It's been almost six years since we began issuing "Air Laws" in an attempt to bring civility back to commercial air travel. Clearly, after I have witnessed every single one being brazenly violated over the past two weeks in airports across this country, it's time to review. Hey...no whining. You brought this on yourself.
Here's the first in the series, originally issued in January of 2007:
Not since the Budweiser Lizards have I enjoyed a beer commercial concept as much as Miller’s “Man Law” series.
And, on my way back from Rochester NY, I’ve decided that somebody’s got to establish a new set of Laws for commercial air travel. And that someone is me.
AIR LAW 1: There will be no reclining of seats under any circumstance unless a) the seat behind you is empty, b) you ask permission of the person behind you and c) that permission is granted. Those in violation of this rule will be subject to knee jabs throughout the flight, especially just as they start to nod off.
I don't care how tired or important you think you are. And, I don't care how small the person is behind you. Reclining ALWAYS cramps the person behind you.
I mean, really. How self-absorbed can these clowns be? Of course, they might just be clueless, having never been reclined upon before because the person in front of them has always been considerate of their travel mates.
No Reclining. Air Law Number One.
Nice, courteous suggestion .......but shouldn't the airlines make seats that either recline acceptably or don't recline at all. The airlines who cram rows so close together are the real culprits......They should know better!
Posted by: tom | December 10, 2012 at 13:28
Totally agree with you, my man. But, with the exception of Virgin, does anyone really think the rest of the airline industry cares what they've done to us? Part of the lack of civility on today's airlines is directly their responsibility. They DO know better.
But part of this is the increasingly selfish, entitlement culture that we've allowed to blossom.
While I wait for the airlines to get a clue...it's Air Law One ;)
Posted by: Bill Geist | December 10, 2012 at 13:43
I saw this and thought of your posts...
http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/ticked-at-seat-kickers/
Posted by: Harvey Briggs | December 31, 2012 at 08:13
Sadly, the first reader comment is all too common in this "me-first" world. Chris posted a bit more forcefully on this issue earlier this year and was unmercifully flamed. I think I'm gonna get me one of these: http://www.gadgetduck.com.
Posted by: Bill Geist | December 31, 2012 at 08:43