Should you recline your airplane seat?
Summary
Hosts Manny, Noah, and Devin debate whether passengers should recline airplane seats, sharing conflicting personal views on etiquette and comfort. They interview New Yorker writer Joshua Rothman, who explains that declining legroom and rising resentment have fueled this conflict. The discussion explores the psychology of "social licensing," where passengers feel justified in reclining if the person ahead does, and examines the trade-offs between airline profitability and passenger comfort.
Topics discussed
Intro, August break announcement, and sponsor ads
Hosts debate the etiquette of reclining airplane seats
Survey data on reclining opinions and listener call-in
Interview with Josh Rothman on shrinking legroom and costs
Ergonomics, seat width, and the economics of first class
Proposed solutions: fixed recline and default positions
Social licensing, reactive attitudes, and the knee defender
Final thoughts on manners, choice, and closing remarks
Listen ad-free on Castria