The Recline Debate: Plane Returns After Fist Fight!
Oct 2, 2011, 10:54 pm
#61
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Interesting thread, a similar thing happened this summer when I was trying to get from HKG to FRA, flying LH. I was upstairs in F on the 747 and while still at the gate, with everyone seated, the captain came on the PA and said there was some severe weather conditions over mainland China preventing us from taking off. So we had to wait for 1h 45m.
And then.
We start pushback, clear the gate by a few feet and... the plane stops. After a few moments we start moving forward and outside I can see them scrambling to get the gate back into position. Captain gets back on the PA and yep, turns out there was a fist fight in economy class. Me and the guy across the aisle shared a funny look at that point, and I later asked the purser what happened. Well, one guy reclined his seat, the guy behind wasn't too happy and... boom.
So they had to get those two guys off the plane, authorities waiting, and then unload their bags. By then we were a few hours behind schedule and as it turned out, we weren't quite done with the action just yet. A distinct smell entered the cabin. Fuel. Crap. Unidentified leak. That got everyone a bit tense. FAs were told to be in standby for immediate evacuation, firetrucks came, but after 30 min or so they determined the leak wasn't us.
So, fourth attempt to get going. But no. One of the engines wouldn't start. We were stuck. Again. And they had no clue how long it would take for them to have it fixed. Any chance of catching my connecting flight out of FRA was long gone so I asked if I could deplane and be rebooked onto the next day's flight. The FAs said sure and I was escorted back to landside while they dug my bags out. Kind of fun to have them delivered back to me on a special, tiny luggage belt.
So anyway, I ended up getting another night at the Hyatt and had a really nice ferry tour of Victoria Harbor. Thanks to some fistfighting guys in economy.
And then.
We start pushback, clear the gate by a few feet and... the plane stops. After a few moments we start moving forward and outside I can see them scrambling to get the gate back into position. Captain gets back on the PA and yep, turns out there was a fist fight in economy class. Me and the guy across the aisle shared a funny look at that point, and I later asked the purser what happened. Well, one guy reclined his seat, the guy behind wasn't too happy and... boom.
So they had to get those two guys off the plane, authorities waiting, and then unload their bags. By then we were a few hours behind schedule and as it turned out, we weren't quite done with the action just yet. A distinct smell entered the cabin. Fuel. Crap. Unidentified leak. That got everyone a bit tense. FAs were told to be in standby for immediate evacuation, firetrucks came, but after 30 min or so they determined the leak wasn't us.
So, fourth attempt to get going. But no. One of the engines wouldn't start. We were stuck. Again. And they had no clue how long it would take for them to have it fixed. Any chance of catching my connecting flight out of FRA was long gone so I asked if I could deplane and be rebooked onto the next day's flight. The FAs said sure and I was escorted back to landside while they dug my bags out. Kind of fun to have them delivered back to me on a special, tiny luggage belt.
So anyway, I ended up getting another night at the Hyatt and had a really nice ferry tour of Victoria Harbor. Thanks to some fistfighting guys in economy.
Oct 4, 2011, 12:38 pm
#62
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: YWG
Programs: Aeroplan, MileagePlus, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 2,159
I recline whenever I feel like it and seldom give it a second thought. Granted, it seldom happens on shorter flights although if I'm on a short connection after a longer flight I will usually recline to get some sleep. No one has ever complained or asked me to put my seat back up (although I wouldn't keep it down if meals are being served).
But seriously... most Y seats don't recline more than a couple of inches anyway. It sure doesn't bother me any if someone ahead of me reclines.
But seriously... most Y seats don't recline more than a couple of inches anyway. It sure doesn't bother me any if someone ahead of me reclines.
Oct 4, 2011, 6:37 pm
#63
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
I recline whenever I feel like it and seldom give it a second thought. Granted, it seldom happens on shorter flights although if I'm on a short connection after a longer flight I will usually recline to get some sleep. No one has ever complained or asked me to put my seat back up (although I wouldn't keep it down if meals are being served).
But seriously... most Y seats don't recline more than a couple of inches anyway. It sure doesn't bother me any if someone ahead of me reclines.
But seriously... most Y seats don't recline more than a couple of inches anyway. It sure doesn't bother me any if someone ahead of me reclines.
I think when there is mention, it is a rare occurence.. a fist fight, even a more rare occurence..
Dec 31, 2011, 2:42 pm
#64
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: USA - HNL, SEA, DEN, ORD, MCO, and all points inbetween
Programs: Way too many!
Posts: 1,188
Asking PERMISSION to Recline your seat back?
I read an article a few years ago where the author was barking about how PAX seated in front of him just popped their seat backs without even asking him if it was "OK" with him. He was really teed off by this. Wrote a whole article barking about how common courtesy was gone and now fellow PAX were just pressing the button and shooting their seat backs toward him without ever asking. Many times cramping his laptop or invading his limited space.
Huh. ??? OK. Well that was a new one on me. I guess I just recline with them and that's that.
I had always assumed that my seat back recline feature was part of my measly comfort conveniences in coach class. I did not realize I had to ask the PAX behind me if he/she minded if I recline. Never once has anyone seated in front of me turned around and said "Um, do you mind if I recline?"
Am I wrong? Have I missed something?
Do you guys/gals ask permission to recline your seat back?
Huh. ??? OK. Well that was a new one on me. I guess I just recline with them and that's that.
I had always assumed that my seat back recline feature was part of my measly comfort conveniences in coach class. I did not realize I had to ask the PAX behind me if he/she minded if I recline. Never once has anyone seated in front of me turned around and said "Um, do you mind if I recline?"
Am I wrong? Have I missed something?
Do you guys/gals ask permission to recline your seat back?
Jan 1, 2012, 2:25 am
#65
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
I read an article a few years ago where the author was barking about how PAX seated in front of him just popped their seat backs without even asking him if it was "OK" with him. He was really teed off by this. Wrote a whole article barking about how common courtesy was gone and now fellow PAX were just pressing the button and shooting their seat backs toward him without ever asking. Many times cramping his laptop or invading his limited space.
Huh. ??? OK. Well that was a new one on me. I guess I just recline with them and that's that.
I had always assumed that my seat back recline feature was part of my measly comfort conveniences in coach class. I did not realize I had to ask the PAX behind me if he/she minded if I recline. Never once has anyone seated in front of me turned around and said "Um, do you mind if I recline?"
Am I wrong? Have I missed something?
Do you guys/gals ask permission to recline your seat back?
Huh. ??? OK. Well that was a new one on me. I guess I just recline with them and that's that.
I had always assumed that my seat back recline feature was part of my measly comfort conveniences in coach class. I did not realize I had to ask the PAX behind me if he/she minded if I recline. Never once has anyone seated in front of me turned around and said "Um, do you mind if I recline?"
Am I wrong? Have I missed something?
Do you guys/gals ask permission to recline your seat back?
I politely, and gently take a few extra moments when reclining nowadays, just to be polite..
Jan 1, 2012, 5:52 am
#66
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI, PHL, IAD
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium; Mileage Plus 1K, 1 MM; Global Entry
Posts: 1,516
I read an article a few years ago where the author was barking about how PAX seated in front of him just popped their seat backs without even asking him if it was "OK" with him. He was really teed off by this. Wrote a whole article barking about how common courtesy was gone and now fellow PAX were just pressing the button and shooting their seat backs toward him without ever asking. Many times cramping his laptop or invading his limited space.
Huh. ??? OK. Well that was a new one on me. I guess I just recline with them and that's that.
I had always assumed that my seat back recline feature was part of my measly comfort conveniences in coach class. I did not realize I had to ask the PAX behind me if he/she minded if I recline. Never once has anyone seated in front of me turned around and said "Um, do you mind if I recline?"
Am I wrong? Have I missed something?
Do you guys/gals ask permission to recline your seat back?
Huh. ??? OK. Well that was a new one on me. I guess I just recline with them and that's that.
I had always assumed that my seat back recline feature was part of my measly comfort conveniences in coach class. I did not realize I had to ask the PAX behind me if he/she minded if I recline. Never once has anyone seated in front of me turned around and said "Um, do you mind if I recline?"
Am I wrong? Have I missed something?
Do you guys/gals ask permission to recline your seat back?
Jan 1, 2012, 10:15 am
#67
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 12
The only time I've ever interacted with the pax in front of me regarding reclining was when I was traveling with an injured knee needing surgery. On the flights I took (4 in total), people responded well to "Can you please give me a heads-up prior to reclining so I can make sure I have my injured knee out of the way?".
Then again, I wasn't challenging their right to recline or asking them not to.
Then again, I wasn't challenging their right to recline or asking them not to.
Jan 1, 2012, 11:34 am
#68
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: USA - HNL, SEA, DEN, ORD, MCO, and all points inbetween
Programs: Way too many!
Posts: 1,188
I'm not without empathy. If someone said "Mind my knee, it's fresh from surgery" or anything of the kind, of course I'd respect this. I'd probably not even recline unless it was a X-Country or X-Continental flight and I just had to get some sort of comfort. Then I'd really be gentle about it making sure the wounded brother/sister behind me was OK.
Just thought of a really funny side-bar. About 10 years ago, I was on a flight in couch and a rather buxom woman was behind me. Anyway, I reclined once we were flight-stable to many "BAH HAHAHAHAH!" sneers from behind. I suddenly realized that my seat back STOP mechanism was on the fritz, and I'd reclined right into her buxom-ness.
She laughed. I apologized and brought my seat back up to where my fellow PAX beside me had reclined his. I then turned to apologize and ask her if she had any dinner plans....
Just thought of a really funny side-bar. About 10 years ago, I was on a flight in couch and a rather buxom woman was behind me. Anyway, I reclined once we were flight-stable to many "BAH HAHAHAHAH!" sneers from behind. I suddenly realized that my seat back STOP mechanism was on the fritz, and I'd reclined right into her buxom-ness.
She laughed. I apologized and brought my seat back up to where my fellow PAX beside me had reclined his. I then turned to apologize and ask her if she had any dinner plans....
Jan 1, 2012, 3:46 pm
#69
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: in between STL/BNA/PAH/MWA
Programs: UA Silver, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 16
About 10 years ago, I was on a flight in couch
Jan 1, 2012, 4:11 pm
#71
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
Just thought of a really funny side-bar. About 10 years ago, I was on a flight in couch and a rather buxom woman was behind me. Anyway, I reclined once we were flight-stable to many "BAH HAHAHAHAH!" sneers from behind. I suddenly realized that my seat back STOP mechanism was on the fritz, and I'd reclined right into her buxom-ness.
She laughed. I apologized and brought my seat back up to where my fellow PAX beside me had reclined his. I then turned to apologize and ask her if she had any dinner plans.... that's hilarious!!! I had no idea the seat recline was such a big deal. I don't fly that much but when I do, I don't usually think about it. As soon as the person in front of me reclines, I do...or I do it sooner than that. My flights are all cross country and from LAX to Melbourne so I need comfort. I have a horrid back but can't afford to fly business or first at the moment. So being able to recline is close to being a need for me. On the Qantas A380 and 747 I have always picked seats that have a galley or whatnot behind them. That way I don't have to inconvenience anyone. I only had one bad experience with that type of thing and that's when we were being served our dinner after taking off from LAX in a 747 and the person in front of me didn't put their seat up and had headphones blaring music so my "table" was practically shoved into my stomach. I'm glad that I didn't have a few extra rolls of fat! LOL! On my cross country flights I do recline slowly but generally the person behind me has already decided to take a nap so it's not a big deal. I will definitely be paying more attention in the future!
I would never get in a fist fight over a seat recline
Seat reclining is like...normal. It's not like you have to pay for it or it's some special feature.
Jan 1, 2012, 8:44 pm
#72
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
The only time I've ever interacted with the pax in front of me regarding reclining was when I was traveling with an injured knee needing surgery. On the flights I took (4 in total), people responded well to "Can you please give me a heads-up prior to reclining so I can make sure I have my injured knee out of the way?".
Then again, I wasn't challenging their right to recline or asking them not to.
Then again, I wasn't challenging their right to recline or asking them not to.
I'm not without empathy. If someone said "Mind my knee, it's fresh from surgery" or anything of the kind, of course I'd respect this. I'd probably not even recline unless it was a X-Country or X-Continental flight and I just had to get some sort of comfort. Then I'd really be gentle about it making sure the wounded brother/sister behind me was OK.
Just thought of a really funny side-bar. About 10 years ago, I was on a flight in couch and a rather buxom woman was behind me. Anyway, I reclined once we were flight-stable to many "BAH HAHAHAHAH!" sneers from behind. I suddenly realized that my seat back STOP mechanism was on the fritz, and I'd reclined right into her buxom-ness. She laughed. I apologized and brought my seat back up to where my fellow PAX beside me had reclined his. I then turned to apologize and ask her if she had any dinner plans....
Just thought of a really funny side-bar. About 10 years ago, I was on a flight in couch and a rather buxom woman was behind me. Anyway, I reclined once we were flight-stable to many "BAH HAHAHAHAH!" sneers from behind. I suddenly realized that my seat back STOP mechanism was on the fritz, and I'd reclined right into her buxom-ness.
She laughed. I apologized and brought my seat back up to where my fellow PAX beside me had reclined his. I then turned to apologize and ask her if she had any dinner plans....
Jan 2, 2012, 10:32 am
#73
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 15
Once it happened, there is NO EXCUSE for the behavior of the flight attendants.
Wife rude? NO WAY. If anything she was overly polite.
Jan 2, 2012, 10:39 am
#74
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: USA - HNL, SEA, DEN, ORD, MCO, and all points inbetween
Programs: Way too many!
Posts: 1,188
[QUOTE=
Did the chair recline more than intended? Totally hilarious..[/QUOTE]
Yes. Whatever "Stop" mechanism was definitely not "Stopping" and I reclined WAY more than usual. Right into her.... so to speak. You think it was funny, you should have been the dudes behind me that saw it happen. Absolutely rip-snorting hoots and jeers.
Did the chair recline more than intended? Totally hilarious..
[/QUOTE]Yes. Whatever "Stop" mechanism was definitely not "Stopping" and I reclined WAY more than usual. Right into her.... so to speak. You think it was funny, you should have been the dudes behind me that saw it happen. Absolutely rip-snorting hoots and jeers.
Jan 2, 2012, 9:44 pm
#75
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Is it a mechanism that's broken? I thought it was the structure of the seat that keeps the angle of recline regulated.. Would have surprised the heck out of me as well..