Was I Wrong for Reclining My Seat?

We recently heard from Mark, a 34-year-old business traveler caught in a dilemma many flyers face: the airplane seat recline debate.

After a sleepless night and a successful client presentation, Mark boarded a delayed, six-hour flight utterly exhausted. At 6’3”, he’d paid extra for an aisle seat, hoping for a bit more comfort. As soon as the seatbelt sign turned off, he reclined his seat sharply without checking behind him—just desperate for rest.

Almost instantly, the woman behind him cried out, “I can’t breathe!” She was eight months pregnant, and the sudden recline pressed into her abdomen. Mark, drained and frustrated, responded, “Then fly first class,” put on his headphones, and slept most of the flight.

Later, a flight attendant handed him a note. The woman explained her situation—flying to see her dying mother one last time, unable to afford a more spacious seat—and shared how the experience caused her pain and distress.

Now, Mark is conflicted. His wife says he was in the wrong; his brother insists he had every right to recline. So, what do you think? Is using the seat’s recline feature fair game, or does etiquette—and empathy—require more thought at 30,000 feet?