It is not always visible, but rarely goes unnoticed. It is one of the main reasons for conflict aboard commercial aircraft and has generated so many friction among passengers who, in certain cases, requires even to the intervention of the crew.
The gesture of reclining the seat may seem harmless, but may lead to complaints, minor accidents and, in extreme situations, legal consequences. According to The Sun newspaper, a former British Airways flight attendant identified six times when the back of the back should be avoided at all costs.
During meals
Jane Hawkes, former flight assistant and now travel expert, explained that the reclining seat label is not consensual and originates from various discussions on the flight. According to the same source, one of the main recommendations is never to recline the seat during the distribution or consumption of meals.
It adds the publication that this is one of the most problematic heights, as the tray space is reduced and any backrest movement can result in strokes, discomfort or accidents.
When passengers are still boarding
Another of the moments when the gesture should be avoided is during boarding. The Sun refers that many of the friction arise precisely when passengers choose to recline their seats as soon as they sit even before taking off.
Jane Hawkes states that this attitude is particularly badly received by those who settle behind and can be interpreted as a lack of respect for the common space.
If someone is eating, working or sleeping
Reflicating the seat may disturb those who are using the board for meals or work with electronic devices. According to the same source, this gesture should be avoided if it is noticed that the passenger in the back line is using the space for these activities.
It also explains the British newspaper that there is also an impact on who tries to sleep, as a sudden movement may be sufficient to wake or disturb those who are at rest.
On short flights
Hawkes also advises that the back of the backrest will be reserved for long flights, especially if it is necessary to rest. According to The Sun, on short distance flights there is no real need to recline the seat, as the duration does not justify the search for additional comfort.
We recommend:
It underlines the expert that the gesture is especially problematic on short routes, such as those operated by low -cost companies, where the space is even more limited.
Throughout the flight
Speaking to The Sun, Jane Hawkes also points out that keeping the reclined seat from boarding to landing is one of the most criticized practices by passengers. According to the same source, it is often the crew to have to intervene in these cases to avoid tension climbing.
It also adds that passengers should adjust the backrest only when they really need it, and always carefully after checking the situation from the rear place.
When there is a complaint
Finally, the most sensitive moment: when someone complains directly with the passenger who reclined the seat. Hawkes recommends a conciliatory stance. The Sun writes that it is best to consider adjusting the seat and avoid confrontation, as the situation can ultimately climb to legal consequences.
According to the same source, airlines and airport authorities take these occurrences seriously, and may result in fines, legal proceedings or arrest.
NO RECLINE Seats
Some companies have been adapting to the problem. Lufthansa, for example, introduced models that recline without interfering with the rear space. According to, there are also companies that chose to completely remove the reclining function.
Among the latter stands out Ryanair, which eliminated the system in 2004; and Jet2, which introduced “pre-reclined” seats in 2009. It also refers to the publication that other carriers, such as British Airways, Delta, United or Finnair, reduced the degree of reclining or replaced with fixed slope chairs.
Also read:
