Saddle Seats

[Kendall]

The new saddle seats unveiled at the recent trade show in Long Beach would decrease seat pitch (the distance between rows of seats) from the low 30's (31-35") to 23"! What do you think of this idea?

[pjpoker]

I think its fine...If airlines want to take the risk in installing them, its up to them.
Likewise, if passengers want to book a flight with them, its up to them as well. Its all about choices, if people can save money, I'm sure they'll use them.

[Kendall]

Well, I suppose pjpoker's approach is one way to look at it. Kind of Darwinism in action. The thing is, it's not just a comfort issue, but one with very important safety and health implications. Please check out this week's newsletter for an exploration of those issues.

Thanks,

[Doowop]

Use the power of the market place where ever possible. Fly only those airlines that treat us the way we want to be treated even if it costs a little more. Believe it or not, some people just want the cheapest fare no matter how they are treated (Not me). And where we don't have a choice because of collusion among the airlines, fight like hell. The same principle applies to all you do business with. If I get screwed by a business, I never do business with them again and tell all who might do business with them, unless the business sincerely makes it right for what they have done.

[Kendall]

Well said. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about airline collusion distorting the marketplace. Baggage fees are a great example. Southwest doesn't charge them. Alas, they don't go everywehre, and so the "marketplace" is irrelevant when all the airlines who serve your destination charge baggage fees. That doesn't mean we shouldn't vote with our feet wherever possible, though!

Thanks for taking the time to weigh in.

[LZAK]

Do they expect children to sit still in these ridiculous seats? What about infants? I also wonder about carry-on baggage. I like to stow my carry-ons under the seat in front of me. Looks like that won't be possible any longer. Bad deal!!