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A Critical Airline Problem & How to Solve It
I’m no stranger to running. I’ve run consistently for the last seven years as a way to handle stress and get good exercise. It’s also when I do some of my best thinking.
On a recent business trip to a beautiful, suburban area outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I went out for a run. I’ve heard it said that the older you get, the fewer firsts you’ll have. Well, I’ve never injured myself running before. So, at mile 6.5 when I felt something *pop* in my right hip, I knew I was having a first.
Three hours later, I was in the Phoenixville hospital emergency room. Fortunately, there was no bone damage. Unfortunately, the soft tissue damage caused severe pain and significant loss of mobility.
At 6 feet 3 inches (roughly 191 cm), I’m taller than the average North American. When I fly, I buy the seats with extra leg room. On this particular trip, I had purchased exit row seats both directions. Now faced with a temporary disability, I knew I wouldn’t qualify for the exit row seats anymore.
On Saturday morning, I shuffled my way through the airport on crutches. It occurred to me then that air travel, in particular, has a significant issue centered on people with either acute or chronic mobility issues.
