Being tall has always bothered me, particularly on aircraft. My recent flight had a passenger who didn’t care about my cramping legs and made matters worse. I had a smart technique this time!
16-year-old me is over six feet tall, taller than most youngsters. Every flight is hard. My knees hit the seat in front of me before takeoff. Not enjoyable! This flight’s events were beyond irritating.
It began like any other excursion. My mom and I flew home from seeing my grandparents. Legroom was a joke in economy class. I expected a rough trip, but not this horrible.
The aircraft was delayed, so everyone was unhappy when we boarded. You could sense the tension on the crowded jet. I scrunched onto my seat, attempting to accommodate my lengthy legs without feeling suffocated. My always-prepared mom gave me a travel cushion and magazines.
She smiled and continued, “Try these.
I felt the seat in front of me shift back while reading a magazine. I hoped for a little change. Nope! The middle-aged suit-wearing man in front reclined! I know people want to relax, but look behind you! He reclined so much that his seat was on my lap.
I had to rotate sideways to prevent knee discomfort from jamming. Trapped! I leaned closer and respectfully said, “Excuse. Sir?” Could you raise your seat? I’m cramped back here.”
He shrugged without looking at me. “Sorry, kid, I bought this seat.”
My mom gave me her “let it go” expression. I refused to quit. I said, “Mom, this is crazy. The legs are crushed!”
She sighed. Honey, the flight is short. Be persistent.”
I wanted to protest, but she was right. The man reclined farther. His seat reclined like a broken chair! I had to sit twisted since my knees were pressing into his seat.
“This isn’t okay,” I gritted.
A nice 30-year-old flight attendant was waved over by my mom. My mom said hello. My youngster has difficulties with the front seat. It reclines too far, and he has no room.”
Flight attendant nodded and talked to him. “Sir, I know you want to recline, but it’s bothering the passenger behind you. Could you raise it?
He never looked up from his laptop. “No. I bought this seat and use it.”
Though astonished, the flight attendant tried again. “The seat reclines six inches too far. The young guy behind you is really uncomfortable.”
He looked at her at last, irritated. No regulation prohibiting recline. He can purchase a first-class seat if uncomfortable.”
Anger heated my cheeks. The flight attendant apologized and said, “I can’t do more.” She said, “Enjoy your flight,” and left.
The ache made me hunch in my seat. I could see my mom was irritated as she rubbed my arm. An thought struck me. My mom puts everything in her carry-on—like a superhero! I noticed a full bag of pretzels in her purse.
Sneaky plan. It was stupid, but if he didn’t care about me, why should I care about his space? “I’ve got this,” I muttered to my mom.
She raised an eyebrow but nodded curiously. I tore apart the pretzels and chomped noisily, scattering crumbs over my lap, floor, and particularly the guy’s head!
He was too concentrated on his laptop to notice. A few minutes later, he froze. He annoyedly brushed his shoulder and hair. Each mouthful was noisy and dirty as I munched.
He finally turned and glared. You’re doing what?
I glanced at him innocently. “Oh, sorry,” I murmured, wiping my chin of crumbs. “Very dry pretzels. Perhaps they’re messing up.”
He snapped, “Stop it.”
“I’m just eating,” I shrugged. You know, I paid for this seat.”
Eyes narrowed. He was upset I used his words. Your crumbs are all over me. Cut it!”
Chewing continued. “I’d love to, but your seat crushes my legs. I wouldn’t sit here if you raised it.”
His face reddened. “I’m not moving my seat because some kid can’t!”
“Okay,” I responded, sneezing and throwing more crumbs at him. My mom appeared to stop me, but the man gave up. Grumbling, he pressed the button and sat up. My legs felt better immediately, and I smiled as I stretched them.
“Thanks,” I grinned.
Instead of answering, he turned around, perhaps humiliated. I caught a stealthy thumbs-up from the flight attendant. She’s delighted it worked.
Mom leaned over. That was clever. Naughty yet smart.”
A chuckle. He earned it, right?
She grinned. “Maybe. Avoid doing it frequently.”
Flight was much better after that. He kept his seat up, so I ate pretzels quietly. I felt victorious when we arrived! The approach wasn’t ideal, but it worked.
The guy looked at me as we left. He shook his head and departed, but I expected him to speak. I liked myself!
My mom stared at me half-jokingly as we exited the aircraft. “You know,” she added, “it’s okay to stand up for yourself, even if it makes a little mess.”
Nodding, I felt good. “Next time, I’ll choose a cleaner snack.”
We went to baggage claim and she giggled and embraced me. “Or maybe we’ll get first-class seats.”
I smile. “What a plan!”