Rear Facing Seats in Planes

[airbolt]

If the rear facing seat allows more survivors in an air crash , why was this option never taken up on commercial planes?

[heathfield]

You could apply the same safety argument to buses, but they've never changed either. It's just that the carriers know from experience that people prefer to face forward while travelling.

[Gef]

I'm not disagreeing with heathfield but i wonder if the air carriers have ever asked the general public?

[heathfield]

They have, Gef, and the subject crops up about every 15 to 20 years, presumably as newer managers move in and imagine they've thought up a new and wonderful idea.

[tim20054]

I am not sure about other airlines but I know that British Airways has rear facing seats in there Club World cabin, I was seating im returning from Toronto, and though it is probably safer it is a lot harder to move as you have to step over someone else to get out of your seat as they are not all rear facing. The seats are arrange in the 69 position, with the two middle seat in the centre isle both rear facing.

I agree with you though that if it is proven to be seafer that it should be used.

This is why during take off Cabin Crew sit facing the back of the aircraft, as it is safer so I think that it should be introduced in the passenger cabin.