Delta CEO Shades Other Airlines Over Viral Video Of AA Passenger Reclining Seat
While the “annoying” incident occurred on an American Airlines flight, Delta CEO Ed Bastian shares his shady two cents on the “to recline or not to recline” debate, stemming from a viral video.
Bastian tells CNBC‘s ‘Squawk Box,’ “We’ve been adding a lot more seats with more space on our aircraft, more premium seats, more room in coach, etc.” He adds, We ask all of our customers to do the very best to show respect to their fellow customers. We want all of our customers to have a great time when they’re here with us at Delta. And we generally do not see that issue on Delta.”
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On flight etiquette, Bastian says, “I think customers have the right to recline. We’ve been testing ‘reduce recline’ and seeing response on that. We actually have a fair amount of our fleet on a ‘reduced recline’ as a result of that. But, I think the proper thing to do, if you’re going to recline into somebody, that you ask if it’s ok, first, and then you do it. At the same time, every customer has his decision. I never say anything myself, though.”
Bastian further explains, “I think if someone knows there’s a tall person behind them and they want to recline their seat, I think the polite thing would be to make certain it was ok. I never recline, ’cause I don’t think it’s something that — since I’m CEO of the airline — I should be reclining my seat. And I never say anything if someone reclines into me.”
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