Flying nowadays may resemble a trip to the dentist. Not because it’s painful (although it can be), but because when the passenger in front of you reclines their seat their face may very well be in your lap. At least it seems that way sometimes.
With the sheer volume of passengers flying this summer, you are bound to encounter this situation, and a recent CBS News feature found many travel experts say passengers should never recline their seat. Not only is it annoying to the person behind you, but reclining can be downright dangerous. Beyond the obvious complaints about bruised knees, there have been reports of reclined seats damaging laptops by cracking the screen.
The consensus is that the airlines are at fault. For years they have been cramming more seats onto planes without taking into consideration the amount of recline seats have. Experts say airlines need to do a better job of making sure there is enough room for the seat to recline without encroaching on the person behind you.
Until that changes – which is probably never – it’s best to take a quick peek behind you before you hit the recline button. Make sure the sudden movement will not knock over a drink, smash a laptop screen, or even bang the passenger in the head if they are leaning over to get something from their carry-on bag. Some people even suggest asking for permission before leaning back and encroaching on your neighbor’s space.
What do you think? Is it now proper etiquette to not recline your seat when flying? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your thoughts on the big debate: to recline or not to recline.
