[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Welcome to the 21st century, and to "sardine class." Anyone, unless they're 5 years old or younger, will experience this. I was in a middle seat, on Frontier (which I'd fly again) and nearly the entire flight was spent with both hands on my kneecaps and my elbows pressing against my side. By the time I got to Philadelphia I thought I had joined a new religion! Indeed the only thing separating domestic coach from the 42nd St (subway) Shuttle, at 5:30, are the feely feely games (a/k/a subway sex.)

These kind of absurd conditions exist because people are willing to be treated this way in return for $150 trans-continental fares. If I can put a dog collar on you, and lead you on a leash through the airport, I'll take you to the west coast for $75. You know you'd probably get "takers," even with these kind of terms! Unlike Machiavelli's Prince, the airline's "subjects" are more than willing to tolerate a "stingy Prince."