Takeoff and landing are the two most critical phases of any flight. If something unexpected were to happen, your seating position could affect how protected you are. As per online sources, when your seat is upright, it supports your back properly and keeps you in a better position to brace or react if needed. A reclined seat can increase the chance of injuries– not just for you, but for the person sitting behind you too.

That’s why, as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines, “The back of the seat needs to be in the upright position and the tray table stowed,” before and during takeoff and landing of an aircraft, as mentioned in a Times Now report. It’s a basic move that adds a layer of protection– and it takes only a few seconds.