Seat reclining button on planes could be scrapped for good

The controversial seat recliner button on planes could be removed for good as more airlines are deciding to get rid of the button.

The function to tilt your seat back towards the person sat behind has been the subject of controversy as of late, with people debating on whether it is inconsiderate to recline onboard.

However, the discussion could come to an end with airlines taking away the option altogether.

Experts suggest planes are looking to remove the seating option due to the complicated mechanism used inside the seat itself, which comes at a cost-per-seat and can reportedly be prone to breaking. The mechanism is also said to take up more space within the seat, and therefore seats take up more space within the cabin.

The weight of flying with the mechanisms also adds up, resulting in more plane fuel usage.

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Cabin crews are likely to welcome the change as it would reduce the number of disagreements between angry passengers on flight.

In place of the reclining function, airlines are reportedly planning to fit seats with a pre-defined position. Recaro’s chief executive officer, Mark Hiller, said: “The airline can choose a pre-defined backrest angle position of 15 or 18 degrees within the seat configuration process. This helps to provide either more comfort via increased backrest angle or fulfil special layouts with specific passenger counts.

“The main advantage is increased living space, as a passenger’s living space is not intruded by recline. In addition, the low total cost of ownership – fewer moveable parts on the seat, improved reliability and simplified maintenance – and low weight and cost, with no mechanism, kinematics and so on required.”

This discussion comes only weeks after a viral video on social media caught the attention of many.

The video showed a furious passenger yelling at the person behind her because he kept nudging on her seat back up.

The woman was infuriated as she fought for her right to recline.

The woman shouted at the couple sitting behind her: “The whole trip she pushin’ my seat!”, she said, as the man next to her backed her up: “You seen it.” The man sitting in the row behind puts up his arms as he tries to reason with the woman and mediate between the two, saying: “Both of y’all was doing the same thing.”

But there was little opportunity for the man to get his point across, as the livid woman stood up and stared him down with rage. “No!” she continued. “You seen it! You know she did! I’m allowed to put my seat back! I’m allowed to put my seat back! I’m. Allowed. To. Put. My. Seat. Back!” the incensed woman says.