The 5 rules for reclining your seat on a plane
Cramming a 100 strangers into a tight airplane cabin is always going to result in some difference of opinion. The biggest point of contention? The etiquette surrounding reclining your seat.
Many believe the right to recline your aeroplane seat comes with the territory. You purchased a ticket for a seat that features a little round button opening up six inches of potential semi-comfort. What kind of person would deny anyone that?
However, some people can’t be trusted with this luxury, jolting their sea back and forward the whole journey, causing mayhem for your tray table. So what is the rule of thumb? Let’s take a look at these five proposed “rules”.
1. Look back
You have the right to recline, but also the choice to be merciful. Give your friendly neighbour warning with a casual look behind you and if they look like they have basketball all-star length legs, use your own judgement on how selfless you want to be.
2. Meal service
Don’t even think about reclining now. Can’t we all agree to spare our fellow passengers food and beverage spillage?
3. Take only what you need
Do your fellow passengers a favour and recline only as far back as you need, you don’t need to take space just because it’s there.
4. Recline slowly
Coming in hot is pointless in your quest for five degrees of reclining space. You’ll get there just as effectively if you take your time, so the person behind you doesn’t end up with a sore rib from a sharp movement.
5. Use your words
We are all so use to stone cod silence in airplane cabin, only quietly murmuring to our companions. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon though, so why not embrace the shared experience, speak up and say thank you and apologise when it’s necessary.
What do you think about seat reclining etiquette? Should you simply get to do what you like since you paid for it? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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