Originally Posted by
jsloan
But we’re not talking about an enclosed space. We’re talking about four-foot-high “doors” that slide in front of the already too-tight opening. Unless they’re only shy about being seen by children, I don’t really see what this accomplishes. If anything, the area closed off by this “door” provides the worst possible view into the seat. (I guess it’s somewhat more useful for people who are in the even-numbered windows or odd-numbered center seats). I suspect your friends are in the distinct minority here, and anyway we’re likely to be losing space to add the doors. I suspect it’s a net loss for the customer.
I think it is more psychological than anything else. It's already difficult to look at another passenger in Polaris unless you are walking down the aisle. Where the line of site will not be affected by doors anyway. On DL my impression is it is used like a big do not disturb sign.
I agree with you that doors may keep you from sticking out into the aisle for the even numbered Polaris seats, but maybe more chances of the door getting bumped by people walking down the aisle. Guess we will see.
Originally Posted by
747FC
I'm not part of this cohort, but I can imagine that there are a subset of airline passengers who have been physically or sexually assaulted/abused during their lifetimes, and have a high concern about keeping barriers between their sleeping bodies and others. For that reason, I'll show a bit of empathy and not judge them too harshly.
Yes, I was thinking that the preference for doors may skew by gender.
Anyway, all airlines will be getting them so UA does not really have a choice. Not necessary IMO and a waste of resources- additional weight and fuel burn- but the market has spoken.