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Reclining seats are one of the most controversial airline amenities. For some, it's a necessity for getting comfortable on long flights. But for others, it's a source of broken laptops, spilled drinks, and mid-flight arguments.
No matter which camp you fall into, it's no secret that personal space in economy has slowly, but surely, eroded over the years. And as airlines release new seat designs, some travelers fear they may be stuck sitting upright in the near future.
When Southwest Airlines recently debuted its new cabins rolling out on planes in 2025, travelers were quick to take to social media complaining about the seemingly thin design. The airline has since confirmed that the new RECARO seats will have the same legroom, seat width, and recline capabilities as its current seating options. However, the internet backlash Southwest initially faced underscores just how protective fliers are over their legroom—what's left of it, that is.
While Southwest passengers can rest easy (for now), the recliner still risks an extinction in economy class as airlines increasingly opt for lighter seats, William McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, tells Condé Nast Traveler.
“This trend has been occurring for several years now, and I think it will continue,” says McGee. “Lighter seats are what the airlines want, because with the cost of jet fuel they are always looking to reduce weight onboard.”
“Consumers have been losing much more than seat recline in economy class,” McGee says. “It's just that in this case, losing the ability to recline can be a blessing in disguise for others, because tighter seats have made reclining unfair to fellow passengers.”
www.cntraveler.com
Reclining your seats is bad for the fellow passengers behind you, and it can make them unruly. So there is a point where it may be phased out in the future.
No matter which camp you fall into, it's no secret that personal space in economy has slowly, but surely, eroded over the years. And as airlines release new seat designs, some travelers fear they may be stuck sitting upright in the near future.
When Southwest Airlines recently debuted its new cabins rolling out on planes in 2025, travelers were quick to take to social media complaining about the seemingly thin design. The airline has since confirmed that the new RECARO seats will have the same legroom, seat width, and recline capabilities as its current seating options. However, the internet backlash Southwest initially faced underscores just how protective fliers are over their legroom—what's left of it, that is.
While Southwest passengers can rest easy (for now), the recliner still risks an extinction in economy class as airlines increasingly opt for lighter seats, William McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, tells Condé Nast Traveler.
“This trend has been occurring for several years now, and I think it will continue,” says McGee. “Lighter seats are what the airlines want, because with the cost of jet fuel they are always looking to reduce weight onboard.”
“Consumers have been losing much more than seat recline in economy class,” McGee says. “It's just that in this case, losing the ability to recline can be a blessing in disguise for others, because tighter seats have made reclining unfair to fellow passengers.”
Reclining Airline Seats Are Disappearing From Economy Class
The right to recline is one of the most highly-contested travel debates. But should airlines get rid of the option entirely?
Reclining your seats is bad for the fellow passengers behind you, and it can make them unruly. So there is a point where it may be phased out in the future.
