Flying first or business is a tax write-off anyway, now there maybe medical backing as well.

These medical authorities say ECS symptoms include blood clots, back pain, swollen ankles. leg cramps and psychological distress. An American doctor, Dr. Stanley Mohler says that, that while not common, the syndrome can be fatal, and the risks are higher for those who are tall or obese and therefore, cramped more tightly into their seats.

The highest revenue generating and greater profitability area on an aircraft is the first and business class section so obviously they have the best space provisions. Although there are more passengers in economy, those passengers are not the most significant revenue generators on a plane. TOP

The only way to make economy class pay for itself is to pack, rack and stack as many bodies as possible into half the plane. The end result leaves you clawing at the walls. Knees jammed up against the seat in front, seats that are too narrow and food that makes dieting painless.

Packing people together so tightly is both physically and psychologically unhealthy. It creates "cabin fever" says American psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston. He has likened it to "road rage" and are we not hearing more and more about the instances of "air rage". There was the story about a cabin attendant who was hit because there were no more of the meal choice he wanted. TOP

Another had a male attendant thumped so hard that he landed in the next aisle when a passenger was offended that his headset was taken away for landing. On a domestic flight in the US when a man was denied another drink he dropped his trousers and relieved himself on the floor, etc. And on a flight from Los Angeles to London a man is alleged to have tried to hang himself in a toilet.

But things are slowly changing. Airlines like British Airways on its long haul flights have been increasing leg room in economy and providing individual TV screens in seat backs offering a variety of channels. Meals are four courses and there is a choice of wines. TOP

Usually its the US carriers that are last to introduce better benefits in-flight for passengers'.

And as a note, British Airways will be the first airline to introduce beds in Club World, their business class sections - that should be starting from late 1999. The airline was first to have beds in First class. Soon that product is expected to be upgraded...possibly full enclosed cabins like on a Pullman train. We wait to see. TOP
 

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