The Ultimate Guide to Seat Reclining: How to Handle It Without Causing a Fuss
A TRAVEL guru has proposed three rules for one of the most controversial flying issues – seat reclining. When and how you relax back could cause a cabin commotion, but flight attendant and travel writer Niccolo Serratt has offered advice on how to follow a reclining rule book.
The Controversial Issue of Seat Reclining
The issue has become so contentious that some airlines have totally scrapped reclining. With philosophies differing over how to best deal with the polarizing issue, Conde Nast Traveler plane pundit Niccolo has put forward three steps every passenger should follow. He cites a view from a fellow flight attendant from a Middle Eastern carrier, who said: “Sure, you paid for the seat and its functionality, so yes, by all means, recline. However, passengers need to listen to the safety spiel and erect it when told to do so, like for meal service, taxi, take-off, and landing.”
Niccolo’s Three Rules for Seat Reclining Etiquette
Niccolo has devised something of a seat reclining doctrine. The first rule is to be courteous and ask the passenger behind you, he says. This is compared to “knock(ing) on the door” rather than inviting yourself in. Niccolo’s second commandment is not to recline while meals are being served because it makes it difficult for the traveller behind you to eat. The third directive is to be empathetic and use common sense. Niccolo says it’s worth having a quick glance at who is seated behind you – it could be a mother with her baby, a very tall person, or a business operator trying to work on their laptop.
The Impact of Changing Policies on Seat Reclining
His advice comes with the length of seat reclining has being reduced – Delta, for example, trimmed it back from four inches to two. Meanwhile, a device called a “knee defender” has gained popularity for its ability to reduce the amount a seat directly in front can come back, Niccolo writes. The defender has been banned on United, Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar. It comes following an infamous tussle between travelers that broke out on a 2014 United flight in the US after one of them deployed the defender.
The Three Golden Rules of Seat Reclining
Rule one: be courteous and ask
Niccolo says: “Just as every door has a knob to open it, every seat has a button to recline it. Think of the recline button like a door knob.”
Rule two: don’t recline during meal service
The travel expert explains: “If you find someone’s seat recline annoying, wait until you try eating with your back hunched and the meal tray pushing against your abdomen. Believe me, it’s not pleasant.”
Rule three: use your judgment
Niccolo adds: “Not all flights require reclining, especially if it’s short. No matter the length of the flight, my top tip is always to take a peek and find out who’s sitting behind you. Some people won’t mind, but for others, it makes a big difference. Put yourself in their shoes, and remember they, too, want to travel comfortably.”