We all know that flying can be stressful. Do we need gadgets to make it even more stressful. I am talking about the awful “Knee Defender”. What possible use can this thing have if not to aggravate your fellow passengers. If you don’t know what the Knee Defender is then here is a picture of the villain.
Now honestly. I know some people can be a pain in the derriere when it comes to reclining their seats. It seems as if they recline not just to sleep but instantly the plane takes off. Usually a good flight attendant will ask those recliners to put their seat upright during meal service. Which makes sense.
So what happens when you get someone using the Knee Defender and absolutely refusing to move it – as reported on Huffington Post today –
United said that a male passenger seated in Economy Plus – an area of the plane which boasts four inches of extra leg room – decided to use the gadget so he could work on his computer.
All was probably well, until the woman tried to decline her seat and couldn’t. Presumably after words with his fellow Economy Plus traveller, he was asked to remove it by airline staff – and declined. The woman in front then threw water at him, at which point the plane was diverted to Chicago and the passengers – both 48 – were removed.
They then were able to enjoy all the legroom they wanted while they arranged alternative travel plans.
The FAA said that neither passenger was arrested, and are unlikely to be fined. And given the maximum fine for unruly passengers is $25,000 in the US, that’s got to count as a win…
The Travel Lady's Blog 