A TRAVEL guru proposed three rules for one of the most controversial issues on flying: seat recline.
When and how you relax can cause a commotion in the cabin, but flight attendant and travel writer Niccolo Serratt has offered advice on how to follow a reclining rule book.
4
The issue has become so controversial that some airlines have abandoned reclines altogether.
With differing philosophies on how best to tackle the polarizing issue, Conde Nast Traveler airline expert Niccolo laid out three steps every passenger should take.
He cites the opinion of a fellow flight attendant at a Middle Eastern airline, who said: “Of course, you paid for the seat and its functionality, so yes, please recline.
“However, passengers need to listen to the safety talk and raise it when asked, such as during meal service, taxi service, takeoff and landing.”
Niccolo developed a sort of reclining seat doctrine.
The first rule is to be courteous and ask the passenger behind you, he says.
This is compared to “knocking on the door” rather than inviting yourself in.
Niccolo’s second commandment is not to recline while meals are served, as this makes it difficult for the traveler behind you to eat.
The third guideline is to be empathetic and use common sense.
Niccolo says it’s worth taking a quick look at whoever’s sitting behind you – it could be a mother with her baby, a very tall person or a businessman trying to work on his laptop.
He adds: “Put yourself in their shoes and remember that they also want to travel in comfort.”
His advice comes with reducing the length of the reclining seat – Delta, for example, reduced it from four centimeters to two.
Meanwhile, a device called a “knee defender” has gained popularity for its ability to reduce the amount of feedback that a seat directly in front can return, Niccolo writes.
The defender has been banned from United, Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.
This follows an infamous fight between travelers that broke out on a United flight in 2014 in the US after one of them deployed the defender.
In response, other airlines have introduced seats that allow passengers to move forward in legroom rather than leaning on those behind them.
The three golden rules
Rule one: be courteous and ask
Niccolo says, “Just like every door has a handle to open it, every seat has a button to recline. Think of the recline button like a door handle.”
Rule Two: Don’t Recline During Meal Service
The travel expert explains: “If you find someone’s seat recline irritating, wait until you try eating with your back hunched over and the meal tray pushed against your abdomen.
“Believe me, it’s not pleasant.”
Rule Three: Use Your Judgment
Niccolo adds: “Not all flights require reclining, especially if they are short.
“No matter how long the flight is, my tip is to always take a peek and find out who is sitting behind you.
“Some people won’t mind, but for others it makes a big difference.
“Put yourself in their shoes and remember that they want to travel in comfort too.”
4
4
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
