Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Airline Madness: People who recline their seats vs. People who get mad at people who recline their seats
The final first round match-up of Airline Madness is an epic battle between two arch rivals: #8 People who recline there seats and #9 People who get mad at people who recline their seats. This is a battle that has been raging since the first passenger leaned back and banged into the knees of the person behind them. Is reclining every passengers' right? Are we already too short on legroom to sacrifice any more just so someone else can recline? Tempers flare when this topic comes up and only you can help us settle the dispute.
Read the full bios of both peeves and then let your voice be heard below.
#8 People who recline their seats
Some would argue that all reclining passengers are evil. Others suggest that reclining just needs to be done slowly and politely - only after permission has been given by the person seated behind the recliner. Reclining is an invasion of personal space. It also makes seat-back televisions difficult to enjoy. Oh, and death to those who dare to recline during drink service!
#9 People who get mad at people who recline their seats
You know who paid for that seat-back? The person sitting in that seat. The airline has put in the recline feature and we're entitled to use it. Frankly, it's one of the few amenities that's still free on airlines. We don't need anyone's permission to recline our own seats. We can use that seat however we damn well please (well, within reason, of course) and reclining is our right! Our seat, our choice! Now shut up so we can enjoy our reclined seats in peace.
Where do you stand on this hot button issue? Which one of this fliers is worse: the recliner or the complainer? Vote for the one that you think should advance to the second round and then join the conversation in the comments.
| People who recline their seats | |
|---|---|
| People who get mad at people who recline their seats |
First round voting ends at 11:59PM EDT on Friday, March 16.
More Airline Madness:
#1 Annoying passengers vs. #16 Disgusting bathrooms
#2 Legroom vs. #15 Inefficient boarding procedures
#3 Lack of free food/prices for food vs. #14 Cold cabin/no blankets
#4 Baggage Fees vs. #13 Obese people who take up two seats
#5 Lack of overhead space vs. Inattentive parents of crying babies
#6 Change fees/no free standby vs. #11 Lack of personal entertainment/charging for entertainment
#7 Rude airline staff vs. #10 Having to turn off electronic devices during takeoff & landing
Hotel Madness: Gadling's tournament of airline annoyances
Catch up on all the Airline Madness here.
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
William Mar 13th 2012 5:14PM
Whine all you want. I'm going to recline MY seat.
Josh Mar 14th 2012 8:10AM
At 6'6" and a 36" inseam, I reserve the right to have my knees keep your seat from reclining. That is because there is no where else for them to go.
Margo Millure Mar 13th 2012 7:30PM
I had a horrible experience with "seat wars" a while back and wrote about it on my site. Based on the reaction this is definitely quite the issue these days. I pretty much think that since there will always be people on any given flight who will act completely childish over whether it's okay to recline or not, that the best solution is for the airlines to step up with a few policies.
http://www.travelbelles.com/2011/08/15/legroom-recline-airline-seat/
Margo Millure Mar 13th 2012 7:30PM
I had a horrible experience with "seat wars" a while back and wrote about it on my site. Based on the reaction this is definitely quite the issue these days. I pretty much think that since there will always be people on any given flight who will act completely childish over whether it's okay to recline or not, that the best solution is for the airlines to step up with a few policies.
http://www.travelbelles.com/2011/08/15/legroom-recline-airline-seat/
huidaddy Mar 13th 2012 9:06PM
i paid for my seat. i will recline my seat. i dont care who's behind me. that's the last comfort left in the skies these days...
007 Mar 14th 2012 8:32AM
Do what you want, But don't complain when I bump your Seat-Back every time I move my legs, or try getting up from my seat.
Alex Mar 14th 2012 9:52AM
Wow I can't believe what an even split this poll is.
I don't know about anyone else here, but I can't sit in straight-back seat for hours on end. I paid for that reclining seat and I'm darn well going to use it. If you sit behind me and are mad about the few inches of space you lost, well just recline your seat and you got it back.
And don't give me this "I'm 5' 6" and everytime someone reclines my knees get crushed". Sit up straight and stop slouching. I'm 5' 10" and have never had any issues. And no, it doesn't affect the in-seat TV. That's why they tilt, people.
I agree that reclining should not be done hard and fast, or during food/drink service. And if you really are 6' 6", or have a lap child, then maybe I'll make an exception. But otherwise, that seat is going back. And where did this asking for permission to recline suddenly come from? I've been flying all my life, several times each year and I have never, ever seen someone ask their fellow traveler for permission to recline their seat.
Happy travels.