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Airline Knee Defender Redux
Charles Leocha · October 20, 2003

First, let me assure you that some of my article about the Knee Defender was for dramatic effect. But not much.

Really, I don't even know the lead-in to Iron Butterfly's Inna Gadda Da Vida and certainly don't have the stamina to play the intro to Wipe-Out.

My emails are coming fast and furious regarding the Knee Defender. Either they are in favor of the Knee Defender or are threatening me with bodily harm (or worse).

Though many have told me that I can use their names in my column, I will refrain to protect Knee Defender users from retaliation from seat-reclining-rights Nazis and to protect those who have sent me absolutely irate and threatening emails.

Nothing is worse than writing a column and hearing nothing. At least with these responses, I know someone is reading.

My real dismay is that this discussion seems to have pitted passenger against passenger. We should not direct out ire against each other, rather the anger should be directed towards the airlines which could solve most of this problem with a basic 33-inch pitch.

Again, the knee defender can be purchased and is explained in diagrams at its site. It is adjustable. It can be set to protect your knees and computer but still allow the passenger in front of you to recline a bit.

Here is a collection of readers' reaction to Knee Defenders. It is always amazing to discover the genius of travelers who have been dealing with those who would recline fully:

Here is one from a kind lady who gets results.

"I loved your article and will probably buy one of the gadgets. A few more tricks I've found useful (may be non-PC, but effective) are:

1) Gently blow on the person's head. It's right in your lap anyway so that isn't difficult. If that doesn't do it,

2) Aim your air vent on their head. It's in your space so that's easy. It usually does the trick. And if all else fails,

3) A good, wet sneeze in their direction has almost instantaneous results, especially if the person is bald. Several hacking coughs afterwards also help to keep the seat raised."

Even short people are victims of recliners and fear "road rage in the air."

"There's are part of me that loves the whole idea be hind this little gizmo, but an equal part that is concerned that this will provoke some very heated incidents. I'm not that tall - only 5'5" - and I do not usually recline my seat (even on very long flights -because I know just how annoying it is), yet I am often the victim of full recliners. I usually use my knees as a block and eventually the offender gets the message. Seriously though, don't you think this might provoke something akin to road rage?"

This reader was incensed.

"This is another product catering to the long established tyranny of those who are tall or large who think that their size grants them rights that supercede those of folks of smaller stature. ... And, if type fits, you are likely one of the manner-less dolts who yaks incessantly (and at an elevated volume) into a cell phone at every opportunity, seemingly mindless of the distress your conversation imposes on your seatmates. Of course, your conversation (like your leg space) is important - every one else's comfort be dammed. ..."

I got suggestions for new inventions.

"What is the next illegal, highly controversial device that you will promote? Candy stuffed with sedatives for the annoying baby of your neighbor? A special screwdriver so that you can yourself move the row in front of you a few inches (and f**k your fellow passengers if they have less space as long as you can enjoy yours and not pay more for it)?"

Some readers have mixed emotions.

"It is a good idea you were not behind me as we probably would have had a conflict. The gadget however is a great idea but must be put on b4m (sic) the person in front tries to recline. If I caught you doing something like this to me I'd piss in your coke, go thru (sic) your carry-on under my seat, or figure out something worse."

Some letters were very clear from a reader who is dating a flight attendant.

"If you were sitting behind me and preventing my seat from reclining, I'd just punch you in the face... I do hope though that someone punches you square in the face. I'd give good money to see it."

This reader offers an intriguing solution.

"If you're looking for a solution then my suggestion is you propose to the airlines that they create a no-recline section. You can't recline your seat and the person in front of you can't recline theirs and all's fair for everyone. With the current climate of airlines clamouring (sic) for bookings am sure that if they felt this could act as a 'service differentiator' they'd implement it in a shot. Maybe it'll be a marketing winner?"

Charlie Leocha is the Boston-based author of SkiSnowboard America & Canada. His column appears regularly on this site. E-mail him at leocha@aol.com or access his Web site.