I'm sure most of us have heard about this story that's been in the news the last couple of days. In short, this woman reclined her seat on a flight & the man seated behind her proceeded to punch her seat multiple times. The woman said she has back problems & this incident resulted in her missing time @ work & having to pay for medical expenses.
The link below has the video.
Personally, I never recline my seat & find it pretty rude of people who do. That said, the man was completely out of line in punching her seat.
Do you recline your seat when flying? Do you find it rude? Obnoxious? No problem with it @ all?
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The guy in the video is a punk. Have conversation with the lady and ask her to move up a little.
He's a real tough guy doing that to a women. I doubt he'd have been so aggressive if the person behind him was a bigger man.
Having said that, I was on a flight to Chicago in January where I witnessed a woman turn around and ask the gentleman behind her if she could recline the seat so she could try to get some sleep.
He nodded ok....but I thought that was pretty cool.
However, if he said no....then she lost her right to change the seat position she bought a ticket for.
So I guess be prepared for any answer when you directly ask.
Flying sucks in general and brings out the worst in people. Seat recliners don’t bother me as much as the people who try to run out of the plane ahead of everyone else.
I'm tall, so when someone reclines it's def uncomfortable, but never even say anything. The man in the video is an asshole IMHO.
1) When I read aggressively punching a seat, I want to see bloody knuckles and an old lady with whiplash.
2) The woman is clearly fishing for a lawsuit. Yes it was harassment, but please spare us how your ensuing back injury ruined your dream of becoming a school bus driver someday. Get a couple free plane tickets and shut the hell up.
International flights in particular when people are trying to sleep I often have found it odd when people do *not* recline their seats.
The guy could have just asked her to put her seat up nicely.
All that being said, that guy was WAY out of line.
People have the right to do it but should show some curtesy. The worst are the people who the first thing they do when they sit down is jam it back as fast and hard as they can.
I'm a frequent traveler.
I had a flight from Logan to Zurich in November. I was on Swiss Air for the first time, and just sitting in the seat and hearing the pilot say "flight time is expected to be 7 hours.." almost gave me anxiety. And I don't get anxiety. The coach seats on that plane were like the bleacher seats at Fenway.
then, once at cruising altitude the person in front of me reclines all the way back. Seems like they were in my lap. I'm not massively tall (around 6 feet), but I could barely see the TV screen on back of the seat in front of me when they reclined.
So, while I blame the airline at least partly, I did think it was pretty inconsiderate of the person to recline. Even if it was "their right".
I had no inclination to punch her though or the back of her seat. Because I'm not a psychopath.
I've only had someone complain once, and she was very nice about it so I quickly moved my seat up.
Flying does bring out the worst in people though. My first flight was marred by the woman next to me getting nearly blackout drunk then having a fucking anxiety attack at the first sign of turbulence. The last time I flew, the guy next to me had a conniption because there was a woman with a crying baby in front of us. She was suffering worse than anyone, that baby cried for the entire flight and this jackoff made it seem like she was some sort of social terrorist who was pulling this off as a prank.
Chair punching asshole here seriously needs a no-fly ban.
This is a major flaw in the design. I'm surprised there aren't more incidents.
aggressively punching the seat is over the top, but repeated not-so-accidental jiggling of the seat while fidgeting/adjusting posture is fair game. You recline your seat so far that I can barely move, you have to expect your seat is going to get jostled.
It's a complete dick move to recline more than a couple inches. If you choose to be a dick, you're accepting that others are going to be a dick unto you.
You should also give a peak behind you or better yet give an FYI.
Just because you can do it, doesn't make it pess rude if you just do it.
This lady has every right to be pissed. Sure shes milking it and I don’t condone that, but it all starts with that twat of a man anyway.
I’m surprised no one stepped up for her and told that guy stop or else...
Food came around and the tray was not visible. I told the stewardess he has to move his seat up. She saw I literally has nowhere to put food unless I put it on his head. He didn't want to move so I stuck my knees into the back of his seat while my brother held my tray and I pushed his seat. We got into an argument before he finally moved it up.
Since that day especially on transatlantic flights I try not to put seat back especially if person behind me is tall. If a kid or short woman then no problem. Lately I just pay up for the extra 6" so I don't have to worry about some person cramming into you on an 8 hour flight.
i do get put off by people who recline into me but get over it.
it's worst on embraer 170s and other regional jets.
the guy is the dickhead here without any thought required.
As long as I can still use the tray, I don't mind the reclining into me.
I can understand if someone does hate the tray. But that guy's a fucking sociopath. Who is nuts enough to sit there hitting the seat in front of them?
What I do hate is the person who reclines like they are being launched into space. I had one guy simply collapse backward halfway through the flight and crack the screen on my laptop because it was caught between my tray table and the seat back.
If you are going to recline, sit forward before you lift the lever and ease back. Someone's personal belonging, knees or head (if they are reaching under the seat in front of them) may be there. You can recline, but please have some courtesy in doing so.
He's a dick.
What fries me is the s--tbird in row 36 who leaves his carry-on in overhead 12, where I'm sitting. Now I have to schlepp my friggin bag all over the plane to find vacant storage.
I only recline if the dickless piece of shit in front of me does so. Not mad.
I am also 6'2" and when someone reclines their seat in front of me it doesn't affect my legs whatsoever. The seat is a bit closer to my face but I've never seen how that affects comfort all that much. Then again I'm comparing the level of discomfort from that to the discomfort I feel from not putting my own seat back, and the former isn't anywhere near comparable. Hence why I have no sympathy for this guy who acted like a complete asshole regardless of the circumstances. There's no way he would have done this to a man larger than him, he felt comfortable being a dick to a woman who he knew wouldn't hurt him physically.
I did have some jerkoff drape his hands over his headrest so they were blocking my TV screen. I flicked his fingers so he would move them, which he did. That was about the worst I've gotten.
For everyone else on this board or off who doesn't like reclining seats, overhead storage space policies, lack of leg room, I can think of two solutions.
Solution 1. First Class
Solution 2. Greyhound.
There is no mystical etiquette that says you shouldn't recline your seat on short flights or that your should use overhead storage space in front of the plane. If the airline provides reclining seats, any passenger is welcome to use it. Overhead storage space is first come first server on every airline that I am aware of. Most airlines allow you to pay an extra fee to board early. Most airlines allow gateside check in which is usually free. All airlines allow you to check bags for a fee.
I'm really getting annoyed at these stories of assholes who fly Basic Economy on the likes of Spirit Airlines and then bitch about it when they're not treated like the Sultan of Brunei . Yes, airlines today offer horrible service, but when I read stories like this, 9 times out of 10, its the passenger's fault.
Having said that, I was on a flight to Chicago in January where I witnessed a woman turn around and ask the gentleman behind her if she could recline the seat so she could try to get some sleep.
He nodded ok....but I thought that was pretty cool.
However, if he said no....then she lost her right to change the seat position she bought a ticket for.
So I guess be prepared for any answer when you directly ask.
First the guy was an idiot, but if she suffered back issues from that, well, I've been seated in front of some kids I suggest she sit in front of. This is just an "it's all about me" moment.
I love that line that "I paid for my seat so I have the right to recline." Yet when you do, you are taking away space from the person behind you who paid for the right to have that space. What about their right? I'm 6-foot-4. You should always ask the person behind you if it's okay. But with today's society being so self-centered it rarely happens. If the person behind you is working (not uncommon in today's world) it creates an issue. I hope most people are not just inconsiderate, and most women probably have no concept of what it's like to have your knees wedged against the frame of the seat in front of you when that person puts the seat back without warning. I do.
That said, why does anyone even need to recline their seat? Maybe it's because I'm tall and my head doesn't rest on the seat, but reclining my seat makes an uncomfortable situation much worse.
Every discussion on this topic should require people commenting to say how tall they are. And because I'm tall I should have to buy a first-class ticket? Why not make the airlines provide adequate, safe leg room. It would probably raise ticket prices $10.
This lady has every right to be pissed. Sure shes milking it and I don’t condone that, but it all starts with that twat of a man anyway.
I’m surprised no one stepped up for her and told that guy stop or else...
Pretty much exactly how I see it. I don't understand how the flight crew didn't do something. Also, if someone did that to me, I'd probably have gotten up with a drink in my hand then "tripped" and dumped it on him.
For everyone else on this board or off who doesn't like reclining seats, overhead storage space policies, lack of leg room, I can think of two solutions.
Solution 1. First Class
Solution 2. Greyhound.
There is no mystical etiquette that says you shouldn't recline your seat on short flights or that your should use overhead storage space in front of the plane. If the airline provides reclining seats, any passenger is welcome to use it. Overhead storage space is first come first server on every airline that I am aware of. Most airlines allow you to pay an extra fee to board early. Most airlines allow gateside check in which is usually free. All airlines allow you to check bags for a fee.
I'm really getting annoyed at these stories of assholes who fly Basic Economy on the likes of Spirit Airlines and then bitch about it when they're not treated like the Sultan of Brunei . Yes, airlines today offer horrible service, but when I read stories like this, 9 times out of 10, its the passenger's fault.
I'd be happy if the airlines enforced their carry-on policies so people can't bring two over-sized bags on and fill the overhead bins. It's always amazing how so many people can't fit their "personal item", that is supposed to fit under a seat, into an overhead bin. :)
If everyone reclines their seats then there is just as much room for everybody as if noone reclines their seat. If you weren't supposed to recline your seat, why do they make seats that recline?
The guy is a jackass.
Solution 2. Greyhound.
Those aren't solutions. Those are alternatives. Big difference.
Recliners don't bother me much; especially considering on every leg of my last trip I was in one of those small, two seats on either side (in a couple cases one seat on one of the sides) planes sitting next to guys (and one woman) who had to get extender belts. That part is okay, but their widths matched their depths.
If everyone reclines their seats then there is just as much room for everybody as if noone reclines their seat. If you weren't supposed to recline your seat, why do they make seats that recline?
The guy is a jackass.
I’m genuinely surprised at how many people here sound scared of offending the person sitting behind them, and are hiding behind the veil of pretending they are somehow more “socially courteous” because they don’t recline.
The seats recline a few inches. If you don’t want to recline, don’t bother, but someone is NOT being rude if they do.
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and have no problem with someone in front of me reclining their seat. Not sure why anyone would, but if you do, pay for a first class seat or stop whining
Every discussion on this topic should require people commenting to say how tall they are. And because I'm tall I should have to buy a first-class ticket? Why not make the airlines provide adequate, safe leg room. It would probably raise ticket prices $10.
You don’t HAVE to do anything. Fly first class or not. Fly economy, or not. You can also book an exit row, or most airlines have extra comfort seats now. And please, don’t cry poverty about not being able to afford the extra $30-50 or whatever.
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I prefer when the person in front me doesn't recline their seat, but if they do.....I just do my best with the space I have.
Having said that, I was on a flight to Chicago in January where I witnessed a woman turn around and ask the gentleman behind her if she could recline the seat so she could try to get some sleep.
He nodded ok....but I thought that was pretty cool.
However, if he said no....then she lost her right to change the seat position she bought a ticket for.
So I guess be prepared for any answer when you directly ask.
First the guy was an idiot, but if she suffered back issues from that, well, I've been seated in front of some kids I suggest she sit in front of. This is just an "it's all about me" moment.
I love that line that "I paid for my seat so I have the right to recline." Yet when you do, you are taking away space from the person behind you who paid for the right to have that space. What about their right? I'm 6-foot-4. You should always ask the person behind you if it's okay. But with today's society being so self-centered it rarely happens. If the person behind you is working (not uncommon in today's world) it creates an issue. I hope most people are not just inconsiderate, and most women probably have no concept of what it's like to have your knees wedged against the frame of the seat in front of you when that person puts the seat back without warning. I do.
That said, why does anyone even need to recline their seat? Maybe it's because I'm tall and my head doesn't rest on the seat, but reclining my seat makes an uncomfortable situation much worse.
Not sure how this logic works - the seat you're in reclines and takes up the same amount of space that the seat in front of you would recline to as well. So someone putting their seat back isn't taking your space, they're using the space allocated to them. The only time you're using extra space is when the person in front of you decides not to recline their seat.
There are terribly designed seats in rotation that make for truly uncomfortable flights for the person behind you.
That said, the constant complaining about flying is silly. Inflation adjusted, flying is incredibly less expensive and incredibly more safe than it was a generation ago.
If the lights are out, lean back. If the lights are on, you can sit up in a padded chair for a few hours like a human. School kids have it much worse all day.
You have the right to recline it, but I do not take it all the way back so as to not be rude to the person behind. I even give a little look back to give a bit of warning to the person behind me, and give them an opportunity to say if its a problem. Many people will say you can bring it back further if you want to which is now your green light.
You have the right to recline it, but I do not take it all the way back so as to not be rude to the person behind. I even give a little look back to give a bit of warning to the person behind me, and give them an opportunity to say if its a problem. Many people will say you can bring it back further if you want to which is now your green light.
Reclining when food and drink is in service is pretty rude. I also fly regularly, at least twice a month, and virtually no one reclines until service has ended or the lights are dimmed.
That's pretty well respected unwritten rule.
Again, there is no hard and fast rule other than don't be a jerk in my view.
This.
ALL of this.
Every.
Bit.
of THIS.
NOW, the real ones with issues are those who stand up in the aisle as soon as the plane lands. Let's talk about those murderers. Or those who don't honor the 'filing out' rule of left side of row- right side of row, then next row...those from a row or two back who take any pause as their chance to slip through and gete out in front. Wait your damn turn, hippie.
NOW, the real ones with issues are those who stand up in the aisle as soon as the plane lands. Let's talk about those murderers. Or those who don't honor the 'filing out' rule of left side of row- right side of row, then next row...those from a row or two back who take any pause as their chance to slip through and gete out in front. Wait your damn turn, hippie.
Now this I agree with. I’m 6’0”...tall enough that it’s a little uncomfortable in coach, not tall enough that I’d ever complain about it. Regardless of whether someone in front of me reclines their seat.
But people who can’t patiently wait to file out in an orderly fashion...there’s a special place in hell for them.
On the subject of luggage...is there anything more amusing than the look on someone’s face when they’re told the overhead bins are full, and they’ll have to check their carry on suitcase? I love when that happens.
Down In Front
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Seats recline, so recline. I don't like when it is so close that I can't focus on the TV screen, but I generally read with my seat back about two inches max.
What pisses me off is the passenger that snaps the seat back right after take off, it is supposed to be at 10000 feet and then ignores the flight attendant when asked to put the seat up for landing or the person that reclines during meals on long flights. But I don't loose my shit over it.
While I generally like 737s, I prefer any Airbus. Their planes are wider. Jet Blue gives you plenty of room, too.
On short flights I don't out of courtesy, but its not a mandatory (or expected thing)
If someone reclines in front of me I deal with it, its their option
The guy in the video isn't as bad as some are making it sound, and the women certainly wasn't hurt, but he's an idiot for banging the seat in any form
my short chest/torso is still full size around. a reclining seat affects me just as much from the waist up.
Just saying, cause I see a lot of 'short people, no problem'. That isn't so.
I also recline on every flight. Due to certain back issues, the seat in its upright position I find very uncomfortable. These seats barely recline, it's not like I then become 180 degrees. In the hundreds of flights I've taken, I have never had anyone ask me not to recline. If someone really large asked me not to recline because it was causing him physical pain, then I wouldn't recline or I would recline only far enough (maybe 1 of the 3 inches) so that it didn't cause him pain.
The world could use a lot more considerate people. If someone is being caused pain, I"m not going to continue doing the action that causes it. But to that point, the people who are 6'1 or 6'2 complaining in this conversation about recliners should also take a step back and see if they are really being physically pained, or if it's just less "personal area." Because I just have a hard time seeing how someone 6'2 is having their knees smashed by an airline seat that barely reclines.
And on the topic of being really considerate, I would love it if taller people didn't sit in the front rows at concerts/events, and at standing room only events if they let me in the front row since I am one of the shorter people there. That never seems to occur, though.
It would also be nice if broader people didn't take the open seat next to me on a subway or bus if doing so now wedges "uncomfortably" against me. But when you live in a city, you learn to deal with crowds.
Seems I am behind one of these putzes more often than not, and even a polite "could you please?" gets ignored, at least initially, till I am forced to be more forceful about it.
The guy in the video is being a complete dick.
You're a baby if you're worried about not being able to use your personal device or eat.
It's uncomfortable for everyone to fly, deal with it and prepare differently.
I have no idea what Bastian decided to inject himself into this. The problem occurred on American which under Doug Parker is a truly horrible airline while Delta is the least bad of the big three.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian says you should ask before you recline - ( New Window )
Guy deserves to have a kicking child behind him every flight for the next year or two.
So, you have the following options..
1. Buy a first class ticket
2. Select a seat at the bulkhead where there is no seat in front of you.
3. Offer to pay the person in front of you cash NOT to recline. Likely cheaper than paying for an upgrade.
4. Don't fly you pussy
All that said, if the person behind me had a situation and addressed it politely, then I would surely consider not reclining the seat.
About 5 years ago some guy started to punch my seat too. I got up and confronted him. French pussy said he was too tall. I told him not my fucking problem and he should have bought an upgrade.
If this was a 2 hour domestic flight, I'd probably keep it straight the whole time, assuming the person in front of me didnt lay back as far as they could
To recline or not to recline - who cares. There is nothing enjoyable about the ever-shrinking spaces we are paying ever-larger prices to squeeze into.
To recline or not to recline - who cares. There is nothing enjoyable about the ever-shrinking spaces we are paying ever-larger prices to squeeze into.
Do you really believe plane ticket prices are at a real high? You can find one way tickets to Chicago for $80, round trip tickets to LA for $300, round trip to Paris for $550 (from non basic). If anything we're underpaying
Do you really believe plane ticket prices are at a real high? You can find one way tickets to Chicago for $80, round trip tickets to LA for $300, round trip to Paris for $550 (from non basic). If anything we're underpaying
*from NY, non basic
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the airline staff on the flight not immediately shut this guy down? The victim is going to make out quite well as a result.
To recline or not to recline - who cares. There is nothing enjoyable about the ever-shrinking spaces we are paying ever-larger prices to squeeze into.
Do you really believe plane ticket prices are at a real high? You can find one way tickets to Chicago for $80, round trip tickets to LA for $300, round trip to Paris for $550 (from non basic). If anything we're underpaying
not sure about underpaying - delta is making record profit and maybe united too