Inflight editor Alexander Preston summarises the latest happenings across IFEC and cabin technology.
The UK has woken up to a renewed sense of optimism that Brexit will be achieved by the end of January 2020, following yesterday’s UK general election which returned the Conservatives with a clear majority.
While the result removes some uncertainty in the political sphere ahead of the Christmas recess, those flying home for the holiday season will enter the cabin with a sense of trepidation about their fellow passengers.
That’s according to new data from YouGov about US airplane etiquette.
Many will probably agree with Edward Gibbon when he remarked that “Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius,” as when seated next to a stranger on an airplane, consensus opinion is to “exchange pleasantries, but nothing more” (35%) or “converse with them a little bit” (32%). Just 15% of people prefer not to speak with their neighbours at all.
An issue seating manufactures are grappling with currently is recline, but it’s not a faux pas for US passengers.
Seven in 10 Americans (70%) say it is acceptable to recline your seat on a plane. According to data journalist Linley Sanders, men are more likely than women to say it is “completely acceptable” (38% vs. 29%) to lean the airplane chair back. Additionally, Americans making more than US$80,000 annually are more likely to say this is “completely acceptable” (41%) compared to individuals making less than $40,000 annually (30%).
As Sherlock Holmes once remarked, “You have a grand gift for silence, Watson. It makes you quite invaluable as a companion.” Whoever your companions are, and regardless of whether or not you can afford to recline, for your next flight just sit back, smile and enjoy the view!
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