To recline or not? A look at in-flight rules after Cathay bans Cantonese couple over seat row

Cathay Pacific Airways’ decision to blacklist a Cantonese-speaking couple after a dispute over a reclining plane seat has sparked a heated debate among Hongkongers, with many asking the question: is it OK to recline?

The squabble broke out when a mainland passenger reclined her seat, sparking accusations from a couple seated behind that her action obstructed their viewing of in-flight entertainment.

The couple, who spoke Cantonese, started to jostle her seat, kicked her arm, verbally attacked her with slurs, and called her a “mainland girl”.

Here is what you need to know about aeroplane protocols.

1. When may Cathay ban passengers for misconduct?