I flew in economy class on United Airlines earlier this week and have lived to tell about it. My flight was fine and dandy except for one thing, I had virtually no legroom. I was stuck in the middle seat between two people who could have been sumo wrestlers if only they lost a little weight. The dude in front of me had his seat reclined all the way into my lap. I could only take half breaths because there was no room for my chest to expand. I’m venturing a guess that you probably have experienced something similar at least once in your travels.
As the airlines continue to find ways to cut costs and to cram us in like sardines, legroom is becoming more precious than gold. Short of using devices that protect your space there is little you can do other than upgrade to first class or chop off your legs and call it a night.
United Airlines recognizes this and now has a program called Economy Plus. If you are willing to pay a yearly fee, you can land a seat towards the front of the plane that offers a whopping 5 inches of extra legroom. Five inches may not seem like a lot but when you are a person of above average height every little bit counts.