We're familiar with the legitimate complaints of tall people with regard to airplane seating. My heart goes out to 'em, too. Especially, oh lord, in steerage. Yet, short folk have troubles too, albeit not of the knees-under-nose variety.

I'm 5'3" which isn't all that short (is it?) but my torso is long and my legs are short which compounds the problem. My legs are forever dangling in space which puts too much pressure on my tailbone and makes my back hurt. Even first-class seats, those without foot/leg rests, can be uncomfortable.

I've developed a variety of tactics to help me survive flights longer than two hours:

1. I put my feet on my briefcase and I try to 'fatten' up same with the inflight magazine and catalog in the seat pocket.

2. I score a pillow for my lower back.

3. I get up and walk, stretch, the usual.

Other tips?

A great man once said, when asked how tall he was, that he was tall enough for his legs to reach the ground. I have always thought that was good enough, but I can see that "dangling" legs could be unconfortable too! My only suggestion is to watch what kids do. They obviously have a similar problem (no, I am not suggesting you yell, scream and cry your way to the destination!)

If you watch what kids do, you'll be kicking the seat back of the person in front of you.

I'm the same height as you, KatW, and I have no idea how the tall folks put up with steerage. Even I feel cramped there, although leg room isn't usually the problem. With short legs it is sometimes comfortable to rest a foot on the protruding part of the arm rest of the row in front of me (kind of my own personal foot rest). Your leg will be bent but because you have short legs it is not at all uncomfortable.

My love is 5-1/2 and she does the legs in seat thing because of the same problem. In
coach it is not always possible unless middle seat empty. Ever try putting a pillow under your knees?

While I am 5'5", I too have difficulty reaching the floor on some seats, especially on the larger planes in first class. Also, as I grow older, I find it increasingly more difficult to move after I have remained in the same position for an extended period of time. I, therefore, try to change position frequently and regularly rotate my feet in both directions directions to stimulate blood flow. Toe wiggling helps as well.

When wearing slacks or a long skirt, I sometimes bend my knees and (gently) lift my shoeless feet to the back of the seat in front of me to allow the blood to drain out of my feet. (Of course, this should only be attempted after your most brutual critics--your kids or obnoxious brothers and sisters--have assured you that you don't have stinky feet.)

[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 05-01-99).]

There IS a solution to this problem.

At Tokyo's Narita airport, all gift shops carry this little device. One unfolds it to attaches to the seat in front of you (don't ask me how); it is basically a little saddle/hammock/footrest for your feet. It is very light and small can fit in one's purse.

Unfortunately, I have not seen it sold in the United States yet.

kyklin -- Ahah! That's it; I gotta get me one of those.