Plane forced to land after argument over reclining seat

[UrbScotty]

Airline passengers have come to expect a tiny escape from the confined space of today's packed planes: the ability to recline their seat a few inches. When one passenger was denied that bit of personal space Sunday, it led to a heated argument and the unscheduled landing of their plane, just halfway to its destination.

The fight started on a United Airlines flight because one passenger was using the Knee Defender, a $21.95 gadget that attaches to a passenger's tray table and prevents the person in front of them from reclining.

The Federal Aviation Administration leaves it up to individual airlines to set rules about the device. United Airlines said it prohibits use of the device, like all major U.S. airlines. Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air take the reclining mechanisms out of their seats, leaving them permanently upright.

The dispute on United Flight 1462 from Newark, New Jersey to Denver escalated to the point where the airline decided to divert to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, according to Transportation Security Administration spokesman Ross Feinstein.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/25/fliers-fight-seat-recline_n_5711765.html

[liberal N proud]

1. Reclining a seat is inconsiderate to those seated behind you.

You recline your seat to gain space taking it from the seat behind you.

On long distance flights where nearly everyone reclines it may be acceptable, but again, it can be an intrusion.

[Ilsa]

3. I think the default position should be slightly reclined.

I find the full upright position to be very uncomfortable.

[Exultant Democracy]

2. Who wants to bet they are both republicans?

The sense of personal privilege it takes to put a lock on someone else's seat is unbelievable. However throwing a drink a someone is also never acceptable.

[jakeXT]

4. throwing water in his face really helped