Cathay Pacific has banned two passengers from its flights after a heated argument over seat reclining etiquette escalated into xenophobic insults, CNN reports.
The incident, which occurred on a flight from Hong Kong to London on September 17, was captured on video and shared online.
A female passenger from mainland China described the incident, detailing how a fellow passenger requested her to raise her seat due to it blocking her husband’s view of the in-flight entertainment screen. Despite politely declining, the situation escalated when the woman behind her stretched her feet onto the armrest, kicked her arm, and allegedly began cursing.
A flight attendant attempted to mediate, suggesting the woman raise her seat, but she refused. The argument intensified, with the woman’s husband also becoming involved, reportedly shoving his hand on the woman’s armrest and shaking it.
Footage of the altercation reveals passengers shouting in both Cantonese and Mandarin, expressing their disapproval of the behavior. One voice could be heard saying in Mandarin, “You’re old enough – why are you bullying a young girl?” while others yelled in Cantonese, “You’re embarrassing us Hongkongers!” and “Stop saying you’re from Hong Kong!”
Cathay Pacific, in a statement, expressed regret for the “unpleasant experience” and reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy” for behavior that disrespects other passengers or violates aviation safety regulations. The airline confirmed that the two passengers involved in the incident would be banned from all future flights.
The incident, which has been widely discussed online, adds to the ongoing debate regarding seat reclining etiquette on planes. However, it also underscores the existing tension between people from mainland China and Hong Kong. These tensions stem from differing political views, cultural identities, and the aftermath of the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
