Internet reacts to traveller who reclined their seat for an entire 7-hour flight - but do YOU agree?
The Pitham family, who share tales of their adventures online, joined what they call the 'great recline debate' - should passengers be allowed to lean back for a whole flight?
By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER
Published: 10:53 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 11:23 GMT, 29 December 2025
A holidaymaker complained about a plane passenger who reclined their seat for the entire duration of a flight.
The Pitham family, who share tales of their adventures online, joined what they call the 'great recline debate' - should passengers be allowed to lean back for a whole flight?
They posted a video on their Instagram account @pitham.travels showing a woman reclining - even while the person sitting behind her consumed a hot beverage.
The caption alongside the video said: 'This lady had her seat reclined pretty much the entire seven-hour flight, and while it was annoying, we just put up with it.
'But during meal service with a hot drink, we thought she’d have some courtesy.
'The man next to her was the exact same, and my toddler was behind him, so I asked the flight attendant to intervene and ask him to put his seat upright during our meal time.
'The man in front of us did; this lady did not.
'So, the eternal plane etiquette question: to recline or not to recline during meal times?'
The 'great recline debate' - should passengers be allowed to lean back for a whole flight? (stock)
The Pitham family shared their take on the matter, saying their rule is: 'We avoid reclining during meal service, especially with hot items.
'It’s a courtesy that costs us a few minutes of comfort but can prevent a major spill (or meltdown).
'If you must recline: a slow, partial recline after a quick glance back can be a good middle ground.
'If you’re the one being reclined into, stay calm. A polite “I just have a hot drink, could you wait a few minutes?” often works wonders or you can ask the flight attendant to intervene if you don’t want to disturb them.
'But sometimes, you’ll just have those kinds of flights.'
Viewers took to the comments section to weigh in on the debate.
Some were firmly team 'recline', with one writing: 'There is NO debate. If The seats recline, the airline intended them to be used as such if so desired.
'If the airline wanted seats up during meal service they announce it over the intercom like they do for takeoff and landing. End of debate.
With limited room on flights, this family feel reclining should not take place for the whole journey (stock)