Airline Madness: People who recline their seats vs. People who get mad at people who recline their seats

Airline Madness is Gadling’s tournament of airline annoyances. You can catch up on all of the previous tournament action here.

The final first round match-up of Airline Madness is an epic battle between two arch rivals: #8 People who recline there seats and #9 People who get mad at people who recline their seats. This is a battle that has been raging since the first passenger leaned back and banged into the knees of the person behind them. Is reclining every passengers’ right? Are we already too short on legroom to sacrifice any more just so someone else can recline? Tempers flare when this topic comes up and only you can help us settle the dispute.

Read the full bios of both peeves and then let your voice be heard below.

#8 People who recline their seats
Some would argue that all reclining passengers are evil. Others suggest that reclining just needs to be done slowly and politely – only after permission has been given by the person seated behind the recliner. Reclining is an invasion of personal space. It also makes seat-back televisions difficult to enjoy. Oh, and death to those who dare to recline during drink service!

#9 People who get mad at people who recline their seats
You know who paid for that seat-back? The person sitting in that seat. The airline has put in the recline feature and we’re entitled to use it. Frankly, it’s one of the few amenities that’s still free on airlines. We don’t need anyone’s permission to recline our own seats. We can use that seat however we damn well please (well, within reason, of course) and reclining is our right! Our seat, our choice! Now shut up so we can enjoy our reclined seats in peace.

Where do you stand on this hot button issue? Which one of this fliers is worse: the recliner or the complainer? Vote for the one that you think should advance to the second round and then join the conversation in the comments.
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First round voting ends at 11:59PM EDT on Friday, March 16.

More Airline Madness:
#1 Annoying passengers vs. #16 Disgusting bathrooms
#2 Legroom vs. #15 Inefficient boarding procedures
#3 Lack of free food/prices for food vs. #14 Cold cabin/no blankets
#4 Baggage Fees vs. #13 Obese people who take up two seats
#5 Lack of overhead space vs. Inattentive parents of crying babies
#6 Change fees/no free standby vs. #11 Lack of personal entertainment/charging for entertainment
#7 Rude airline staff vs. #10 Having to turn off electronic devices during takeoff & landing
Hotel Madness: Gadling’s tournament of airline annoyances

Catch up on all the Airline Madness here.