Whether it’s handling overhead bin space, lowering your voice when talking, or navigating in-flight interactions, practising proper flight etiquette helps create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all on board.
One of the hot topics when it comes to flight etiquette is the reclining of aeroplane seats. It’s a debate that has been going on for years, but now, thanks to one woman’s viral social media video, the discussion has been reignited.
Clare Duggan has divided the internet with a simple yet polarising ‘hack’ involving a tube of Pringles.
Her video, which has garnered a staggering 1.5 million views, shows Clare wedging a Pringles can between the tray table and the seat in front of her to prevent it from reclining.
‘This is the best life hack when you’ve got someone in front who is trying to put the seat down constantly,’ she said in her post.
The reaction from the online community has been as varied as the flavours of Pringles themselves.
On one side of the debate, some have hailed Clare’s ingenuity, calling it ‘brilliant’ and ‘genius.’ Some even admitted to employing similar tactics themselves to preserve their personal space.
‘I did this with water bottles. 8-hour flight with someone’s seat touching your nose? No, thank you…’ echoed one person.
‘As a 6 ft 5 traveller, this is the best thing I’ve ever seen,’ wrote a second one, while a third one commented, ‘Great tip. [It’s] so annoying when they recline while I am still trying to eat my food.’
‘Big flight coming up! I’m doing this,’ wrote another.
However, others argued and commented that the move is ‘ridiculous’ and that passengers are ‘entitled to put their seat back.’ Some even suggested that Clare should be ‘banned from flying’ for such behaviour.
‘What a horrible human you are. They are fully within their rights to put the seat down,’ opined one commenter.
Another one demanded, ‘The seats are literally made to recline.’
‘Pay for first class if you want more space!’ suggested a third person.
‘You must be fun at [parties],’ quipped someone else.
The conversation has sparked a broader discussion about the unwritten rules of air travel. One commenter pointed out that seats are designed to recline for a reason–to allow passengers to relax.
Another suggested that rather than resorting to snack-based solutions, a simple conversation with the cabin crew could resolve the issue, as they are typically required to ask passengers to incline their seats during meal service.
Clare later clarified her stance, explaining that she doesn’t mind people reclining in general. Her Pringles intervention was a response to a specific situation where the passenger in front refused to comply with the flight attendant’s request during mealtime, even after she asked politely.
The Pringles ‘hack’ has also stirred up a debate about the appropriate times to recline one’s seat.
‘They should just have set times when people can recline seats. It’s fine during restful hours, but the worst thing is if you’re eating your meals and someone recline[s],’ one person suggested.
Others argued that on long-haul flights, reclining is acceptable, while on shorter journeys, it’s considered rude.
Meanwhile, one particularly considerate traveller shared their approach: ‘I always respect the person behind me by asking if they mind if I recline the seat back. That’s called consideration.’
At YourLifeChoices, we understand that travel can be stressful, and personal space is a precious commodity, especially for those of us who value comfort during our journeys.
What are your thoughts on the viral Pringles hack? Do you find it ‘genius’ or ‘ridiculous?’ We would love to hear from you.
Also read: How to be a better passenger–from a flight attendant