The dilemma of reclining your seat fully on a flight is a common one—should personal comfort take priority over the comfort of others?

When Adam chose to recline his seat, the pregnant woman sitting behind him voiced her discomfort, sparking an unexpected chain of events.

Here is Adam’s letter:

Yes you were wrong. You could’ve worked out a compromise with her. You don’t live in a vacuum.

Hi Adam! Thanks for opening up and sharing your story. We’ve compiled some advice that might help you in the future.

Reflect on the importance of tone in communication.
While you were justified in reclining your seat, the tone of your response may have escalated things unnecessarily. The remark, “If you want luxury, buy a business,” likely contributed to the woman’s distress.

In retrospect, offering a more neutral or understanding comment, such as, “I’m sorry if I’m causing discomfort, but I’ve had a long flight too,” could have led to a more peaceful resolution.

calm tone can sometimes prevent an issue from spiraling, even if you are in the right.

Consider apologizing or acknowledging the situation afterward.

that you understood her discomfort could have turned the situation into one of mutual understanding.
Even if the conflict had been brief, this small act might have made a significant difference in how both of you viewed the encounter afterward.
Understand the power of the flight attendant’s role.
While it might have felt unfair to have the woman moved, flight attendants are trained to manage conflicts and ensure the comfort of all passengers. You might consider viewing this as a reminder of the importance of their role in maintaining peace onboard.

Instead of seeing the situation as a direct challenge to your rights, consider how their intervention was ultimately about creating a more comfortable environment for everyone, including you.

Use the experience as a chance for growth in future interactions.

Looking back, you might see this as an opportunity to approach similar situations differently in the future. Even though you were in the right to recline your seat, this experience might help you realize that people’s personal circumstances—such as being pregnant—can affect their comfort in ways you might not immediately notice.
In future flights, whether it’s reclining or any other action, pausing to assess how your actions might impact others could help prevent future conflicts and contribute to a more pleasant journey for everyone.