PASSENGERS don't realise just how much they can annoy other people on flights.
It's not uncommon for there to be squabbles breaking out in the cabin over the smallest things, and we regularly have to intervene.
In this week's blog post of Sun Online Travel, I'll be talking about some of the biggest seat issues that arise during flights and I'll explain who's in the right in each case.
Pulling on seats
This is something people might not even realise they're doing, but it causes plenty of arguments between passengers.
When people have to stand up, they'll often use the seat in front to help them get to their feet, not thinking about how it will affect the person in that chair.
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It may not feel like it, but often when you're pulling down on the back of the seat, it can move quite a bit.
We've seen passengers woken up as a result, or throw drinks over themselves.
In more than one case, earbuds have fallen out and got lost.
If you're yanking on the back of the seat, you're definitely in the wrong if it comes to an argument and my advise would be to apologise and don't be too defensive.
I understand that you might need a bit of help to get to your feet in such a cramped space, but there other ways to go about it.
Next time, try using the armrests to help push yourself up instead, or just be as gentle as possible on the headrest of the seat in front of you.
Just think about how small and flimsy the seats are and how much even the smallest bit of movement could affect the person sitting in it.
Reclining seats
Another common squabble is over reclining seats, which is a very hot debate.
There's nothing worse than the person in front putting their chair way back in your lap, but at the same time they're more than entitled to do it.
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If the seat has the function, I'm afraid that the person sitting in it has every right to recline if they want - but that's not to say they have to be argumentative about it.
If you're going to put your seat back, you have to understand that it's going to annoy the person behind, so at least turn around and let them know beforehand and then recline as gently as possible.
We've seen smashed laptop screens, spilt drinks and even minor injuries because inconsiderate passengers just whip their chairs back without any warning.
If the person in front puts their chair back, your best bet is to join them and start a little wave of reclined seats.
Either that, or tell your cabin crew a little white lie and say that you've got a medical problem that requires you to stretch your legs out as much as possible.
You might get lucky and be moved to seat with no one in front of you.
Armrests
The simple rule with armrests is that the person in the middle should be given the most access.
They're in the worst seat, they deserve what little perks they can get.
That said, the middle passenger doesn't have the right to go past the armrests and shouldn't spread their arms, or legs, beyond the confines of their own space.
I know that seat is terrible and uncomfortable, especially on long haul flights.
If you're that precious about it, you should book in advance.
Meanwhile, these are the rules around switching seats in the plane cabin.
And this mum has revealed how she gets passengers to swap seats without causing any problems during a flight.
