I’m a travel writer and I recline my seat EVERY time: Here’s why I disagree that leaning back on planes is ‘entitled’. Do you remain upright on a flight? Vote in our poll…
- Some say that sitting back on the economy is rude, but Sophie Foster disagrees
- Flight attendants will side with those with reclining seats, she claims
- Do you think leaning back is right or completely wrong? Take our survey below…
- READ MORE: Would you pee in a hotel pool? Mom admits she does
Millions of holidaymakers will fly abroad this summer and, as with any holiday season, there will be a big gap.
On one hand – those who think leaning back in their airplane seat is a sin, the view of entitled people who don’t care about the comfort of those around them. On the other hand? Those who think it is a right they can exercise.
Arguments fly every peak tourist season on
But I have to admit: I use that little button to creak my economy seat back a few inches every time I fly.
Why? Well, because I see it as part of the package – and with so little luxury left in many economy class cabins, it’s honestly something I’m going to take advantage of.
Sophie Foster (above) says she folds her economy seat back a few inches every time she flies
When booking most budget seats, you’ve paid for a seat, a tray, a seat belt, transportation and, yes, the ability to recline a bit so you can relax, take a nap or even just take the pressure off cushioning your butt so it doesn’t go completely numb as you hurtle through the air in a can.
In many cases, everything else costs extra – from luggage to carry-on luggage, food, drinks and even headphones. So why not enjoy the last bit of luxury an airline offers to people in the cheapest seats?
I definitely will, because I want it and I paid for it.
And I’ll never begrudge the person in front of me if he or she wants to lean back a bit in cattle class (in business class or premium economy, the issues surrounding recline disappear because everyone gets a large share of the cabin space).
I’m just going to sit back and take my space back from those behind me.
“There are a few times during the flight where I always put my seat in the upright position (I’m not a total monster),” Sophie writes, “during take-off and landing (as this is a requirement) and during meals.” Above – file image
Let me guess, you grumble and clench your fists and ask, “What about those of us who are tall or need the extra space?”
Well, honestly, take it with the airline that made the seats so cramped.
People are getting bigger and seats are getting smaller, and if it’s something that’s negatively affecting so many, why aren’t those complaining taking action, posting letters, and railing against CEOs until something changes?
You can also book the exit row or seats with extra legroom near the bulkhead.
If you are 6 feet tall, like a friend of mine, you can even ask a crew member at the boarding gate and if they look up at you from a few feet below, they will often move you to a roomier seat for free if there is one available.
I should note that there are a few points during the flight where I would always put my seat in the upright position (I’m not a total monster) – during takeoff and landing (as this is a requirement) and during meal times.
Preventing someone from tucking into delicious extra salty tomato pasta and a dry bun is something I would never do – partly because it would annoy the crew.
But they will be on your side if your backstabbing leads to an argument at any other time.
Still not convinced that you should lean back to reclaim some space?
You never know, it could relieve some of the stress you seem to be feeling.