Airplane seats are becoming more cramped each year.
As previously noted by The Mary Sue, passengers have experienced a reduction of 2 to 5 inches in legroom since the 1980s, varying based on the aircraft and its layout. In addition, the seats have become significantly more narrow.
Things have become so cramped on airplanes that some passengers and pilotsquestion if current seating configurations are truly secure.
Even though seats have become smaller and are now more closely spaced, one element of airline seating has stayed mostly the same: the option to lean back.
In most major U.S. airlines, if you wish to recline, you can press a button and move your seat back. However, even though this is possible, should you? And if so, under what circumstances? This is a discussion currently taking place online following a video on the subject that became popular.
Is This Individual Being Rude by Tilting Their Seat?
A video that has garnered more than 207,000 views features TikTokers Cat and Matan (@catandmatan) as they are seen sitting on an airplane. The space in front of them is limited, and one of them is trying to read a book while also taking notes on their iPad.
Controversial take: you shouldn’t be allowed to tilt your seat back in economy class, especially on a 50-minute flight,” the TikTokers write in the video’s overlay text. “It doesn’t really matter for the person leaning back but takes away space from the person behind.
These TikTok creators are not the first to comment on this discussion. For many years, numerous people have expressed frustration over how reclining a seat decreases legroom and causes overall discomfort.
I believe it varies depending on the type of chair. However, I definitely have difficulty fitting my knees in certain economy class seats if the person in front of me fully reclines.reads one Reddit comment.
“My husband is 6’9 and his knees hit the seat in front in both economy and [Comfort Plus], and there’s no way we can afford [First Class]. We try for exit rows when they’re available but don’t always get them,” adds.anotherA Reddit user wrote, “He’s quite non-confrontational and usually handles it, but if the person in front keeps pushing their seat back to make it recline, even though it’s crunching his knees, he’ll speak up. We once had someone physically slamming their seat trying to get it to recline before finally having to say something.”
A Vigorous Discussion Erupts
Although Reddit might have shown more understanding towards individuals whose personal space was invaded by a reclining seat, commenters on the couple’s TikTok video strongly argued that they should be free to recline as they please.
“If I purchase my ticket and my seat, I have the right to recline it. That’s a feature for a purpose,” said a user.
“An hour is a long time when you’re experiencing lower back pain, and that small incline makes a huge difference,” said another person.
My seat can be adjusted, so I’m going to tilt it back,” said another person. “I won’t do it during meal service, but I will. You can adjust it yourself, choose not to, or purchase a business class ticket.
Nevertheless, some supported the opposition to reclining.
“No one has to adjust their seat. It shouldn’t even be a choice on an airplane,” stated a reader.
“As soon as the person in front of me tilts their seat back, I ask them to lift it up again. You’re not the only one on this flight. Show some thought for the people nearby,” added another TikTok user.
What Is The Proper Behavior On A Flight?
This is a subject that has been endlessly talked about by those who travel. So, what is the proper behavior when it comes to reclining your seat on an airplane?
The concise response is “no one knows.” Writing forOutsidemagazine, author Jen Murphy points out that the actual reason for the problem is the decreasing space in Economy class. However, she mentions that the situation is important when deciding if reclining is acceptable.
For instance, she mentions that red-eye flights and long-haul flights with sufficient time for rest are suitable moments to recline. However, one should do so softly and be mindful of others. In addition, one should be ready to comply if someone requests them not to recline. For individuals who find it particularly uncomfortable when someone is reclining, Murphy recommends reserving a bulkhead seat to ensure extra space, as these seats don’t have any seats in front of them.
Writing for One Mile Every Step, author Ben Schlappig repeats several of Murphy’s arguments. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that, ultimately, the right to recline belongs to the passenger. Schlappig also highlights the increasing popularity of seats that do not recline, which airlines are implementing to address space conflicts.
So, if you plan to lean back on a flight, the internet suggests you should be mindful of others. Alternatively, you might opt to purchase a seat with additional legroom—if available.afford the high prices.
The Mary Sue contacted Cat and Matan through Instagram direct message and a TikTok comment.
