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Passengers call for BAN on reclining plane seats after push from iconic chair brand La-Z-Boy
You won't believe the argument some passengers had
PASSENGERS and the iconic chair brand La-Z-Boy are calling for a ban on reclining plane seats.
The famous lounger company launched its campaign to ban reclining plane seats earlier this year.
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The petition received 186,000 signatures of support in just one month.
In a marketing video, the company encouraged viewers to "recline at home, not on your flight".
This comes as the debate over whether it's acceptable to recline your seat on a plane ramps up.
Earlier this year it was reported that passengers on a flight from Hong Kong to London got in a row over a reclining seat.
Passengers behind verbally abused the woman in front and shook her chair.
A couple at the centre of the argument were later banned from flying with the airline.
Some 31 per cent of Brits think it's acceptable to stretch out mid flight, according to a 2024 survey by YouGov.
While almost 50 per cent of respondents think it's unacceptable.
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Historically this wasn't such a problem as planes tended to have more space, reports Aerotime.
Many low-cost flights such as Ryanair don't have the option at all, to save on space.
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This comes as a flight attendant revealed the real rules on empty middle seats - including who gets to use the tray table.
A spare middle seat is any flyer's dream, not just because of the extra elbow space - but also legroom, under-seat storage, on-seat storage, additional tray, and spare seat pocket.
Passengers can often come to blows over this prime real estate - with flight attendants forced to step in.
And while the unclaimed middle seat may seem like a free-for-all, John, who works for Delta Air Lines, said this was far from the case.
Speaking to Travel and Leisure, he first dispelled the idea that flight attendants adhere to a "first come, first served" logic when it comes to allocating the space.
Instead, he said cabin crew are more likely to consider safety factors, like what each person is proposing to place on the seat.
Unspoken rules of reclining your plane seat
According to an etiquette coach this is what you should do before reclining your seat on a plane:
- Check with your neighbour: Ask the passenger behind if they mind you reclining before you do it
- Recline slowly: As the tray table of the person behind you is attached to your seat, recline gently to avoid items they may have on the tray falling off
- Pick your moment: Reclining is not allowed during taxi, takeoff and landing, nor is it advisable during meal service
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