue where you just have to think about the people around you. A difficult concept for some to be sure.
On a long overnight flight, I'd recline my seat but I'd assume everyone else is also reclining. I would love to be able to travel up front in the pods but I generally find my swimming pool full of money does not allow me the luxury. I live with someone who is over 6 feet who is going to be uncomfortable anyway but on a 2 hour flight do you REALLY need to lounge back?
I imagine the problem with laptops when the seat in front is back is if you are tall, you can't tip the laptop screen back enough to see it.
On the other hand, expect to have knees in your back if you recline.
I also would have no problem with someone asking me to put my seat up as they are trying to finish up some work. I think that is a fair enough compromise.
If we both paid to use the same space, then we need to figure out how to share it equitably. Sometimes having the right to do something doesn't make it the right thing to do.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Aug 29, 2014 13:23:42 GMT -5
This thread gives me an idea for a book. Philosophy according to YM Chapter 1: To recline or not to recline your airline seat Chapter 2: To tip or not to tip Chapter 3: Your duty as a woman towards your employer I got plenty more.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Aug 29, 2014 13:24:45 GMT -5
I recline my seat and I usually put my legs across the lap of the person sitting next to me. That's totally okay, right? And I'll usually snatch the pillow out of the toddler's hands as he walks down the aisle past my seat. You wouldn't believe how hostile some parents are! I wouldn't care as much about your legs on my lap if you would at least shave more than once a week...those legs are like sandpaper !
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Aug 29, 2014 13:25:07 GMT -5
I tend not to recline for shorter flights (3 hours or less). But, for long haul (especially overnight flights), I find it close to impossible to sleep without using the recline. And, i think it's unreasonable for anyone to expect the person in front of them to not recline on long haul flights. The only time I've had an issue with someone reclining into my space was when I was in first class on a regional jet. The recline went so far back that I couldn't even get my tray table to come down at all. The biggest issue though is that the pitch in coach has gotten ridiculous. I think coach is fine for most trips if you know where to sit and how to get seated there (bulkhead seats, exit row seats, and knowing which seats don't recline or have limited recline in the cabin), but most people who fly have no idea and so are stuck with a random crappy coach seat. Although, while price rules that won't ever change.This is where I fall. I don't fly often so I have absolutely no idea what seat is great vs so crappy as to be designed to punish someone. And I do have very short legs so I normally feel like it is better me in those seats with less legroom than someone tall who needs it. But I don't think people realize how different the legroom is between different seats even on the same plane. So if I am complaining that there isn't enough space between the seats there is a problem!
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Aug 29, 2014 13:30:31 GMT -5
I guess I don't see how it's my problem if someone behind me can't comfortably use their laptop assuming my seat isn't broken and goes back too far. I don't normally recline and didn't on my last few 5-6 hour flights but the point of flying is to get from point A to point B. Being able to do work on a laptop, read a book, watch a movie, etc. is a great way to pass the time but it's not a requirement while flying. I don't go out of my way to piss others off and have never had anyone complain about me or rather to me or a stewardess while traveling but again I'm there to get from one place to another. Unless someone is being a complete ass or someone's kid is kicking my seat repeatedly I've got no problem with people reclining, talking, watching movies, using laptops or so on.
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emma1420
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Post by emma1420 on Aug 29, 2014 13:32:03 GMT -5
I tend not to recline for shorter flights (3 hours or less). But, for long haul (especially overnight flights), I find it close to impossible to sleep without using the recline. And, i think it's unreasonable for anyone to expect the person in front of them to not recline on long haul flights. The only time I've had an issue with someone reclining into my space was when I was in first class on a regional jet. The recline went so far back that I couldn't even get my tray table to come down at all. The biggest issue though is that the pitch in coach has gotten ridiculous. I think coach is fine for most trips if you know where to sit and how to get seated there (bulkhead seats, exit row seats, and knowing which seats don't recline or have limited recline in the cabin), but most people who fly have no idea and so are stuck with a random crappy coach seat. Although, while price rules that won't ever change.This is where I fall. I don't fly often so I have absolutely no idea what seat is great vs so crappy as to be designed to punish someone. And I do have very short legs so I normally feel like it is better me in those seats with less legroom than someone tall who needs it. But I don't think people realize how different the legroom is between different seats even on the same plane. So if I am complaining that there isn't enough space between the seats there is a problem! I think the problem is many people aren't willing to pay for more room. All three of the legacy airlines do offer seats with more legroom, but you have to pay extra. But, obviously as they aren't re-configuring their cabins that way that many people aren't willing to pay for more space.
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Ryan
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Post by Ryan on Aug 29, 2014 13:35:52 GMT -5
I'm always really really surprised that people recline so much on flights because I just consider it REALLY rude. I'll do it every once in awhile if there is a little kid behind me and I know, for a fact, that there is plenty of open space. But if there is an adult, there is no way I'm reclining back into their space. You expect me to sit up completely straight for a 16 hr flight to Thailand? You expect the person behind you to sit with your seat pressed against their knees for 16 hours?
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Aug 29, 2014 13:37:24 GMT -5
I recline especially on long flights. This Miami to Paris with a 'stopover in Boston' latest incident was triggered by Edmond Alexandre, a very tall man who also had diabetes. While I blame him for his own misconduct, I also have to put a bit of blame on the airline and airlines in general. Once everyone was seated, Alexandre should have asked a flight attendant if there was another available seat that offered more leg room. Being hemmed in when the passenger in front of him reclined his/her seat, hindered him from moving his legs around and keeping the blood circulating in his legs. I also blame the airlines for their continued reduction of leg room so that they can cram even more passengers on their aircraft. No leg room is tolerable for maybe an hour or two flight but transcontinental and trans-oceanic flights should offer more leg room so passengers can move their legs around to avoid blood clots from forming. Sure one can get up from their seats and walk around the aircraft to get the kinks out of your legs. That works best if you have an aisle seat. But if you do not have an aisle seat, you end up having to disturb your surrounding seat mate(s) to move past them to reach the aisle. More leg room equals fewer major and minor in-flight incidents.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Aug 29, 2014 13:40:00 GMT -5
x1000 (not just this issue, either)
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Aug 29, 2014 13:44:46 GMT -5
I wouldn't care as much about your legs on my lap if you would at least shave more than once a week...those legs are like sandpaper ! Well you could at least be courteous enough to rub some lotion on my legs while you have them in your lap! And get a brush burn??
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Aug 29, 2014 13:45:31 GMT -5
x1000 (not just this issue, either) Agreed but we're talking about reclining a seat, not going out of one's way to be an ass or inconvenience others. If someone is big or tall then they should be getting a seat with more room because it's not the people sitting next to, behind them and in front of them who should be going out of their way to accommodate that one person. Unless airlines put fewer seats on planes which won't happen because it means less money each traveler needs to plan accordingly. It's not the responsibility of the majority to accommodate the few even though our own politicians don't always agree.
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Aug 29, 2014 13:47:07 GMT -5
You expect me to sit up completely straight for a 16 hr flight to Thailand? You expect the person behind you to sit with your seat pressed against their knees for 16 hours? I expect someone that is too tall to reasonable fit into a seat to plan ahead & not sit in a seat where they cannot fit.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Aug 29, 2014 13:48:59 GMT -5
Honestly, I just want airlines to start charging people by the pound, both for themselves and all carry on and checked baggage. Could have a lower rate for checked baggage than carry on. The airlines would either get more revenue, or lower their costs as people packed lighter, which would probably lead to passengers getting a bit more room. 31 inches between seats is crazy. It used to be 36 or more, even in economy. It would keep people from trying to cram gigantic bags into the overhead bins to avoid checked bag fees. Larger passengers would bitch about paying more for a tiny seat, so the airlines would probably come up with a seating option where larger folks got a seat with a bit more room. Everyone would be happy. Well, happier anyway.
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Aug 29, 2014 13:55:13 GMT -5
Last time I flew the airlines did a good job of keeping over sized bags out of the bins but the problem is people who got on first putting carry on items into the bins instead of under the seat in front of them. It's almost a given every time I fly the last poor bastards to get on have to have their standard overhead bag checked by a stewardess because there's no room left in the bins. At least they still don't have to pay for a checked bag as they bring those pieces back up by the exit of the plane once you get off. I did notice that those carry on racks they have before you board to see if it fits seem to be getting smaller.
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flamingo
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Post by flamingo on Aug 29, 2014 13:57:11 GMT -5
I'm 6 feet tall, and have long legs. When I sit in coach, and you aren't reclining your seat, your seat is touching my knees. On some planes, I get lucky and there is an inch of room to spare between my knees and the seat in front of me. I don't complain (other than to my DH) if the person in front of me reclines. However, when they inevitably turn around and tell me to please not push my knees into their back, I do ask them where they prefer I put them. I have no other place to put my knees. Not because I want to hurt your back, but because they have to go somewhere. And usually, because while I'm really tall, I'm also thin, I get stuck in the middle seat when flying with someone else, so I can't just put my knees to the side. My DH is 6 feet tall as well, and broader than me. His legs/shoulders/whole body just takes up a bit more room than mine. And usually I get stuck with the person on the other side of me being tall/wide/over-large who feels the need to take up my space as well. I'm not trying to be mean to the person in front of me, but most times, I'm so crammed in I have no where else to go!
I get that I could pay more money for more leg room/first class. However, I very rarely fly anywhere that has me on an airplane for more than 2-3 hours. And, I live somewhere where Southwest is a major carrier, where I can't do that anyway. But beyond that, the prices for extra leg room can get exorbitant. By the time you factor in all legs of travel (assuming you aren't flying non-stop), round trip, it's adding quite a bit of money onto my ticket. I won't complain about using my tray table (those are the filthiest, germiest things on airplanes; you couldn't pay me to use it anyway), but don't complain to me when my knees are in your back because you can't sit upright for a few hours. EVERYONE on the plane is uncomfortable. Reclining your seat isn't gong to make you feel like you are sitting on a cloud, you'll still be uncomfortable. All I'm asking is that you share the space in a way that doesn't leave bruises on my knees.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Aug 29, 2014 13:58:10 GMT -5
Haven't noticed that, but I have seen more bags getting checked at the last minute. Which makes sense. When Southwest (I think it was Southwest) changed the pitch of their economy seats from 34" to 31" they were able to get 6 extra seats on whichever type of plane the story talked about. However, I'm pretty sure they didn't change out all the overhead bins. So there are now 6 extra people trying to cram their stuff into the same number of bins that they had before. The last couple people to get to the bin are probably SOL.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Aug 29, 2014 13:58:24 GMT -5
When I went to Ireland my friend and I booked several months out to ensure we would both have aisle seats. We didn't even care if we sat close to one another, we just wanted aisle seats since it was such a long flight. I started wondering on the flight if there was a way we could have purchased the middle seat on a row. In other words, one of us would take a window, one of us take an aisle and we have no one sitting in between us. That would certainly make the flight more comfortable. You can share the extra leg space from the middle seat and it would cost a lot less than first class. We each paid around $1000 for the ticket so if we split that middle seat it would only be an additional $500 a piece. Is this even possible? Don't large people purchase additional seats. How do they do it - just buy two seats in their name? Can a normal size person do this?
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Aug 29, 2014 14:01:38 GMT -5
Yes. To all three. The airline probably wouldn't care if you bought 20 seats in your name, and had a whole section of the plane to yourself.
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Aug 29, 2014 14:05:21 GMT -5
Haven't noticed that, but I have seen more bags getting checked at the last minute. Which makes sense. When Southwest (I think it was Southwest) changed the pitch of their economy seats from 34" to 31" they were able to get 6 extra seats on whichever type of plane the story talked about. However, I'm pretty sure they didn't change out all the overhead bins. So there are now 6 extra people trying to cram their stuff into the same number of bins that they had before. The last couple people to get to the bin are probably SOL. I noticed it because I have my small piece of luggage I've had for 5+ years that I've always been able to get into an overhead bin with ease. We flew north for the weekend and on the way back when they started to board people started getting pissed when bags the same size started getting checked. One guy with a laptop dressed well was pissed and started acting pretty douchey while throwing a tantrum of sorts. To be fair my first response was "great I've got to pay to check my bag now" for a 60 minute flight I just wanted to bolt from when we landed and I wasn't too happy. I had nothing else in my bag that I didn't have on the way up there and quite frankly didn't think it would fit in the rack they had but by the time we started to board they let up and weren't making people check.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Aug 29, 2014 14:06:45 GMT -5
Yes. To all three. The airline probably wouldn't care if you bought 20 seats in your name, and had a whole section of the plane to yourself. Awesome! This is what I am doing on my next international flight!
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Aug 29, 2014 14:19:03 GMT -5
Yes. To all three. The airline probably wouldn't care if you bought 20 seats in your name, and had a whole section of the plane to yourself. Awesome! This is what I am doing on my next international flight! Before doing that, you might price Premium Economy. I am looking at seats next summer to fly from Moscow to Seattle. Coach is running about $1400. Premium Economy on British Airways (which gets good reviews) is $2800. Pitch is 38" (more than some domestic first class). Separate cabin, business class (or almost) meals, liquor all included). My plan is to apply for a BA Visa, put the tickets on it and collect the bonus of 50,000 Avios (must spend $3000 within the first 3 months). Then see if I can use the Avios to upgrade. If not, it will still be a bearable flight. I'm becoming a big fan of Premium Economy. Especially if I can't afford the $$$$ for international business class. Or you might look at Iceland Air. Their Premium Economy pitch is only 33" but the block the middle seat. So that is nice. Their prices are pretty attractive too.
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Ryan
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Post by Ryan on Aug 29, 2014 14:19:11 GMT -5
You expect the person behind you to sit with your seat pressed against their knees for 16 hours? I expect someone that is too tall to reasonable fit into a seat to plan ahead & not sit in a seat where they cannot fit. Well, most people can fit until the idiot in front of them reclines their seat. It's the equivalent of going over the arm rest and into the seat of the next person. Besides, why plan ahead when I can just annoy the person in front of me by banging against their seat?
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Aug 29, 2014 14:23:34 GMT -5
I expect someone that is too tall to reasonable fit into a seat to plan ahead & not sit in a seat where they cannot fit. Well, most people can fit until the idiot in front of them reclines their seat. It's the equivalent of going over the arm rest and into the seat of the next person. Besides, why plan ahead when I can just annoy the person in front of me by banging against their seat? That is utterly ridiculous. If the airlines didn't expect people to recline then they wouldn't allow seats to do it Your arm rest example is not even close to being in the same ballpark
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Aug 29, 2014 14:25:15 GMT -5
I expect someone that is too tall to reasonable fit into a seat to plan ahead & not sit in a seat where they cannot fit. Well, most people can fit until the idiot in front of them reclines their seat. It's the equivalent of going over the arm rest and into the seat of the next person. Besides, why plan ahead when I can just annoy the person in front of me by banging against their seat? The seats are designed to recline. How is someone using the seat in its designed purpose an idiot? That is like calling the person who wants to use their tray an idiot - it is part of the seat function & intended to be used. Not at all the same as going over the arm rest into the next seat. And I could care less if you bang against my seat. My issue is the angle & I end up in pain sitting at the upright angle for too long of a time period. You banging into my seat would be an annoyance, but not painful. I'll take it if it makes you feel better. If you ask nicely I would split the difference and recline only halfway, so we can both be slightly uncomfortable. But banging into my seat isn't going to make me move. ETA - And seriously if you are that tall, then make sure to get an exit row & problem solved. Now you don't have to worry what the person in front of you does.
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emma1420
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Post by emma1420 on Aug 29, 2014 14:26:04 GMT -5
Awesome! This is what I am doing on my next international flight! Before doing that, you might price Premium Economy. I am looking at seats next summer to fly from Moscow to Seattle. Coach is running about $1400. Premium Economy on British Airways (which gets good reviews) is $2800. Pitch is 38" (more than some domestic first class). Separate cabin, business class (or almost) meals, liquor all included). My plan is to apply for a BA Visa, put the tickets on it and collect the bonus of 50,000 Avios (must spend $3000 within the first 3 months). Then see if I can use the Avios to upgrade. If not, it will still be a bearable flight. I'm becoming a big fan of Premium Economy. Especially if I can't afford the $$$$ for international business class. I really like premium economy as well on long haul. I think it's a nice compromise between coach and business, if you can't get upgraded in other ways. I flew premium economy to New Zealand and it cost me an extra $800 (both ways), but it made a huge difference, and was worth the extra money. Business on that route was four times the price and not worth it.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Aug 29, 2014 14:28:19 GMT -5
I flew on US Airways about a month ago and my knees were pressed against the back of the seat when the person in front of me reclined - and I'm 5'2". My legs are not disproportionately long. Poor DH had the same experience, except his legs are about 8" longer than mine and he has a bad knee that he usually tries to avoid bending 90 degrees or more. He was in pain for the next couple of days.
But the people in front of us got to recline for 70 minutes during a midafternoon flight, so good for them!
(Yes, DH is of a size where he probably should buy a seat with more leg room - but if a 5'2" woman has her knees uncomfortably pressed against a reclined seat, who exactly is supposed to fit into them?)
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