Airplane Passengers Argue Over Reclining Seat, An Unacceptable Act Or A Basic Right

"I feel that people who recline their seats in economy are annoying and inconsiderate"

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• May 3, 2023

In a world where flying has become an increasingly common mode of transportation, issues regarding personal space and comfort on flights are not uncommon. Meet our 25-year-old Redditor, who stands at an impressive 6'5", with legs that seem to go on for miles.

As someone who doesn't mind being uncomfortable for a while on short flights, he usually opts for economy seats, ensuring he doesn't encroach on the personal space of his fellow passengers. However, his height sometimes poses a problem when circumstances are not in his favor.

Our story begins on a 4-hour international flight, where OP finds himself in yet another tight spot. The passenger in front of him attempts to recline her seat, only to be met with resistance from his long legs.

After a tense exchange, she accuses him of intentionally causing discomfort and demands he pays extra for an emergency exit seat in the future. OP, who finds reclining seats in economy class to be irritating and inconsiderate, isn't particularly eager to accommodate her.

This isn't the first time he's faced this issue, but the question remains: is he the one at fault? Should he pay extra for seats with more legroom to avoid inconveniencing others, even though it's not always a problem?

As the story unfolds, we explore the complexities of personal space, the need for empathy, and the moral dilemmas that arise when one's physical attributes interfere with the comfort of others.

Check out the full story below.

The story in detail...

OP's long legs didn't allow the passenger in front of him recline her chair. And she's pissed about it

For more context

Here's how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

"Maybe you could have gotten an isle seat but you paid for your seat as well and are entitled to your space."

"If I pay for a recline seat, if we can recline the seat, I don't know why it should be inconsiderate to not recline it."

"NAH. But reclining seats is a feature, and the passenger in front has every 'right' to do that."

"The lack of legroom for tall passengers sucks but it's not the other passengers' faults either."

"Let people use the features they've paid for, and pay for the extra leg room that you require."

"Why is it inconsiderate for people to use the seat as designed?"

"If you stay completely in your space, then it shouldn’t matter what size the person next to you is"

"Light YTA especially because you said that you've caused this issue to people before."

The Reddit community is torn on this one. Although some people acknowledge that OP's long legs are not his fault, for the fact that the woman paid for a reclining seat, she has every right to use the feature.

Probably the airline should answer for not creating enough space for larger or taller passengers. However, it will be interesting to know how OP handles this lingering issue going forward.

Who's side are you on? OP or the woman? Share your thoughts in the comments below:

Jesse