Although there are many things that are arguably worse. On the rare
occasion that the following happens to you. I feel confident that, at
that very moment of realization, you will agree. There is no greater
disappointment while flying.
The moment has finally come to press the shiny silver button and
activate the long awaited RECLINE feature on my seat back. But wait,
nothing happens. System failure! In an effort to further understand
what is causing my strife I try again. Still, nothing. I look at the
seat next to mine to gain perspective on the dilemma in 17B. Why is my
neighbors seat broken? Seemingly more forward than a seat back
should be. So I pull on the top of my seat to try and break it too. I
now come to discover the worst. I WAS RECLINED! It is going to be a
long decent to landing.
In all honestly things can be going great. Check in can be like a
warm breeze on your cheek. TSA security checkpoint can feel like your
own private security team. Boarding can be flawless - the only delay
caused by another gentleman ushering me to proceed while I say, "no,
you first".
Beware. Now that this great fortune has been bestowed upon me three or
four times. I feel confident saying; mark my words. There is no
greater disappointment while flying. There is something worse then
poor service. Even worse then a delay or stained shirt. During all of
these inconveniences you have a choice about how to proceed. But a pre-
reclined seat concurs the human spirit and torments the sub-
conscience in ways you can only imagine. As tempting as it is to land
with my seat reclined, I pass. The vicious cycle comes to an end with me.
