A passenger was fined AUD 700 after he “reclined his seat too fast” and damaged someone’s laptop behind him.
The issue of reclining seats, particularly on flights, is often divisive, with some thinking it should be allowed while others think it is rude.
According to Business Insider, a university student, known as Wang, was using a new laptop on a fold-down table on a train in Wuhan, China, when the seat in front of him suddenly reclined, reports The Sun.
Even though there was a sign in the carriage reminding passengers to notify each other of seat adjustments, Liu, the man sitting in the row in front, allegedly failed to warn Wang.
Wang informed the police who tried to reach a compensation agreement between the two passengers.
But after the talks failed, Liu was sued by Wang who demanded ¥4788 (AUD 1000) to cover repair and transport costs.
The Xiangyin County People’s Court eventually ordered Liu to pay Wang ¥3341 (AUD 715) in damages.
The issue of reclining seats more often causes friction between passengers on planes.
However, experts have warned that passengers have been reclining their seats incorrectly this whole time if they want to sleep.
By putting the seat all the way back, it not only annoys other passengers, it can affect your body too.
Andrew Lawrence, president of the Chiropractors Association of Australia, says the best position for getting comfortable in economy is to have your seat only “slightly reclined”.
Passengers should then put a cushion at the base of the spine to help maintain the lumbar curve and reduce pressure at the junction of lower back and pelvis.
Lawrence said, “As far as the skeleton is concerned, the pelvis – specifically the ischia or the hard bony things we sit on – and the area where the spine and pelvis meet are under the greatest pressure when we’re sitting upright and awake.
“But when we sleep the neck takes the biggest pressure.”
