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TPG Readers Weigh in on Delta's Decision to Cut Seat Recline
Max Prosperi
Contributor
April 13, 2019
•
4 min read
TPG Readers Weigh in on Delta's Decision to Cut Seat Recline
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Delta Air Lines announced Friday that the airline would cut seat recline on select Airbus narrow-body aircraft. The decision to cut seat recline is merely a test to see if less recline improves the passenger experience as it relates to personal space — but is a decision that is already creating quite a buzz.
The process of cutting seat recline has already begun, with Delta expecting the entire retrofitting process to take around two months. 62 aircraft — the entirety of Delta's A320 fleet — will see a reduction in seat recline. Delta's Airbus A320s currently offer 5.5 inches of recline in first class and 4 inches of recline in economy. Following the recline reductions, Delta will offer roughly 36% less recline in first class with just 3.5 inches of recline and 50% less in coach with 2 inches of recline.
On the surface, many readers might immediately view a reduction in seat recline to be a way for airlines to add additional seats. However, Delta Air Lines noted that this is not the case and has no plans to add additional seats to its Airbus A320s. Instead, the airline believes that reducing recline will improve the personal space available to each passenger, resulting in a more enjoyable on-board experience.
To gauge the reaction thus far, The Points Guy asked its readers to voice their opinions and respond to a Facebook poll in the TPG Lounge. Here's what they had to say.
TPG Readers Overwhelmingly Support The Move
In the survey, readers were asked whether or not they viewed the move as a positive improvement or something that will reduce passenger comfort. An overwhelming number of respondents said that they viewed the decision to cut seat recline as a good move on Delta's part: 69% of respondents (902 responses) viewed the move to cut seat recline in a positive light. Just 31% (400 responses) found the move to be problematic.
Readers Sound Off in The TPG Lounge
One common reoccurring response from those in favor of the seat recline reductions involved the height of the passengers. Tall people are thrilled that Delta wants to improve personal space.
"As a 6'3 dude this is fantastic. I don't recline my seat because it isn't fair to [the] person behind me for my head to be in their lap. I also will tap [the] person in front of me and ask [them] to lift [their] seat if they recline." — Andrew R.
Tall people are not fans of reclining seats as the recline often inhibits their ability to access the aisle or enjoy their already limited personal space.
Others despise the recline feature regardless of passenger height.
"There is a special place in hell for people that recline their seats." — Paul C.
"A recline feels like 2 inches to the recliner but 2 miles to the person being reclined into." — Kristen J.
Many comments included concerns of reclined seats impeding on personal space, crushing laptops, or resulting in friction between passengers. We even have a new hashtag for the occasion: #TEAMNORECLINE.
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Though the majority of the comments from readers were in support of Delta's decision, some of the 31% of those who responded to the poll against the move offered their take.
"As someone with a back injury who needs recline to take the pressure off my spine, just another reason why I won't fly their crappy airline." — Ian J.
"For someone like me who sleeps very well while flying, this really sucks." — Becky B.
Join the Discussion
The Facebook poll and comments are still open. If you want to share your thoughts on Delta's decision to cut recline on its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, make sure to join the TPG Lounge and respond to our post on Delta's decision.
Correction: This article has been updated to say that Delta will offer roughly 36% less recline in first class, not 60% as originally stated.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.