The Decline of The Recline

Personal space on aircraft is getting more scarce. As airlines keeping devising plans to add more rows into already crowded airplanes, travelers have to cope with more personal space invasion as never before. Aside from the usual shared armrests, kids kicking the back of your seat, smaller seats and overcrowded overhead bins, the reclining seat issue has become quite a problem. With names of gadgets such as "knee defender", this sounds more like war. Several highly publicized incidents required crew intervention, including one that required a United flight to return to Washington/Dulles escorted by fighter jets! So does a passenger have a right to recline his/her seat? Yes, if the seat functions that way, but there should be some discretion/etiquette to be exercised by the reclining passenger akin to a window passenger wanting to use the lavatory: Excuse me, would you mind if I recline my seat a bit?" The mere question and courtesy extended should yield a positive response unless the traveler behind you is 6 feet tall plus. Not comfortable talking to others? By scouting your options with a simple quick glance, you can tell. Another way is to do half a recline and turn around and ask if the person behind you is okay. Some airlines have simply eliminated the reclining seats. They think this is a hassle as flight attendants can save one step of asking to "return seat to the upright position". If passengers however exercise some degree of civility and consideration, reclining seats should stay. Up next: Airlines charge fees for reclining seats! www.premieretravel.com