When to recline and how to share armrests: Rules for avoiding a mid-flight row

Flying can be a wonderful experience, but it can also lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many of us have been on a plane and felt annoyed by the behavior of other passengers. Whether it is someone reclining their seat too far back, hogging the armrest, or getting up frequently to use the restroom, these behaviors can create tension in the cabin. With nearly half of households in the UK flying at least once a year, it is essential to understand how to behave politely while traveling. Recently, there was a situation that highlighted the frustrations of flying when a disagreement arose over a reclined seat. So, how can we avoid upsetting our fellow travelers? First, let’s discuss the issue of reclining seats. On long flights, it can be quite irritating when the person in front of you leans their seat back. A recent survey conducted by Skyscanner found that 40% of people in the UK find this behavior annoying, while a YouGov survey indicated that only about 25% of Americans feel the same way. Charmaine Davies, a former flight attendant, noted that cabin crew sometimes have to intervene when tensions rise between passengers. The root of the problem lies in how airlines have crammed more seats into planes, resulting in less personal space for each passenger. Professor Jim Salzman from UCLA explains that passengers often direct their frustration at each other instead of the airlines that created the cramped conditions. Etiquette expert William Hanson advises that timing is crucial when reclining your seat. He suggests avoiding reclining during meal times and checking to see if the person behind you is using their table or laptop. If you are unsure, it is best to wait and not assume that the person behind you can read your mind. Another common issue on flights is armrest hogging. Many passengers find it frustrating when someone takes both armrests, especially in a middle seat. Mary, a flight attendant for a major US airline, often finds herself stuck between two passengers who both want the armrests. She has developed a strategy to reclaim her space by waiting until one of them reaches for a drink and then taking the armrest for herself. If someone tries to push her arm away, she simply gives them a look to communicate that it is not acceptable. Mr. Hanson suggests that we should think of armrests as shared spaces, or 'elbow rests,' and learn to share them with our fellow passengers. Now, let’s talk about the etiquette of using the restroom on a plane. If you are sitting in a window seat and need to go to the bathroom, but the person next to you is asleep, it can be a difficult decision. A YouGov survey revealed that more than half of Americans believe it is unacceptable to climb over someone to get to the restroom. Mr. Hanson, who usually sits in the aisle seat, makes it a point to inform the passenger next to him that it is okay to wake him up if they need to get past. If you are in the middle or window seat, it is polite to gently let the aisle passenger know that you need to get by. It is also important to consider that passengers who have been drinking may need to use the restroom more frequently. Zoe, a former flight attendant, shared a story about a flight to Ibiza where many passengers had been drinking at the airport bar. As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, everyone stood up to queue for the restroom, leading to some aggressive behavior. The cabin crew had to turn the seatbelt sign back on to force everyone to sit down. Unfortunately, one passenger could not wait and had to use a bag, which highlights the importance of being considerate of others. Lastly, let’s address the issue of standing up immediately after the plane lands. According to the Skyscanner survey, about a third of British passengers find it annoying when others jump up as soon as the plane touches down. Ms. Davies advises passengers to remain seated because it takes time for the ground crew to prepare for disembarkation. Even if you want to stretch your legs, it is better to wait until it is your turn to leave. Mr. Hanson finds it amusing when everyone stands up at once and then just waits in place. To foster a more pleasant flying experience, it is crucial for all passengers to be considerate of one another. Other common annoyances include cutting in line, using electronic devices without headphones, draping long hair over the seats, and removing shoes or socks. If you notice flight attendants spraying something near you, it might be a good idea to freshen up with some deodorant or put on socks, as cabin crew may not directly address these issues. With air travel on the rise, it is essential for passengers to be mindful of each other. Mr. Hanson emphasizes that if you are unwilling to adjust your behavior for the sake of others, there may be a deeper issue at play. By being more considerate and respectful, we can all contribute to a more enjoyable flying experience for everyone.