'I got called rude for reclining my plane seat - so I got my revenge'

The unspoken rules of seat etiquette can spark fiery disputes among passengers.

Most travellers understand it's a faux pas to occupy someone else's assigned seat without inquiring about a swap. Countless arguments have erupted over the propriety of even suggesting seat changes, let alone actually going through with them.

But there are other, less discussed courtesies, like those surrounding seat reclining. While most airliners offer the ability to lean back for additional comfort, doing so can be to the detriment of those seated behind.

Consequently, many refrain from reclining seats out of consideration for their fellow passengers. However, some argue that since the seats are designed to recline, they're entitled to use this feature.

This came to a head on one recent flight when a man immediately reclined his seat upon boarding, to the chagrin of the woman sitting behind him. The woman branded him "rude and impolite" for not seeking permission first; nevertheless, he declined to adjust his seat.

On Reddit, he recounted the situation: "I flew from Denver today, and a woman behind me said that I was rude and impolite for tilting my seat back. It wasn't even a request; it was more of an accusation."

After the exchange, the man decided to exact revenge on the other passenger by keeping his seat reclined throughout the journey. He recounted: "Given her tone, I decided that I would keep my seat tilted. She went on and on about how unfair this was, and I reminded her that almost every seat in the aeroplane could be tilted, and that's what they were designed to do.

"She wouldn't back down, and very loudly asked the guy next to her if she was right. He very calmly said that this had been an issue with aeroplane seats ever since aeroplane travel went commercial.

"She and her seatmate kept on talking about how unfair this was and what an inconvenience it was. She even pointed out that the man in front of me had not tilted his seat.

"I watched my movie and ignored her for the rest of the flight, but when we prepared for landing and tilted our seats up straight, she said really loud, 'Finally, thank God'. I just chuckled."

Opinions were divided among commenters on the man's post. Some argued he was entitled to recline his seat as he pleased, while others labelled his actions "rude" and inconsiderate of the discomfort it caused the woman behind him.

Others suggested that neither party was to blame, pointing the finger at airlines for "cramming" passengers into planes in such a way that reclining seats inevitably end in discomfort.

One traveller remarked: "I don't mind if the person in front of me puts the seat back, I just wish they would give me a bit of a warning so I can move my things/hold my drink first so nothing is broken or spilt."

A fellow passenger shared: "I never recline my seat because I know how uncomfortable it is for the person behind me."

A third person added: "This is one of those hot-button issues that gets everyone riled up. My steadfast opinion is that if it shouldn't be tilted, then the seats shouldn't be tiltable."