14-hour flight nightmare ends in permanent ban for couple

Hong Kong: A couple's disruptive behavior over a reclined seat on a Cathay Pacific flight has resulted in their permanent ban from the airline, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding passenger etiquette in cramped economy cabins.

The incident occurred on a 14-hour flight from Hong Kong to London on Sept. 17, when a couple was recorded harassing a fellow passenger who had reclined her seat. Video footage of the altercation, posted on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, showed the pair engaging in provocative actions directed at the reclined seat in front of them.

According to witnesses, the couple's behavior included peering between seat cushions, hanging on the back of the seat, and repeatedly shaking it. They were also seen making vulgar hand gestures and verbally taunting the passenger.

Flight attendants intervened, asking the couple to cease their behavior. However, they also requested that the woman in front stop reclining her seat, a suggestion she refused, stating it was not during mealtime and she was within her rights to do so.

As the situation escalated, other passengers became involved, urging the couple to leave the woman and her seat alone. Despite these interventions, the disruptive behavior continued throughout the flight.

Initially, the couple faced no immediate consequences for their actions. Cathay Pacific took action only after the video gained traction on social media, issuing a permanent ban against the pair.

According to CNN, Cathay Pacific issued a statement stating, "We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that violates aviation safety regulations or disrespects the rights of other customers. We will deny future travel on any Cathay Group flights to the two customers involved in this incident."

The right to recline seats has been a contentious issue, with some airlines even introducing "pre-reclined" seats to mitigate conflicts. Cathay Pacific's decision to ban the couple has been largely supported by social media users and industry observers, who view it as necessary to maintain order and respect on flights.