Tom the Dancing Bug by Ruben Bolling for September 12, 2014

Only in coach. Those with (somebody else’s) money to spend on Business and First Class are actually getting more space.

Try hitting the seatback with your knees. If they can move into your space, you can move your knees around (it probably won’t work).

I haven’t been in a plane since 1995 (I like to drive, and have had no need to fly anywhere). Between all the security stories, and these tales of lack of space, I’m not inclined to, either.

Although I’m sure the space is tighter, it didn’t seem like a big deal way back then if someone reclined, in those days before in-flight laptops and seat-back screens. One hundred pounds later, I’ll bet I’d notice now.

Your obscene graphic is getting old. Knock it off, would ya?

Two words: premium economy (or whatever the airline in question calls it). It’s not always available, but when it is, it’s fairly comfortable, and the price isn’t that much more than steerage. Also: some airlines (like Virgin) will let you fly first class eastbound and economy/premium economy westbound, which turns out to be a lot more affordable that first class both ways.

There are also ticketing web sites like routehappy.com and hipmunk.com that will actually rate available flights on their comfort and amenities. And you can find seat maps and reviews of different planes on Seat Guru.

That said, this is what happens when you deregulate and industry with heavy up-front costs and the inevitable oligopoly emerges from the dust.