Can you imagine boarding a plane only to find all the seats facing away from you?
You might think there must be some kind of mistake.
But turning the seats around would actually be the best way to get passengers from A to
B!
Why?...
#1.
For the health of it Research shows that backward-facing airline
seats are safer than forward-facing ones.
They provide extra support for the head and torso.
Plus, they’re larger size and heavier weight provide even more protection by lessening
the impact when landing or in the case of an accident.
The Society of Automotive Engineers, which creates safety standards in the automobile
and aerospace industries, explains that forward-facing seats allow the torso to move forward.
This doesn’t harness the same kind of protection.
Our backs are scientifically proven to withstand more shock than our chests and front.
#2.
It’s like babies!
Babies and toddlers are supposed to sit in rear-facing car seats until they’re at least
2 years old.
You ever wonder why that is?
Because it’s much safer!
Statistics show that rear-facing seats reduce the risk of injury by more than 70%.
This is the same argument for rear-facing airline seats.
If an airplane has to come to a sudden stop (like when it’s landing or, in the worst-case
scenario, it crashes into something), the impact is far less intense on the passengers.
#3.
It saves space.
Airlines that have included backward-facing seats in their business class have been able
to fit 80 more seats in the cabin.
Travelers also benefited from an increased amount of space between seats overall: up
by 15% with an added 4 inches of legroom!
Whoa!
A recent patent suggested an “Economy Class Cabin Hexagon” with alternating forward-
and backward-facing seats.
A perk?
The seats can easily be folded up!
The downside?
Looks pretty awkward for the person sitting in the middle!
Plus, do they not have armrests?
Oh, brother…
#4.
The views are great.
In business class, it can be hard to catch glimpses of the plane’s wings and engines
since they’re behind you.
With rear-facing seats, you get to enjoy the view the entire time you fly!
Or, if you’re willing to give up some legroom, you could enjoy the same great view by flying
coach!
Just sayin’…
#5.
Sleeping is better.
Airplanes are naturally angled up a degree or two when in flight.
Seats that face backward can recline into fully flat beds.
When facing this direction, your head will be just a tad bit higher than your feet.
That’d certainly make sleeping a lot safer and more comfortable!
#6.
It’s FUN!
If you’re someone who’s flown your share of miles, try booking a flight on a rear-facing
seat next time you travel.
Not only will you be seen as “cutting edge,” you may feel like you’re flying for the
very first time!
#7.
Better amenities Flyers aboard planes like the Boeing 777 200
series claim that airlines sporting rear-facing seats also up the ante with their food, soaps,
and lotions.
If these seats are usually in business class, then that might not come as a surprise…
So, with all these benefits, why don’t all airlines have the option of rear-facing seats?
Well, I never said they were ideal!
For example…
#1.
Too much weight Because rear-facing seats are heavier than
forward-facing ones, this adds weight to the plane.
More weight to the aircraft means more fuel consumption, which usually translates into
pricier tickets.
The price per seat would be considerably higher and probably not an option for economy flyers.
#2.
No privacy Some frequent flyers that have tried the backward-facing
seats say that it’s a little awkward when you ride facing other passengers.
One woman had an interesting experience during meal-time.
She sat in the last row of business facing coach.
As you may know, first and business classes get fed earlier, so she had to eat her meal
while the economy passengers stared at her the entire time!
With the current models being staggered with both rear- and forward-facing seats, privacy
can go out the window.
Some airplanes include privacy doors, but it’s not always an option for aisle passengers.
#3.
No personal space One passenger told a story about a long international
flight with a variety of seats that converted into beds: either straight forward or backward.
He had to wake up in the middle of the night and literally crawl over his neighbor to go
use the restroom!
He unintentionally woke the neighbor up each time.
Other flyers reported a lack of space to work with flimsy surfaces.
#4.
It’s too pricey Don’t expect airlines to suddenly have a
change of heart and flip all their seats around.
In fact, the practicalities of it wouldn’t just be “flipping” what you already have.
Completely replacing old seats and installing new rear-facing ones would cost a fortune.
Most airlines are not ready, willing, or able to conduct complete overhauls on their aircraft.
Passengers probably aren’t ready either because…
#5.
It could make you sick.
If you’re someone who struggles with vertigo or nausea, I’m raising my hand here, these
“innovative and revolutionary” seats may not be for you either.
The shift your body experiences while taking off and landing facing the opposite end of
the plane may be too much for your inner ear to handle.
Such passengers have reported being sick and feeling queasy throughout the rest of their
flight.
It’s mostly takeoff and landing that mess you up, though.
You can’t really feel the difference mid-flight like you would on a bus or train.
Although, just looking out the window and seeing the clouds move the other way can also
be disorienting.
#6.
Sound interference It’s a little more challenging to have quiet
reading time while traveling when you have a group of people facing you and vice-versa.
Having different voices talking at once could make it more difficult to zone one another
out or carry on a conversation with a fellow passenger.
Or it might encourage people to strike up a conversation!
That’s great and all, but sometimes I just wanna sleep!
Sorry, neighbor…
#7.
Takeoffs could be uncomfortable.
If back-facing seats are better for when the plane comes to a stop, then you’re just
reversing the problem.
Normally, you have to fight your body’s urge to jut forward when the brakes are applied.
Now, that’ll happen during takeoff as your chest is pushed toward the back of the plane
while it speeds down the runway.
You’ll have to push yourself back in your seat to fight the inertia.
So what’s better – discomfort during takeoff or landing?
Looks like we just have to pick!
#8.
It’s a heavy issue.
Remember that rear-facing seats are heavier?
Apparently, one airline was so concerned about fuel consumption that they specifically asked
flight crew members to watch their weight!
Seems like there should be less offensive ways to cut fuel costs, and keeping the lighter
front-facing seats could be a start!
#9.
People wouldn’t want them.
Studies done on various forms of transportation show that most people choose forward-facing
seats.
Whether they’re traveling by train, bus, or plane, it seems that the position they’re
most familiar with is the one they feel comfortable choosing.
Would they ever just get used to flying the other way around?
We might never know since…
#10.
Experiments are too much of a risk.
Completely redoing seating arrangements on board would be risky, and may not guarantee
revenue.
Southwest Airlines provided “lounge-seating” for a season.
It might’ve worked nicely when families wanted to sit together, but the same issues
kept popping up.
The airline reported that people either loved or couldn’t stand the lounge seating arrangement.
If you think all of this sounds bad, one airplane model had a stand-up patent: a suggestion
that flyers stand up while traveling to maximize space!
Luckily, it didn’t make it past the idea stage.
I wouldn’t stand for that, would you?
Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of things airlines do get right!
Ever notice how most cabin interiors are blue?
It’s a calming color specifically chosen to put travelers at ease since flying causes
anxiety for many.
We can rest assured that airlines and aircraft engineers are always working to improve our
travel experience, and pack more of us into less space – but comfortably!
Still, would you be willing to fly sitting backward or standing up?
Let me know down below!
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