The debate over reclining airplane seats reached new altitudes after footage emerged showing a fiery dispute that has since reignited conversations about airline etiquette.
A now-viral video shows the moment a female plane passenger woman vocally defended her right to recline her seat against another passenger who persistently attempted to push it upright.
"The whole trip she pushin’ my seat," she exclaimed, her frustration palpable as she engaged with the couple behind her.
As reported by the New York Post, the video was captured on an undisclosed flight.
As the man behind her offered a feeble defense, the woman’s response was thunderous: "No, you seen it! You know she did! I’m allowed to put my seat back!"
"I’m allowed. To. Put. My. Seat. Back," echoed through the cabin - serving as a rallying cry for pro-recliners everywhere before the video abruptly ended.
This airborne altercation swiftly parachuted onto social media, where it once again sparked a debate over reclining rights.
One X (formerly known as Twitter) user wrote: "She’s allowed to put her seat back. You don’t get to kick it repeatedly just because you want more space."
"If you wanna be this entitled to take offense to someone reclining their seat, book business or first class. Put your money where your entitlement lies," another supporter wrote.
And another tweeted: "This is so dumb! If you want to maintain your space put your seat back as well and all is well. Everyone had that right. I have lower back issues 30 minutes without recline could put me in traction."
READ MORE: Man's Laptop Destroyed After Passenger In Front Reclines His Seat
However, one person argued: "Unpopular opinion: airplanes should not have seats that recline. As a larger person, I do not want my knees crushed. Anything outside of comfort+ or first class, my knees touch the back the of the seat in front of me."
Another X user added: "Seats should not recline unless there's ample room for them, like in first class."
"Putting your seat back in coach is sociopath behavior," one brash X user wrote. "You've made it so the person behind you can't use their tray table and can't move their legs. Yes you're "allowed" to do it, but you're an a**hole if you do."
"My take: Airline seats are already super tight, some people sit down & their knees are already up against the seat in front of them, if you recline your seat further onto their knees making their entire flight even more uncomfortable, don't expect them to be concerned about your comfort level," wrote another flyer against recliners.
However, others took aim at the airlines, with one X user tweeting: "I blame the airlines. The seats are too damn close together. It’s not right and they should pass [a] law that allows for enough space for a person to have some damn sanity even if the person in front of them has their damn seat back."
Of course, this is an argument that has been raging for years.
The controversy even drew remarks from Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian in 2020, following a similar viral moment. He stated at the time: "I think customers have a right to recline," but also advocated for politeness, advising passengers to ask before tilting their seats back.
Despite his stance, Bastian personally avoids reclining, possibly setting a standard for CEO etiquette in the skies. Check out Bastian's comments in the video below:
Meanwhile, CNN reports a decline in reclining seats, mainly due to economic factors. Recaro, a German seat maker, has been steering the industry towards pre-reclined seats for short-haul flights, touted by CEO Mark Hiller as cost-effective and space-efficient solutions. "The main advantage is increased living space," Hiller notes, promoting the benefits of a recline-free design.
With weighty implications, airline companies are weighing the costs of reclining mechanisms. A standard airplane seat adds 15 to 22 pounds to an aircraft's load, and every ounce saved translates into fuel economy. Recaro's innovative seats remove the need for additional parts, trimming down the pounds and the costs.
The viral video stands as more than just an entertaining skirmish in the sky; it reflects an ongoing struggle between personal space and courtesy. So, what are your thoughts on seat recliners? Let us know in the comments section.
