Cathay Pacific Bans Hong Kong Couple for Harassing Mainland Passenger Over Reclining Seat

Cathay Pacific has banned a Hong Kong couple from its flights after they engaged in a heated altercation with a mainland Chinese traveller over her reclining seat. The airline has taken a strong stance, placing the couple on its no-fly list and emphasizing its “strict zero-tolerance policy” against disrespectful behavior towards fellow passengers.

The incident occurred on a flight from Hong Kong to London on September 17, 2024. The Chinese woman, who was seated in front of the couple, reclined her seat, prompting the husband and wife to accuse her of obstructing their view of the in-flight entertainment system. When the woman refused to straighten her seat, the situation escalated.

Couple’s Aggressive Behavior Caught on Video

In a series of videos posted on social media, the wife can be seen extending her legs onto the armrests of the woman’s seat and scolding her in Cantonese. The woman, who does not speak Cantonese, reported that the wife referred to her in a derogatory manner as a “mainland girl”. The husband, seated directly behind the woman, was said to have “frantically pushed” against her seat, causing it to vibrate.

The woman’s post on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, which included footage of the confrontation, quickly gained traction, amassing 194,000 likes and sparking a range of reactions online. Many passengers who witnessed the incident condemned the Hong Kong couple’s behavior, with one stating, “Don’t call yourself a Hong Konger, you bully.”

Cathay Pacific Criticized for Cabin Crew Response

The woman’s post also highlighted concerns about Cathay Pacific’s cabin crew response to the situation. When the woman sought assistance from a flight attendant, she was advised to adjust her seat, despite the fact that it was not during meal service. The flight attendant’s suggestion that the woman accommodate the couple’s demands was met with criticism, as it was seen as failing to address the root cause of the problem.

The incident has reignited the ongoing debate about the appropriateness of reclining seats on airplanes. While some argue that reclining is an acceptable practice as it is a designed feature of the seats, others contend that it can be uncomfortable for passengers seated behind. The couple’s aggressive response, however, has been widely condemned, with many suggesting that if they desired more space, they should have opted for first-class tickets.

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