Airline Seating Experts Look at the True Cost of the $22 Knee Defender
Photo Credit: Testing for the Pitch PF2000 seat. Vimeo
Skift Take
Failing to ban something which affects the function of the seat trays in this manner, seems to put regulators at odds with their core responsibilities for cabin safety and component certification. But, for now, it's up to passengers to decide whether they want to take the risk and up to airlines and manufacturers to cope with any consequences.
In flight diversions alone, the controversial Knee Defender device, which costs passengers just over twenty dollars, has cost airlines dearly.
But industry insiders are concerned that the risks of injury during cabin emergencies resulting from use of this device could cost airlines and seat manufacturers far more.
Industry experts that look at unruly passenger incidents on aircraft have previously told Skift that each flight diversion may cost between $6,000 to $200,000 to an airline, but the liabilities associated with any injuries resulting from passenger use of the Knee Defender could be in the order of millions, some industry sources say.
Though the devices are purchased and used by the passengers themselves, these sources believe that in the event of an injury the legal representatives of the injured passenger could pursue claims against the airline, and even the seat manufacturer.
The reason for concern by those inside of the aircraft seating industry is that the Kne
