“Buy Another Seat”: Mom Sparks Outrage After Passenger Reclines Seat Into Her Lap

The dispute over airplane etiquette has once again taken center stage after a mother-of-two went viral for venting her frustration at a fellow flyer who reclined his seat in front of her during a three-hour flight from Cairns to Adelaide, Australia.

Her post, uploaded to TikTok, has already drawn more than 4.3 million views, but also fierce backlash from travelers divided over who was in the wrong.

“When the guy in front of you puts his seat back when he has an empty seat right next to him,” the mother, identified as Norton, wrote. She added that once the seat tipped back, it was “30 cm from [her] face.”

A mother went viral after revealing how a passenger reclining his seat left her struggling for space on a plane

Mom looks annoyed holding baby on plane with reclined seat pressing against her, sparking viral debate about seat space.

Image credits: matildanorton

Norton explained that she had been seated in the middle with her 10-month-old baby on her lap and her 2-year-old by the window.

In her viral clip, she can be seen struggling to corral the children as they play with toy airplanes and tractors, visibly pressed for space.

That’s when the passenger in front suddenly reclines his seat, snapping it back into her already cramped area.

With the chair just 30 centimeters from her face, Norton said she was left with virtually no room to move, let alone tend to her children.

Mom and child reacting to reclined plane seat intruding into their space during a flight, sparking a viral debate.

Image credits: matildanorton

The situation, she explained, made it hard to breastfeed and retrieve the toys her toddler dropped. She called the move inconsiderate, noting that the passenger “could have moved over and put the other seat back, where there was no baby behind him.”

“Or, when he laid down across both seats, he could have at least put his seat upright since he wasn’t even using it,” she vented online. 

“I know everybody has the right to put their seat back, but where is the common courtesy? We had no space.”

Debate ensued, with many accusing Norton of being entitled while others defended the front passenger’s right to recline his seat

@matildanorton Hear me out.. he had an empty seat next to him. He could have moved over and put the other seat back.. where they was no baby behind him. Or when he laid down across both seats he could have at least put his seat upright since he wasn’t even using it 🫠🫠🫠 I know everyone has the right to put their seat back.. but where is the common courtesy 😭😭 we had no space #airplane#travellingwithkids#commoncourtesy#helpme♬ original sound – Matilda

As is often the case with airline complaints, the video turned into a lightning rod for debate.

“As a mom of 2 toddlers: Don’t make others responsible for your choice to fly with small children,” one wrote. 

“It’s HIS seat. Hope that helps,” another added.

Others accused Norton of hypocrisy. 

“So let me get this right. You won’t switch places with your kid because you want him to have a window, but expect a stranger to give up their comfort for you? That’s a new level of entitlement,” one commenter said.

Others empathized with Norton, ultimately placing the blame on airlines for shrinking seat space

Comment by Geri Lorensen on airline seat reclining debate, suggesting a solution to avoid cramped planes and improve comfort.

Comment saying airlines pack planes like sardine cans causing issues with reclined plane seats and discomfort for passengers.

Passengers seated inside an airplane cabin with reclined seats, illustrating space issues and passenger discomfort.

Image credits: Surachetsh/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)

But Norton wasn’t without defenders, with some framing her ordeal as the inevitable result of airlines reducing seat space and soaring prices that force passengers into increasingly uncomfortable accommodations.

“I think airlines need to get rid of reclining seats in economy,” argued one viewer.

Woman on airplane demonstrating reclining seat with text about acceptable reclining when no one is behind, annoyed mom viral debate.

Image credits: matildanorton

“People have the right to complain,” another added. “They even have the right to be upset, but this paradigm is so emblematic of the problems in the US.

“We blame our fellow passengers for reclining their seats, when it is the airline that made the seats that way. Be mad at the airline, not the person following the airline’s rules.”

Mom on plane drinking coffee contrasted with reclined seat crushing passenger's space in viral debate over plane etiquette.

Image credits: matildanorton

A third one agreed.

“Customers should direct their anger at airlines and plane manufacturers. The only thing I can think of that’s more torturous than sitting in any airline’s seat is having my teeth drilled.”

Experts urged people to be more considerate of others, noting that a small degree of courtesy can go a long way in defusing situations like these

Comment from Bobby Cloud criticizing reclined plane seat complaint, sparking debate about seat space and passenger annoyance.

Comment from Howdy Kumy discussing plane seat reclining and etiquette in response to an annoyed mom's viral video about reclined plane seat.

Woman addressing airplane seat video, discussing reclined plane seat issue causing discomfort on a flight.

Image credits: matildanorton

To better understand the situation, Bored Panda spoke with Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert at The Protocol School of Texas, who said that while reclining may feel like a right, it should also be treated as a responsibility.

“While it’s more comfortable to recline your seat and relax when you’re on an airplane, it’s important to be aware of the people you are inconveniencing,” Gottsman explained. 

“You may have paid for a seat that reclines, but if you are resting your seat against someone’s knees behind you, it’s a discourtesy to your fellow passenger.”

@matildanorton Replying to @user8939650318133 my entitled self addressing the airplane seat video 🤍✈️🛩️ ##airplane##mumlife##etiquette##commoncourtesy##viral♬ original sound – Matilda

She suggested that passengers take a moment to gauge the situation before leaning back. 

“A good rule of thumb is to look back to assess the situation. If they have their tray table down, are using their computer, or have extremely long legs, your consideration would be appreciated.”

Man sitting in a reclined plane seat using a tablet, illustrating space issues causing annoyance on flights.

Image credits: DC Studio/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)

For those caught on the receiving end, Gottsman recommended seeking help rather than confrontation.

“If you were the one who is being inconvenienced, you can ask the flight attendant for assistance and let them handle the situation.”

“Did you talk to him?” Netizens believe the issue could’ve been handled better with some communication

Comment on reclined plane seat crushing with annoyed mom sparking viral debate about airline seat reclining fairness.

Comment from user RachD expressing that airlines should eliminate reclining seats in economy class.

Comment from annoyed mom discussing reclined plane seat crushing her and the challenges faced with others not adjusting.

Text comment from O. Ryter expressing frustration with parents expecting special treatment after having kids, sparking debate among annoyed moms.

Comment discussing airplane seat reclining and the impact of reclined plane seats on passengers in a viral debate.

Comment criticizing parents for expecting accommodations on flights, sparking debate about reclined plane seat issues.

Comment on social media by a user named Mark LaDuke criticizing an annoyed mom for complaining about a reclined plane seat.

Comment discussing controversy over reclined plane seat and its impact, sparking viral debate among annoyed mom viewers.

Comment on social media expressing frustration about air travel due to a child's crying during a flight.

Comment from user Kitty defending reclined plane seats in response to annoyed mom’s viral debate video about seat crushing.

Comment from a user sharing opinion on reclined plane seat controversy and personal need to recline due to back issues.

Comment about a child standing on a plane seat, questioning common courtesy to the following passenger.

Comment on social media discussing reclined plane seats and an annoyed mom sparking a viral debate about seat space issues.

Comment from annoyed mom sharing her experience of a reclined plane seat crushing her during a flight discussion.

Comment discussing entitlement to recline plane seat fully back during travel, sparking debate from annoyed mom video.

Comment on viral video showing an annoyed mom reacting to a reclined plane seat crushing her personal space.

Comment from Kay discussing allowing reclining plane seats during flights in a viral annoyed mom debate.

Comment from user Jovana replying to a discussion about reclined plane seats and limited space on a flight.

Comment from user Marie_Cake discussing the impact of a reclined plane seat causing discomfort to an annoyed mom.

Comment on social media expressing frustration about parents, related to annoyed mom viral debate on reclined plane seat crushing.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!