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The Knee Defender: Preventing Airplane Seats from Reclining
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I'm not sure if this is horrible or brilliant.
I suppose the answer is horrible if it happens to me and brilliant if I can do it to someone else. The item in question here is the "Knee Defender." This is a little gadget which clamps on the pull-down tray of an airplane seat and prevents the person in front of you from leaning back.
Sure, it's insidious and evil, but it's also genius. The only problem is that many airlines prohibit the use of such contraptions. The clamps are small enough, however, that it is difficult for a flight attendant to see unless, of course, the person in front of you complains. Chances are they'll simply think their seat is broken and grumpily sit upright the duration of the flight.
This sort of pisses me off. I would almost guarantee that anyone who selfishly uses such a device reclines their own seat while doing so. Jerks!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 26)
Jase Jan 2nd 2007 2:53PM
Back in the days when I had to fly a lot, I'd have killed for this contraption. After multiple knee-crushings and one near fight (in the days before 9/11) it'd have been a godsend to the long-legged crowd.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I never put my seat back, purely out of principle.
Cynthia Jan 9th 2007 8:03PM
I welcome this device. I never recline the seat since that extra 1.5 inches does nothing but annoy the person behind me.
Brockage Jan 9th 2007 8:08PM
People who secretly attach such devices, ensuring their own comfort at the expense of another passenger, should be thrown off the plane in mid-flight to the cheers of the crowd.
jp Jan 9th 2007 8:09PM
A blanket works in the same manner.....
vslowe Jan 9th 2007 8:11PM
Trying flying coach when you are almost 6'4"... I never recline my seats so I would welcome a device like this...
skeetz Jan 9th 2007 8:49PM
Just start kicking the seat after the person puts the seat back. You can also start taping the seat when you determine the person has gone to sleep. I actually had a computer screen cracked when a passenger quickly pushed his seat all the way back.
I sked if he had insurance, I should have cracked him.
Over the pond flights flying coach are the worst with amatuer flyers.
Brockage Jan 9th 2007 9:25PM
Me too. In the old days when I flew a lot, I gotto be expert at keeping my knees against that seat in front of me so that I didn't have someone snoring in my lap.
Mytpoet Jan 9th 2007 8:13PM
Gotta have it!
I'm with Jase. I have never reclined my seat because I know how much it annoys me when the person in front of me does it. Especially when I'm trying to use my laptop.
Lisa Hunt Jan 9th 2007 8:31PM
I seldom ever put my seat back when flying, but should have to right to do so when I need to. Have you ever flown for 14 hrs?? Well I have and sometimes you just have to rest and lie back. If someone asked me to put the sear up for a reason, I would. No everyone is selfish about their space when traveling long distances. What about screaming kids? I'd rather have the seat in front of me leaned back that to hear the child!!
mike Jan 9th 2007 8:32PM
I also never put my seat back out of principle.I remember one flight when I was traveling with my infant son and the person in front of me leaned all the way back leaving me barely room to breath. Although I blame tha airline I have also been forced to resort to kicking the seat in front of me relentlesly on occasion.
mary Jan 9th 2007 8:33PM
What a bunch of whiners. I don't have a problem with people reclining their seats, and no I am not short. I see no real use for this device, if you really don't want a seat that reclines, sit in the exit row!
Bobby Jan 10th 2007 2:29AM
Those of use who are 6' and above appreciate this device. I always look behind me before I recline my seat and then only a little. It seems that it is always shorter people in front of me who rock that seat all the way back without even looking. I'll even have my long legs and knees wedged up behind the seat and the person will keep trying to recline.
Steve Feb 12th 2007 12:16AM
Here is a great technique to use...never fails.
When the person in front of you is leaning their chair all the way back....lean yourself foward and start fake coughing/sneezing a few times..Trust me, they will be happy to pull their seat foward to get away from you.
eileen Jan 9th 2007 8:37PM
I think this is great. It is so annoying when you are using your tray to all of a sudden have it thrust into your chest because of the inconsiderate passenger in front of you
dick malone Jan 9th 2007 8:38PM
I'd be interested in learning what percent of folks would prefer the banning of seat backs, or at least when someone is sitting behind them, if given the chance to vote. Of course this would mean you couldn't recline yours either.
In my case, I would go for the ban, since like some other posters so far, I rarely if ever recline my seat back.
Jonathan Jan 9th 2007 8:39PM
I don't mind people putting their seats back - but since I'm 7'1", it's physically impossible for them to do so most of the time. Whenever I decide to put MINE back - and I think that's okay too - I do so only with the most gentle of motion, looking to make sure there is not another seven footer or a mother with a child back there.
Sivin Jan 9th 2007 8:38PM
I love it! I've never reclined my seat but the person in front often does. If it really bothers me I'll politely say something but on one trip the guy just ignored me. I complained to the flight attendant who begrudgingly asked that passenger to return the seat to the upright position. Maybe just good manners would help here. How about asking the person in back whether he or she would mind if you reclined?
Barry Jan 9th 2007 8:40PM
Here is a great technique to use...never fails.
When the person in front of you is leaning their chair all the way back....lean yourself foward and start fake coughing/sneezing a few times..Trust me, they will be happy to pull their seat foward to get away from you.
Bill Cameron Jan 12th 2007 9:20PM
On a flight between Dublin and Newark (about 5 hours), my wife had to endure this guy not only reclining his seat where she could hardly manuever to read, but he was actually turning and tossing in the seat constantly, not to mention his small child, or grandchild in his lap at one point. He was totally indifferent to my wifes comfort.
kooch Jan 9th 2007 8:41PM
i sit in the bulkhead so no one sits in front of me. you can request those seats especially if you are tall,have a disability or just want to sit comfortably. everyone complains about those seats because you have to have the table attached to the seat a different way but its a small compromise for comfort. they dont serve any good meals on planes anyway.