Etiquette experts explain when you should recline your plane seat following American Airlines fight

AN American Airlines fight between two passengers sparked a discussion about whether it is right to recline your seat, after a woman filmed a male passenger punching her headrest when she put it back during a flight.

Etiquette and behaviour experts have weighed in on when you should recline, and what it says about you.

The real villain of the skies isn’t the humble armrest – it’s the reclining seat, and on almost every long-haul flight, you can spot two indignant travellers locked in a battle over a reclining chair.

While most passengers try to be considerate about when they lean back, there are still those among us who insist on reclining as soon as they have got onto the plane, much to the annoyance of the poor person sat behind.

But according to the behaviour expert Judi James, it’s not our fault – we aren’t to blame for our bad behaviour – the airline is.

She told Sun Online Travel: “It is the designer’s fault, because they’ve made the chairs recline.

“This appears to give the airline’s permission for you to recline, so we immediately step outside of etiquette and assume it’s our right to do it – because it’s what this chair does. It is giving us carte blanche to be rude.”

That said, there is a difference in the mind-set of those who recline before the meal – the so-called ‘travel warriors’.

Judi said: “They are the type who have to get there first and go for everything – their attitude is that as long as they’re alright then it doesn’t matter about others.

“These have to be people who can mentally disconnect and have no empathy.”

She added: “The tactic is to squat as much space as possible, because then they have the upper hand and any space that needs to be reclaimed has to be renegotiated away from them.

“There is no sense of negotiation, it’s a case of ‘I’ve won it, you’ve got to win it back.

“If someone wants to reclaim that space, they have to argue with you or get the cabin crew to tell you to move, and they’ll feel very vindicated about this, so they’ll almost mentally be punching the air.”

When and how should you recline your seat?

Etiquette expert William Hanson believes that there is only one acceptable moment when it can be moved, and it has to be done in a certain way.

He told Sun Online Travel: “Reclining seats are part and parcel of going on an aircraft, so if you don’t like it then don’t fly – take a boat, drive or take business class.

“However, there is a time and place for it – it should always take place after the meal has been cleared.

“If you aren’t particularly comfortable with upright seats, then book a seat right at the back of the cabin where you won’t bother anyone.”

William also believes that it is always important to check the person behind you before you recline.

He said: “Have the confidence to ask. Even if it is a bit annoying, the fact you’ve asked means that the other person is likely to say it’s fine in that terribly British way, even if they are livid inside.”

Some airlines are removing or reducing the recline function on board – Delta is restricting the amount the seats go back while BA are getting rid of reclining seats on short-haul flights altogether.

Qantas’ new seat designs could end reclining fights, with seating which dips down when pushed back which doesn’t affect the passenger behind.

TOWIE star Gemma Collins was heard having a fit with a passenger after they reclined when she was trying to sleep.