Airline check in

Guests: Bill McGee, Scott McCartney

In August, three planes were diverted after fights broke out over reclining seats, cramped space, and a device called the knee defender.  The airline industry has been squeezing economy passengers into tighter spaces in recent years, shrinking leg and elbow room. Despite travelers’ grumbles, industry profits are up and the airlines continue to charge for bags, food, and even boarding.  This hour the state of flying – we check in on the industry and on the passengers.  Guest host Mary Cummings-Jordan talks with SCOTT MCCARTNEY, Middle Seat columnist for the Wall Street Journal.  But first we learn just how much airplanes seats have shrunk from BILL MCGEE author of Attention All Passengers.