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The ethics of reclining airplane seats

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1–10 of 96 posts

Re: The ethics of reclining airplane seats

#2
Considering I've had drinks crushed, and when the person in front fully reclines it is impossible to get out it is a fine line.

You might have the ability but it does impact other people. Be aware of this and it could be fine, a lot of the pro-reclining comments were definitely indifferent how their actions impacted others.

Re: The ethics of reclining airplane seats

#4
I’ve been on a few flights in which the seat reclined by swinging forward, rather than pivoting backward. So, the impact of the recline was fully experienced by the recliner, and not at all by the person in the seat behind.

Re: The ethics of reclining airplane seats

#6

Considering I've had drinks crushed, and when the person in front fully reclines it is impossible to get out it is a fine line. You might have the ability but it does impact other people. Be aware of this and it could be fine, a lot of the pro-reclining comments were definitely indifferent how their actions impacted others.

> a lot of the pro-reclining comments were definitely indifferent how their actions impacted others

last 2+ years are all you need to realize this is a depressingly consistent theme across civilization today

Re: The ethics of reclining airplane seats

#7
post #3

great article! I'm looking forward to 'ethics of armrest' to understand the dynamics at play for the one that is shared with your neighbor.

I found a easy solution to this one a while ago: middle seat gets both armrests to compensate for it being the middle seat. When I get an aisle or window seat, I relinquish use of one of my armrests to the middle seat.

Re: The ethics of reclining airplane seats

#10
Be aware that people with bad hips, arthritis, or other such physical problems may be in a significant amount of pain without reclining. In such cases, reclining for more comfort isn't a trivial improvement - it is the difference between being able to walk or not when the flight ends.

Being someone in such a category, I really do sympathize with people who are likewise made physically uncomfortable when I recline. But changing seats can work. I'd always be happy to change as well - we're in this together. Likewise, I'm happy to sit up if you need more room for a few minutes here and there. But I will admit I'm less sympathetic to the "How dare you -- you made me move my drink" crowd.

FWIW, I also avoid flights if at all possible. Trains and road trips are my primary means of travel.

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