They say buckle it during the flight, but I’ve never had them say “Tighten it up there, Mister Loosey.” Ain’t no rules about having it tight, and only a recommendation that it be buckled.
I do something similar, but I just use a small unpadded messenger bag (that fits a 13" MBP) that goes under the seat (taking up not much room). Taking your shoes off during the flight, and having room to stretch them out below the seat in front of you, is definitely key to comfort.
Just FYI though, recently when I’ve flown, the attendants have been adamant about things stored in the seat-back pocket during takeoff and landing - you can’t put laptops or anything large there, including your bag of goodies. You could probably sneak in an iPad or similar behind the Sky Mall, but not much more than that. That’s probably an unevenly distributed policy, even among the airlines I’ve experienced it on, but it’s a possibility. Of course, you can just toss everything under the seat until after takeoff.
Also, they no longer take cash for in-flight food and beverage purchases.
Word. Thanks for the info…
As long as the belt keeps you in your seat during an emergency so you don’t go flying into other passengers (remember, negative-G events DO happen), it’s better than nothing, so you should wear it even if loose.
It will damage you less if it’s reasonably snug, for the same reasons an auto seatbelt should be snug. (How much momentum do you want to have before you hit it?)
Absolutely agree w/ keeping the under-seat space clear if at all possible, even for those of us who are of moderate height. Leg cramps from trying to avoid the stuff underfoot are absolutely no fun. Unfortunately, the per-checked-bag fees tend to encourage carrying on as much as possible, so depending on what you need to haul and how much you’re willing to spend this may not be an option.
(During the brief period when I was flying business class I used to absolutely love the 747’s upper deck. Lots of shoulder room and the smaller compartment just felt more pleasant. These days I’m mostly flying with my girlfriend, so while we may be crowded against each other at least we aren’t as uncomfortable as we would be sandwiched against a stranger’s personal space.)
Wearing it loose isn’t an option. I’m 6’2" and 300lbs. At maximum extension and with a good bit of straining, I can just barely manage to get the buckle in place, and I can’t take a full breath while it’s there. I have had attendants give me flack about it, too. Generally I squeeze it into place and then unbuckle it again as soon as they’re a few rows off.
It’s pretty ridiculous. I’m not that wide as overweight people go, and another 3-6 inches of belt would hardly take that much extra fuel.
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[quote=“penguinchris, post:143, topic:12888”]
Just FYI though, recently when I’ve flown, the attendants have been adamant about things stored in the seat-back pocket during takeoff and landing - you can’t put laptops or anything large there, including your bag of goodies. You could probably sneak in an iPad or similar behind the Sky Mall, but not much more than that. That’s probably an unevenly distributed policy, even among the airlines I’ve experienced it on, but it’s a possibility. Of course, you can just toss everything under the seat until after takeoff.[/quote]
Huh, interesting. For the record, my recent American Airlines flight said nothing (directly or on the rule card) about what could go in the seatback pouches. Do you know which airline(s) you used? It sounds like something to keep in mind.
I’ll just leave this here then.
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I think you can also ask for an extender. I once sat next to a woman who did that.
You can, but they might not have any. If every time he flies he’s uncomfortable, this is a well-spent forty bucks to always have one.
$40?! I just priced a flight from NY to Vegas and the cost for 1st class was twice the cost of coach. And no, the coach cost wasn’t $40. It was more than $400. If I am going to pay twice the cost I will buy 2 coach seats and get twice the room not just a few inches more.
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Which, again, is why my preferred airline is SouthWest. Bench seating, no seat reservations, one class. . . . A bus with wings. . .
Great idea. . . I’ll pick up two at Wal-Mart on the way home and. . . oops. Lack the means. Outside hitting the Lottery or getting elected to Congress, none of us are likely to become rich enough to be able to afford one, even on a sharing arrangement. . .
He said you can pay $40 extra for a slightly nicer coach seat, not for an upgrade to first class. United offers Economy Plus seating, which gives you extra legroom for an average of $40 more.
Thanks for the life tip, Mitt Romney.
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Actually, a few months ago, I ran into Romney. He was flying Business Class. . . (I was as well, as I’m somewhat disabled and have problems negotiating cattle, excuse me, Coach seating. . . )
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I’ve been placed on small prop planes a couple times, for short hops between local and regional hubs. They’re quite nice, actually–the bass drone of the engines is much more pleasant than a jet’s high whine, and they fly lower, so the view is better. Wish they were more common.
Not sure why your private jet made me think of that. I guess 'cause they’re about the same size.
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