<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by OldAztec:
I've got a solution, At booking you indicate a preference of Resting, Working or Socializing during the flight, then the can seat the “Resters” in the rear (more pillows and blankets), the “Workers in the middle (more seat power outlets) and the “Socializers” in the front. That way everyone gets what they want!
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I think what is really called for is refitting all aircraft to include a small panel on each seat which you can flip to the "Do Not Disturb" setting like in a hotel room.
For a more cost effectie solution, FA's will now hand out placard to be hung around your neck which will come in 2 varieties. One is for meal preference [wake me for food/let me sleep] and the other one for conversation preference [conversation welcome/leave me alone].
Of course, Int'l First Class passenger already have the option of putting up the privacy shield mid-conversation, thus sending a subtle signal that quiet is desired.
In addition, FA's will be authorized to hand out tranquilizer in liquid form, commonly known as alcohol, in order to avoid conversation through intoxication.