My 5-Year-Old Son Asked Me If We Could Visit ‘Daddy’s
The Struggle for Space
At 16 and just over six feet tall, the author is no stranger to cramped flights. On a return trip with his mom, he expected the usual discomfort—until the man in front reclined his seat all the way back. “Excuse me, sir? Could you please raise your seat a little? My knees are really cramped,” the teen asked. The man’s response? “Sorry, kid. I paid for this seat.”
No Help from Anyone
The mom gave a silent “let it go” look, and even the flight attendant, despite acknowledging the discomfort, couldn’t force the man to adjust his seat. The man’s reply? “There’s no rule that says I can’t. Maybe the kid should buy a first-class seat if he needs legroom.”
Tactical Snack Attack
Frustrated but inspired, the teen reached into his mom’s carry-on and grabbed a bag of pretzels. He began eating loudly and messily—crumbs raining down onto the reclined man’s head. When the man confronted him, the teen simply replied, “Just enjoying the snack I paid for. You know… this seat and all.” The final blow came with a dramatic, fake sneeze that sent even more crumbs flying. The man snapped his seat upright in defeat.
