The age-old debate of whether you should recline your seat on a plane may soon become a thing of the past. A number of airlines are reducing the amount that seats can recline or even eliminating the feature altogether. Let’s explore why this change is happening and what it means for passengers.

The Controversial Nature of Reclining Seats

The reclining seat feature has long been a point of contention for passengers and has even led to serious altercations. Just this year, a passenger was caught punching the seat in front after a heated argument about reclining. In response, budget airlines have already eliminated the option for passengers to recline, with Ryanair doing so back in 2004. These airlines primarily operate short-haul flights that do not require overnight stays, making the need for reclining seats less essential.

The Quiet Removal of Reclining Seats

Other airlines, especially those offering longer flights where sleep is crucial, are quietly getting rid of reclining seats as well. Instead, they are introducing “pre-reclined” seats that operate between fully upright and fully reclined positions. Jet2 was one of the pioneers in this area, using new technology created by Acro in 2009 to allow for these intermediate positions. British Airways also offers “pre-reclined seats” for flights shorter than four hours, while other major carriers like Delta, United, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have reduced seat reclines from four inches to just two inches.

The Benefits of Pre-Reclined Seats

These pre-reclined seats offer increased living space by eliminating the intrusion into the passenger’s personal space caused by full recline. Mark Hiller, CEO of seating company Recaro, explains that airlines can choose a predefined backrest angle of 15 or 18 degrees during the seat configuration process. This helps provide greater comfort or fulfill special layouts with specific passenger counts. In fact, experts suggest that a slight recline is actually more comfortable for passengers. Andrew Lawrence, president of the Chiropractors Association of Australia, points out that the pressure on the pelvis and spine while sitting upright is greater than when reclining.

Other Reasons for Scraping Reclining Seats

Aside from passenger comfort, airlines are removing reclining seats for various other reasons. The complex mechanisms required for seat recline can often lead to more problems and maintenance issues. By eliminating these mechanisms, seats become lighter, which in turn reduces the overall weight of the plane and allows for more seating or less fuel consumption.

The Future of Reclining Seats

While many airlines are moving away from reclining seats, it’s unlikely that airlines offering long-haul routes will eliminate them entirely anytime soon. However, if you do find yourself on a plane with reclining seats, remember to use them responsibly. Avoid reclining during takeoff, landing, or meal service, and always check behind you to prevent any accidental injuries to fellow passengers.

For more travel news and updates, visit F5 Magazine.

By f5mag

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