Intriguing In-Flight Dilemma 1: Should You Recline Or Not?

Over the past few days, a perplexing subject has been making waves across various media outlets, capturing the attention of travellers and armchair pundits alike. The question at hand: Should you recline your seat during a flight, or is it an act that transcends decorum and practicality?

Should You Recline Your Seat?

Picture this: a recent incident that borders on the absurd. A less-than-gentlemanly passenger, driven by some inexplicable urge, unleashed a barrage of punches upon the reclined seat in front of him.

The sheer audacity of such behaviour is astonishing. For a more in-depth account of this astonishing episode, click here.

If ever there was a moment deserving of the label “savage,” this would be it. The angry passenger’s conduct was undeniably out of line, demanding swift repercussions for his shocking in-flight antics.

Should This Even be a Debate?

Let’s step back and ponder: Is this a debate even worth engaging in? The recline function is, after all, an integral feature of the seat you’ve purchased. The prerogative to recline is yours to exercise, just as it is for the passenger in the seat behind you, and the one behind them.

In the realm of economy class, reclining is a choice you have and thus can make when it suits. It ought to be a fundamental understanding shared by all passengers. Denying this right is akin to purchasing a product and being arbitrarily denied its full utilization.

Of course, common courtesy and a modicum of decency must prevail, as is the case with any human interaction. Moments such as meal services present an opportune time to display empathy, a fleeting connection between fellow travellers.

These consideration should extend to those possibly working on their laptop at this time. And should you choose to recline, do so gently, embracing the art of subtlety.

However, beyond these instances, it’s hard to ignore the fact that we’re dealing with a non-issue. The time spent wrangling over whether or not to recline could arguably be better directed at general awareness and education of where passenger rights lie.

An airline CEO Weighs In

A significant voice enters the fray—the CEO of Delta Airlines. Reports have emerged that the CEO has suggested passengers ask for permission before exercising their right to recline.

But hold on a second! This notion raises a slew of questions. What if, in a scenario like the aforementioned seat-punching debacle, a fellow traveller steadfastly opposes any form of recline?

Does his inconvenience supersede her right to use a product she purchased? Is it a public safety issue?

While the gesture of a quick check with the person behind you is admirable, the ultimate authority to recline remains vested in the hands of the seat’s rightful occupant. It’s a matter of personal choice, an assertion of one’s autonomy over their purchased space.

If you’re averse to the notion of a reclined seat impinging on your personal space, there are alternatives. Seek out a bulkhead seat or, better yet, purchase of a business-class ticket.

Flying Economy Is Not Meant To be Comfortable

Let’s face it, flying Economy is not sexy nor is it meant to be particularly comfortable. The airlines have made sure of that!

I personally think there can be worse situations that when someone reclines the seat in front of you. Ever been stuck in a middle seat with two over-sized passengers on both sides of you? I have been in that very unenvious position..

Far from being pleasant. Almost unable to move at all, it’s the worse sort of claustrophobia you can experience. Should you recline your seat in that instance and then be subjected to abuse from the person behind?

Sometimes, having airline status helps. Some OneWorld carriers let you select bulk head or extra leg room seats for free.

Final thoughts