Let me preface this by saying I’m 6’2, 190 pounds. With those dimensions, I should be uncomfortable while flying. Even though I’m on the thin side, long limbs often make for an unhappy traveler.
Here’s the funny thing, though: I’m pretty content when I’m seated, even when the person in front of me starts leaning back. I also have the room to clean up after myself, despite the tight spacing (an issue Patrick Smith recently raised). Maybe it’s because I have a good, long reach and good flexibility – and hate wallowing in my own jetsam.
I don’t sleep all that easily on planes, it’s true. But that’s not too big a deal – as long as I can grab at least a little shut-eye on a long haul, I’ll be alright when I arrive.
And once I settle in and have my book out, just keep the beverages coming and I’m happy as a clam.
Maybe it’s because of my expectations. I understand that I’m getting on a plane, not a flying massage therapy room. Space is at a premium, and the tight quarters keep the prices low. I accept it, embrace it and ride -er, fly- with it.
Most importantly, if I’m flying, I’m probably going someplace cool or getting back from someplace cool. And that puts me in a cheery mood that a few hours in a cramped seat can’t erode.
What’s truly funny, though, is that I’ve actually seen business and first-class fliers squawk about their seats. Check out this hysterical comment on CrankyFlier.com: “The old biz class seats look miserable in comparison to the new ones …” Haw, haw, haw! For real? “Miserable”? Cranky himself, being the gracious cat that he is, didn’t take her to the woodshed. But another frequent reader who goes by the handle The Traveling Optimist (who I feel is a kindred spirit) gently pointed out that it’s a perfectly fine seat. Me? I’d have to consider the original comment sniveling and overprivileged. Waaaaah!
So enjoy your inexpensive travel for what it is, and realize that we’re enjoying only the second century in human history of air travel. You can go further in four hours than people at the turn of the century could go in a week. And that’s conservative! Love it for what it is.
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