Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames in 07
If reclining isn't a right why is it part of every non emergency seat? Just curious.
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Likely for the same reason some planes still have ashtrays in the armrest, they were designed for a different time.
Airplane seats were designed at a time when the space between rows was much more than is typical today. A seat pitch (the distance between two identical points on seats in adjacent rows) of 33-34 inches used to be the industry standard in Economy. Now, it can be as low as 28 inches on some airlines. Air Canada's Rouge planes have a pitch as low as 29 inches. Most standard Air Canada and WestJet planes are 31 inches.
The pitch for the AC and WestJet "Plus" seats is in the old standard 34 inch range. With those seats, you don't really notice if the person in front of you reclines their seats. Those missing couple of inches in regular Economy make a big difference.
I'm 6'1". When I'm seated as far back as possible with my legs in front of me, from the back of my seat to my kneecap is about 26 inches. If the seat is 3 inches thick, there is literally no extra room available at a 29 inch seat pitch.