The etiquette expert answered when it is polite to recline the seat on an airplane and when it should not be done
Reclining a seat on an airplane is always a touchy subject, as some passengers want to relax their lower backs, while others are not willing to sacrifice space for this. However, the function of reclining the backrest exists, and therefore almost everyone has the right to use it.
As for the ethical side of the issue, Katarina, an etiquette expert, addressed this question on TikTok. She confirmed that passengers have every right to relax their backs, but it would be polite to follow a few steps.
"Before leaning back, we should always check how the passenger behind us is doing. If they are sitting in the middle, you can inconvenience them. If they are eating with an open table or watching a movie on the screen of the chair, you should not disturb them," the expert advised.
We are mostly talking about long-haul flights that last quite a while. When an airplane spends little time in the air, Katarina does not advise reclining unless it is absolutely necessary.
"If there are medical reasons, it's a completely different conversation! There is a function, so reclining is not prohibited," the etiquette expert added in her comments.