When – or when not – to recline your plane seat during a flight is a hotly contested debate.
Now a major international airline has introduced a brand new seat design that may completely end any disagreements on the matter.
German carrier Lufthansa has introduced new plane seats for premium economy that you can recline without impacting the passenger behind you at all.
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The new seats are part of the new Allegris cabins, which were rolled out on A350 and 787 aircraft.
In a video shared on social media, the airline highlights five features of the new seats, including a three-point seatbelt, a cocktail table for drinks, and an armrest where phones can be charged wirelessly.
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But it’s the hard shell and recline function that got the biggest reaction from travellers.
“Thanks to the hard shell you won’t disturb the passenger behind you when [reclining] your seat,” the video explained.
Watch the video above.
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The upgrade was praised by passengers in the comments, with one person writing: “Now, that’s what I call premium economy. Well done, Lufthansa.”
“I hate reclining in economy, this is a very good upgrade,” another added.
While a third person wrote: “It looks like Business Class”.
The question around reclining your seat on a flight and whether or not to do it at all is a constant source of arguments for many travellers.
Speaking to 9Travel previously Amanda King, Etiquette Expert and Managing Director of the Australian Finishing School, helped clear up some questions around seat reclining.
According to Amanda it is a “unspoken rule” to not recline your chair on a short flight.
“Definitely not when they are serving food or beverages as the tray table is in use and there just isn’t much room left,” she added.
As for long haul flights. It’s a yes, but do it “slowly, with ease”.