I wonder if this discussion didn’t take a wrong turn when it focus on the “who owns the space” and sought to resolve things via some property rights type of approach. I think the question of ethics here are very likely orthogonal to property rights.
In terms of the rights, well that is not a problem—they belong to the airline[1]. If the airline is doing a bad job of communicating what bundle of rights are leased that cannot be resolved by point out property rights.
But I think more to the point is the conflict here is about non-pecuniary externalities and the social conflict and disputes such situations can produce. The idea that all can be resolved by channeling Coase and looking for a transaction that will produce that efficient market allocation of use is questionable.
[1] (Yes, I know there is a footnote function somewhere but....) The example also seems to make clear that the airline does in fact grant that right to the person in the seat to recline if they wish. Additionally, at least in USA law, that right has been upheld in court (I’ve not heard of it being over turned but certain never looked).
I wonder if this discussion didn’t take a wrong turn when it focus on the “who owns the space” and sought to resolve things via some property rights type of approach. I think the question of ethics here are very likely orthogonal to property rights.
In terms of the rights, well that is not a problem—they belong to the airline[1]. If the airline is doing a bad job of communicating what bundle of rights are leased that cannot be resolved by point out property rights.
But I think more to the point is the conflict here is about non-pecuniary externalities and the social conflict and disputes such situations can produce. The idea that all can be resolved by channeling Coase and looking for a transaction that will produce that efficient market allocation of use is questionable.
[1] (Yes, I know there is a footnote function somewhere but....) The example also seems to make clear that the airline does in fact grant that right to the person in the seat to recline if they wish. Additionally, at least in USA law, that right has been upheld in court (I’ve not heard of it being over turned but certain never looked).