Aeroplane Travel - Reclining Seat Issues

bobbified on 13/06/2017 - 13:57

I saw another article this morning where some users have written in to call for the banning of reclining seats on an aircraft.

I did a quick search and, given that a lot of us would travel on a budget, was quite surprised to not find any threads in this forum about reclining seats on an aircraft.

I fly regularly (more domestic nowadays, than international) and recline my seat almost every time but I've never had anyone raise an issue with it. Nor have I had any issues with anyone in front of me who decides to recline their seat in front of me.

Normally, I would take note of the person behind me - if I see a huge person, I'd try avoid reclining for as long as I can. During meal times, I definitely lift my seat back to the upright position.

There seem to be a lot of people who call for the banning of reclining seats. Me personally, there's no way that I'd be able to do anything more than a domestic flight with a seat in such an upright position. The seats have been designed in an upright (and unnatural) position to assist in the evacuation of the flight in an emergency - hence the reason they need to be in that position for takeoff and landing with tray tables stowed (takeoff and landing are the stages of the flight where there's likely to an emergency).

So, I'm wondering if arguments/fights onboard are actually that common. Share your stories!

Poll Options

  • 58
    I paid for my seat - it's my right to recline anytime!
  • 374
    I recline only when it's not meal time
  • 181
    I never recline my seat and I have an issue with the person in front of me reclining theirs
  • 12
    I recline my seat but have an issue with the person in front of me reclining theirs
Travel

Comments

  • Almost Banned on 13/06/2017 - 14:32
    +34

    I am a firm supporter of reclining your seat. If I've paid for a reclining seat I will use the recline function.
    However, I've had idiots in front recline during meals which pissed me right off.
    I try to be considerate - if the flight is during the day and not too long I'll try not to recline or only recline part-way, but if I have paid for a recline and I want to recline - I will bloody well recline my seat.

      • Almost Banned on 13/06/2017 - 16:04
        +7

        HUH?
        The tray is IN the seat back. Of course it comes towards you when the rest of the seat does.

        • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 16:06
          +4

          No, it really doesn't. It stows into a clip that attaches to the seat back, but the rails that support it are attached to the seat base.

          I'm not convinced you've ever been on an airplane. Do you really think they'd design the tray so that it would tip and you'd wear your meal the second the person in front of you reclines their seat? That's just silly.

        • Almost Banned on 13/06/2017 - 16:09
          +11

          @picklewizard: I have flown to every continent on earth except South America and Antarctica.
          And not only is the tray closer, the rest of the seat is too when you are trying to eat - which is uncomfortable and inconsiderate.
          Generally they ask people to return their chairs to the upright position when meals are served. Do you think they do this for fun?

        • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 16:10
          +11

          It's so that the hostess can easily distribute meals - reclined chairs can make this difficult.

          The tray does not move when the seat is reclined… see following image: https://i.stack.imgur.com/knwdK.jpg

          Not my pic, but clearly someone else has had this argument as they've already helpfully circled the bit that shows how the tray is anchored. The seat in front of you will move closer to the rear of the tray, but the tray remains entirely stationary relative to the floor / your seat.

        • singlemalt72 on 14/06/2017 - 16:18
          +9

          @holyland:

          Try being a tallish built guy - when someone in front of me reclines I am practically looking down at their face.

        • picklewizard on 14/06/2017 - 19:14
          +40

          @holyland: LOL I'm really not… people don't understand basic mechanics. The reason I posted that image is because it shows the tray supports anchored to the seat BASE, not the seat BACK. Thus, the tray DOES NOT MOVE WITH RESPECT TO THE SEAT.

          I have no idea why I'm being so viciously negged. An aeroplane tray table DOES NOT MOVE when the seat in front of you reclines. That is the ONLY point I'm trying to make.

          Pack mentality much? Try some independent thought. "OH A NEG, STACKS ON!"

          Peace, I'm out, don't feel inclined to downvote further because you're angry that you don't understand the most basic of physics.

        • gimli on 14/06/2017 - 20:26

          @picklewizard: agree with you re tray not moving. I think it gets annoying when people move seat from one position to another but otherwise i have no trouble.

          As for the negs. Its a neg bandwagon. What can one do but join the oz bandwagon?

        • ThadtheChad on 14/06/2017 - 21:01
          +16

          @picklewizard:

          The tray doesn't move backwards, but the space above the tray gets severely constrained to the point that (especially if they're at full range of recline) the upper part of the seat in front is less than a foot away from the person at the rear's face.

          This can (and does) make eating and drinking very uncomfortable for the person at the back. I've noticed in most cases the flight attendants make certain that seats are not reclining during meal service (especially if it encroaches in this manner).

        • dbun1 on 15/06/2017 - 09:27
          +2

          @picklewizard:

          This guy is right - I'm not sure why so many negs - people clearly don't know how the seat functions.

          The tray is fastened to a non moving part of the seat in front - yes, it does stow away into the seat in front, but it is mechanically attached to a non moving part of the seat in front.

          Yes, many years ago in some older planes the tray was fastened to the seat back so it did move with the seat, but this hasn't been the case for a while now.

          The reason they ask you to put your seat up is because when the seat is reclined it cuts off the angle and makes it difficult to eat.

        • thord on 15/06/2017 - 14:21
          +1

          @picklewizard:

          This is ridiculous that picklewizard is downvoted, he's right. The trays don't move. The seats do though, so if you have a drink too close to the seat in front the seat reclining can knock your drink over or can knock your food over. But yes, the tray won't move back.

          It will jiggle and bounce around though, so I agree i hate people mucking around with the seat in front.

        • do-ob on 15/06/2017 - 18:15

          @gearhead: I believe this is the reason the tray is often on a sliding mechanism so you can have enough clearance between the tray and the seat when the seat is reclined.

        • ThadtheChad on 15/06/2017 - 21:07

          @do-ob:

          I have tried using that slider, but it's actually pretty useless with the full tray "expanded". It's like trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

          I've found it to work best when you're using the tray for drinks, i.e. folding the tray and using the slider.

        • snook on 15/06/2017 - 22:53

          @picklewizard: not all planes are alike you know. The ones I've been on … the tray comes back with the seat, and I've flown a bit.

        • CrushJelly on 16/06/2017 - 14:59
          -1

          @blaircam: where is your reply now, knowing that you're completely wrong?

          I guess you're too proud to admit you were wrong, hmm?

      • bobbified on 13/06/2017 - 16:59
        +30

        The tray itself doesn't move - but the back of the seat comes down over the tray when it's reclined.
        At the seat upright position, the tray sits almost 90 degrees to the back of the seat. When the seat is reclined, the angle decreases significantly making it hard to put your head down to eat. And if you've already got your head there eating and the seat comes back, you get hit in the head.

        Any laptops that are sitting open on tray table with the monitor open and leaning against the back of the seat can get damaged if the person at the front reclines quickly. I've seen this happy once and, man, the dude that had the laptop was not happy!

        • furys12 on 14/06/2017 - 09:41
          +5

          so much yes to both of these, regardless of wether the tray moves, the seat does, and it makes eating that little bit more uncomfortable and harder, british airways actually make you upright your chair during meal times partially for them i'm sure but also for the people eating, if the person in front of you has reclined there seat again during the meal, after being told not too, you can just give a nod to the attendant and they will tell, not ask, the person to put theirs upright again.

          i nearly had the laptop thing happen to me, first international flight, made the mistake of bringing my 17inch laptop, it was barely usable when the person was upright, then they reclined and the laptop got stuck between the seat and the tray, probably super lucky it didn't just snap

        • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 15:22

          @abb:

          There's limited "side" space on the plane - there's been many times where I've tried to bring the food to my mouth but I find I almost always elbow the poor guy next to me. I try my best to stay within the invisible boundary line and not have my elbow sticking out on either side.

          There's a danger during meal time when everyone's moving around trying to eat that, if my elbow gets bumped or there's some unexpected turbulence, the food will end up on my lap! It HAS happened before.

          Sooo… I found the safest and most efficient way of eating is, like a dog, with my head down! haha! ^_^

        • ThadtheChad on 14/06/2017 - 20:49
          -1

          @abb:

          I understand you're trying to be funny, but your comment comes of as poorly thought out.

          Have you ever seen someone who doesn't lean forward positioning themselves over their plate when eating? I haven't.

        • abb on 15/06/2017 - 08:40
          +2

          @gearhead: Oh well, some internet points lost. I had a mental image of someone licking their food off the tray, found it funny…

    • JimmyF on 14/06/2017 - 09:58
      +12

      So you recline as you paid for it, or in your own words "I have paid for a recline and I want to recline - I will bloody well recline my seat." but when the person in front of you does it at meal times, you get pissed off?

      Ummm ok. ever thought they feel the same way as you!?

      • Cusack on 17/06/2017 - 09:57
        -1

        Obviously he's referring to non-meal times.

        • JimmyF on 17/06/2017 - 18:30

          You kinda missed the point. But carry on.

      • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 17:14
        +8

        I don't agree the ticket is to simply get from A to B and that the reclining seat is an "added bonus". The seat and all its functions come as part of the price of the ticket.

        You try telling someone who's paid for business class that they've simply paid to get from A to B and tell me how that conversation goes haha.

        Having said that, if I see a 2 metre tall dude in the seat behind me already looking extremely uncomfortable, I just wouldn't feel right reclining!

        • Lord Fart Bucket on 15/06/2017 - 18:41
          -6

          The seat and all its functions come as part of the price of the ticket.

          Really? Please show me any airlines T&C that specifically state that the seat you're purchasing includes reclining.

        • ls123 on 15/06/2017 - 19:17
          +2

          @Martijn: Many airlines promote their seat reclining features on their websites. You pay for a plane ticket and you get a reclining seat which you have a right to then use. What's so complicated about this that it needs to be in the T&C?

      • IPYF on 15/06/2017 - 02:43
        +7

        So you're insinuating you'll deliberately kick awake someone who doesn't do as you ask? Not as much a 'polite request' as a demand it seems.

        I wouldn't be shocked if you've been trading on your genetics to make people tow your line since the schoolyard.

        It may well be a yuck day for you when you encounter someone who isn't afraid of standing up to the bigger boy.

        • hypie on 15/06/2017 - 09:12
          -5

          Did you even read the post? He clearly said.. "I will ask nicely to not recline the seat in front".

          Sounds like you have been trading on your genetics to act like someone unintelligible since the schoolyard.

        • Lord Fart Bucket on 15/06/2017 - 18:43
          -7

          So you're insinuating you'll deliberately kick awake someone who doesn't do as you ask?

          I don't think i was insinuating. I stated if i get a bad reaction to a request, i will move my knees repeatedly to get some comfort.

          I wouldn't be shocked if you've been trading on your genetics to make people tow your line since the schoolyard.

          I wouldn't be shocked if you've lived most of your life as an armchair warrior…

          It may well be a yuck day for you when you encounter someone who isn't afraid of standing up to the bigger boy.

          Somehow i feel that this won't be you.

      • GooseHoward on 15/06/2017 - 09:45
        +2

        If economy class is too cramped for you to travel in without pain while other passengers are using normal features of their seat, maybe you should get business or first class tickets, rather than being petty?

    • Hirolol on 14/06/2017 - 18:47

      99.9% of the time I fly the staff handing out food will say not to recline the seat.
      I would say it's in your right to request the air staff to tell the person infront to move their seat forward.

    • Donaldhump on 15/06/2017 - 07:36
      -1

      i'm with this. if someone has the seat down during my meal, then a sturdy knee in the back will fix that

      other than that recline away.

    • Lysander on 16/06/2017 - 04:01

      So, if the airlines don't offer reclining seats anymore, then you won't pay for one and there is no issue.

      Because of idiots as you describe reclining seats should be prohibited as idiots like that are on every flight.
      When people do that to me, I keep getting up, pull the seat in front of me back and then let it flip forward. Normally the person in front gets it and puts the seat up again.

      In my experience the only way to deal with inconsiderate people like that. And of course always smile while getting up. 😉

  • spackbace on 13/06/2017 - 15:36
    +20

    I'm 6'3. From the moment I sit, my knees are normally right in the back of the seat in front of me. No chance of them reclining.

    As a result of that, I don't recline mine

    • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 15:56
      +31

      I'm 6'4, I recline my seat, the person in front of me is welcome to recline theirs, too.

      I've never understood this issue. If you don't like it, pay extra for an emergency row (or get to the airport early and request one).

      The level of entitlement for something that is the absolute right of the other passenger is astounding.

      Why is mealtimes an option here? Does nobody realise that the tray moves independently of the reclined seat?

      • spackbace on 13/06/2017 - 16:02
        +6

        Not entitlement, just a size restriction.

        Unfortunately these days the emergency seats are given to anyone, including people that couldn't physically open the emergency door.

        • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 16:04
          +7

          Not you specifically, just everyone on the 'it's selfish to recline your seat'bandwagon, when the expectation of someone NOT to recline their seat is in the selfish camp.

          This is why you get to the airport early. Being tall comes with so many benefits that I'm willing to cop the inconvenience and discomfort, or pay extra to overcome this (without playing the 'discrimination' card).

        • spackbace on 13/06/2017 - 16:19

          @picklewizard:

          No, it's not why I get to the airport early. If my knees stop you reclining, tough shit :)

        • foxinsox8 on 14/06/2017 - 08:53
          +1

          @Spackbace: Watch your knees Spackbace I'm reclining and 120kg

        • spackbace on 14/06/2017 - 09:13
          +1

          @foxinsox8:

          120? Pfft ya lightweight lol

      • Almost Banned on 13/06/2017 - 16:05

        6'2" here.
        1. As above, even though the seats are squishy at my height reclining is ok.
        2. The trays are in the seatback. They do come back when the seat is reclined. How could they be independent - unless you're talking about the ones that go into the armrest - not too many of those.

        • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 16:06

          We're already having this argument in your reply, let's keep it there.

      • elliebargain on 14/06/2017 - 10:20
        +1

        @picklewizard I have a friend who's about 6'4 too and he still reclines his seat/ doesn't mind people reclining in front of him! Especially for international flights. He almost got in a fight with a passenger behind him though on a recent flight, who forcefully shoved his chair forward and then stood up and started yelling. The guy stood back down when my friend stood up, and the passenger with the problem was only average height! I don't get it- But I realize I have "short privilege" on a plane haha, so it doesn't bother me either way but can definitely see why it would both tall people.

        I'd favourite a set design that reclines by way of sliding forward sort of like a lazy boy so as not to impede on the seat behind you- but that's probably more expensive.

      • abb on 14/06/2017 - 15:07
        +3

        The level of entitlement for something that is the absolute right of the other passenger is astounding.

        Why is the "right" solely granted to the recliner?

        Doesn't the person sitting behind have a right to un-crushed legs?

        Shouldn't there be some kind of compromise?

        • jamesblake2908 on 15/06/2017 - 14:04

          Because the seat is designed to recline, and when you pay for a seat on an aircraft you pay for use of all its functions

        • abb on 15/06/2017 - 14:25
          -1

          @jamesblake2908: My boots are designed for walking, does that entitle me to walk on your face?

        • jamesblake2908 on 15/06/2017 - 17:55
          +3

          @abb: No, because they are not designed to walk on my face. However, the plane seat is designed to recline back into the space of the passenger behind

        • Wallyt99 on 15/06/2017 - 19:13

          @abb: that's just what they'll do.

        • abb on 16/06/2017 - 08:50

          Into the space, sure. I thought we were talking about the situation where it impinges onto their body, causing discomfort/pain.

      • Lord Fart Bucket on 14/06/2017 - 17:02
        +1

        The level of entitlement for something that is the absolute right of the other passenger is astounding.

        Are you now talking about reclining or the ability to travel in comfort without getting ones knees crushed?

    • noskich on 14/06/2017 - 13:24

      Exactly same here, only difference is that I am 190cm. Don't recline ever.

    • bobbified on 15/06/2017 - 09:26
      +1

      I was having a look at the AirAsia flatbeds last night and saw how it's angled downwards which made me think:

      If you were to stick your long legs straight out under the seat in front of you with your own seat reclined - almost in a lying down position, how do your knees get crushed up against the back of the front seat?

      (I'm not trying to sound ignorant, but I don't have long legs so it's never been a problem for me - I've been trying to picture it in my head).

      • spackbace on 15/06/2017 - 09:36

        I'm just talking standard domestic economy class

        • bobbified on 15/06/2017 - 09:39
          +1

          haha - the thought came to me while I was looking at flatbed seats.

          I'm thinking - even on economy - with legs stretched out, doesn't it just go under the seat in front? Since the base of the seat in front doesn't actually move.

        • spackbace on 15/06/2017 - 10:09

          @bobbified:

          Nah don't have the angle to do that unfortunately

      • abb on 15/06/2017 - 14:34
        +4

        Let's see if this terrible ASCII diagram works/helps. Asterisks are seat, lines are Mr tall guy.

        No recline, knee fits:

            :)
   *|      *
   *|      *
   *------ *
   ****   \****
           \

        Front seat recline, knee crushed. (Back seat recline irrelevant, as the bottom corners are fixed)

         :(
 *\     *
  *\     *
   *------*
    ****  \****
           \

        The " - - - " represents tall man's thigh.

        Can't angle the thigh lower because your butt is in the back corner, and there is a flat base on the seat.

  • carwashhair on 13/06/2017 - 15:39
    +20

    I'm often amused at the sense of entitlement people show in reclining, and yet the way that airlines have 'nickel-and-dimed' everything in the flight experience now (of which passengers - in their desire for ever-cheaper travel - are also to blame) means that people will generally grab everything they are 'entitled' to.

    The thing is, when people buy a seat on a flight, there is also a space that seat inhabits. One person reclining can create a domino effect. And I don't think people want to take responsibility for their inhabiting that space with respect to other people, when ultimately given the privilege and miracle of travel (and a metal object weighing a couple of hundred tons hurtling through the air surely has to qualify as such), all passengers need to compromise in order to get travel this way. Or at least until teleporters are commonplace…

    Personally? I refrain from reclining as long as I physically can, in order to make the person behind me's journey as easy as possible. It gets harder when the person in front reclines into the space in front of me. If I have to recline, I check behind me and slowly recline in increments, or advise the person.

    If I have a person who reclines on short trips or during meals, I give them the frowning of a lifetime from behind them, then lose myself in NC headphones and go back to my inner game. Ultimately, the only person who can determine how good your flight will be is yourself.

    • bobbified on 13/06/2017 - 15:55
      +3

      I'm often amused at the sense of entitlement people show in reclining

      The airline seats were never designed to stay upright for long periods of time. Like I said in my OP, they were designed that upright only for emergency evacuations. So the recline function only serves to restore the way the seats were meant to be sat in.

      means that people will generally grab everything they are 'entitled' to

      It's not about grabbing everything just because it's there - it's about trying to make one-self comfortable.

      If the person in front of you reclines, then you also have the option to recline too. Space-wise, you still have the same amount of space (although in a different shape).

      Would you be happy to have a big fat guy (or girl) sitting next to you, taking up half your seat, when you're squished in next to the window?

      • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 16:00
        -2

        Would you be happy to have a big fat guy (or girl) sitting next to you, taking up half your seat, when you're squished in next to the window?

        Er, how on earth is this relevant? You seem to be arguing against your own point here.

        • bobbified on 13/06/2017 - 16:52
          +2

          The argument for reclining seats comes down to: do I look after my own comfort first or should I sit there and suffer in silence while I do my best to make the person behind (or in the case of a big guy, next to me) comfortable?

          Sometimes, there's a compromise, but if it came down to it - as selfish as it might sound, I know who's comfort I'd rather look after.

        • picklewizard on 13/06/2017 - 20:34
          +1

          @bobbified: Makes sense, sorry! Nah, you're completely fine. I've never understood the whole anti-seat reclining brigade.

      • blawler05 on 14/06/2017 - 08:12
        +8

        I never recline my seats. And my seat in the upright position is not uncomfortable. The furthest I have flown in a24hr period is Sydney to Dublin.

        I am 6ft 4 and find it extremely uncomfortable when my seat is reclined. Or the person in front is reclined. When the person in front is reclined I can't even get out of my seat. So it is not the same amount of space and I am in the get rid of reclining seats camp

        • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 09:22
          +1

          When the person in front is reclined I can't even get out of my seat

          You'll probably find that most people who are slightly taller than normal can't get out of their seat when the seat in front is reclined all the way back.

          You sound like you're one of the people who I'd normally be a little more considerate of when I think about reclining my seat. But it'll still be a case of trying to balance things out between us - if I get uncomfortable halfway and there is a little space, I'll still recline to a degree - not the max.

          My honest thoughts are, if you already know that you're going to be uncomfortable in economy, why not pre-plan and either go for the exit row (even though it might cost more) or go business class?

        • blawler05 on 16/06/2017 - 08:14
          +1

          @bobbified: I can't afford business class. And I have never been able to secure an exit row.

          Sometimes when I fly a more premium airline and check in at their counter they will give me a exit row. But that isn't always.

          If the person reclining in front of me is considerate as you suggested then I normally don't have a problem. And I thank you in advance for thinking of my comfort. It is my experience that most people however are selfish. And they generally will get a knee to the back of the chair. Not because I am doing it on purpose but because there is litterally no where else for my knees to go. When the seat is up right my knees touch the back of the chair.

    • bobbified on 13/06/2017 - 15:56

      edit: double post

    • JimmyF on 14/06/2017 - 10:07
      +4

      If I have a person who reclines on short trips or during meals,

      I'm tall, so dislike recliners as space is already tight for me. During meals, if the person in front has reclined, I ask the air host if they can ask the person to put their seat up during the meal service. 100% success rate so far!

      • rentonc on 15/06/2017 - 15:18
        +2

        Actually, this is genius. Put the task of ensuring guest comfort back onto the airline. Surely most people would comply with the wishes of the person bringing them drinks :-)

    • FW190 on 14/06/2017 - 13:54

      I'm often amused at the sense of entitlement people show in reclining

      The word entitled/entitlement seems to get thrown around a lot these days.

      But really, which person below is acting more like a spoiled brat?

      • person A buys a ticket on a plane with recliner seats, then proceed to recline his/her chair
      • person B buys a ticket on a plane with recliner seats, but expects everyone to not recline to make life easy for him/her

      If you don't like recliner seats, go with an airline which does not have them, like I have mentioned further down, Cathay Pacific has tried it but failed then back flipped, so obviously not enough people are putting their money where their mouth is, or that there just ain't enough non-recliners to make it commercially viable.

      • SirFlibbled on 14/06/2017 - 15:34
        +2

        Cathy Pacific is an international airline, of course people want to recline on a long haul flight, particularly at night time when they want to sleep.

        Do people really need a full recline for a 1-3 hour domestic flight during the middle of the day though?

        • FW190 on 14/06/2017 - 17:24

          Do people really need a full recline for a 1-3 hour domestic flight during the middle of the day though?

          1-3 hours would be pushing it, after you deducted the take off/landing/food & drinks time, you would be lucky to have 15 mins of recline time on a 1 hour flight.

          eitherway, domestic or international, I would imagine the airlines are only selling what customer wants (which are profitable for them), if there ain't enough people are complaining about recliners, then it would not make sense for them to spend a whole lot of money to refit their fleet to please a few people (especially for low cost carriers).

        • SirFlibbled on 14/06/2017 - 17:40

          @FW190: Maybe the LCCs could have a 'reclining class' and a non-recliningg class.

          Also as a regular CBR to Sydney flier - it's about 10 minutes of cruising.

  • Archi on 13/06/2017 - 15:44
    +8

    I only recline when It's a night time flight and everyone goes to sleep…but I have on occasions not reclined at all on a 14 hour flight to LA.

    but when I do recline it's usually part the way and I ask if the person behind me minds.

    I don't mind if people recline in front. so long you are polite and ask or don't bounce back and fourth looking for comfortable spot making my screen and tray shake like a 9.0 earthquake.

    • bobbified on 13/06/2017 - 16:44
      +4

      and I ask if the person behind me minds

      I've thought about asking the person behind me as well, but then I think it'll be quite awkward if they say no. Do I then sit there really uncomfortable for the rest of the trip or should I recline anyway? So I don't ask - I just look backwards to see if there's space for their knees and to make sure they're not eating. Then I slowly recline.

      Has anyone ever said that they do mind?

      • SirFlibbled on 14/06/2017 - 10:42
        +1

        I always ask. It's simply polite.

        I've never had a no, but I've had people say "can you only recline it half way" etc which I'm happy to oblige. A little bit of respect goes a long way on flights.

        • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 10:52
          +1

          A little bit of respect goes a long way on flights.

          I absolutely agree. It has to be mutual respect though - otherwise there's no point.

          I've given up my business seat class once to an older person and got an aisle seat. Seeing how appreciative the person was made it worth it for me. (It was an upgrade, not a ticket I specifically paid for). Had this person simply acted like it was their right to have that seat, I would've taken it back!

      • Almost Banned on 14/06/2017 - 11:15

        I agree with the awkwardness.
        Perhaps they should have the beeping noise when you are reclining to let people know 'look out, he's coming back'.

  • djkelly69 on 13/06/2017 - 16:12
    +7

    Can we add a poll option:

    I never recline my seat, but don't have an issue with other people doing it

    I don't generally recline to avoid intruding/annoying others (plus I can't sleep on planes regardless), but really have no issue with others doing it - so long as they are respectful with mealtimes, not just doing it to s**t-stir, etc.

  • Peck on 13/06/2017 - 16:38
    +2

    My 5 cents worth -If the seats were not so 'bolt upright' then there would be less need to recline them at least a little. They are so upright for safety (room to escape during a crash) and the seats are so close together that there is not much room otherwise. That is why you have to restore you seats to the upright position during take off and landing. During meal times you can ask a person or ask cabin crew to ask them, to sit it up a bit.

  • Succulent Synth on 13/06/2017 - 18:33
    +5

    I don't mind people reclining but there needs to be some degree of etiquette. I can't stand it when people go from upright to fully reclined in 0.01 of a second almost crushing my laptop or flinging my meal off my tray table.

    It also gets up my goat when people fully recline their seat the moment the seatbelt sign goes off after take off but sit upright or spend the whole flight leaning over talking to their friend in the next row without even using the backrest. If you recline your seat, use it!

    I also think more than a 1/4 recline is not necessary for flights under 5 hours.

    Here is another fun game to play on long flights. I usually recline my seat 1/4 of the way on long flights (10h +). If the person behind starts kicking the back of my seat excessively I will recline to half way. If they continue to kick I go to 3/4, they usually get the game by this stage.

  • Bystander on 13/06/2017 - 21:13

    There are some seats that are against a back wall and can't recline. So when the person in front reclines you get sardined. That's the only time it annoys me.

    • Toons on 13/06/2017 - 22:02

      there is a website called seat finder or something, once you know your flight it gives you the details of the best seats to pick and why and the ones to avoid.

      • djkelly69 on 13/06/2017 - 23:12

        Seatguru

      • Bystander on 14/06/2017 - 07:50

        Sure. But if you're doing the full OzB thing you don't want to pay extra for seat selection.

        • furys12 on 14/06/2017 - 09:26

          with the sardine tins airplanes are now i'm of the opinion you should factor seat selection into the cost of the flight as if its not an option to remove it, you do not want to be stuck in the middle of a back row on an 13 hour leg

        • Toons on 14/06/2017 - 11:15

          You don't always have to pay for seat selection i normally select as soon as the online check in window is open.

        • furys12 on 15/06/2017 - 14:39

          @Toons: you're right you don't always have too and to me thats a bonus towards the company offering it for free and its factored into the cost, the same flight on british and qatar might be $1800 at face value for both, but to me the british one is upto $200 extra to cover seat choice.

          on that note one tip/warning i can give from experience is to be cautious when waiting for the check in window to open to select your seat for free, with british, you either pay or wait till 24 hours before the flight and pick when you check in, the catch is you pick from the seats that are left.

          i'm not sure how many airlines do this but when that 24 hour window hits everyone is given a seat automatically and then you can swap seats, if there are any free, i got caught out waiting once, flight was proper full there were no seats to pick from got stuck with my auto given one and it sucked, i would hope that most airlines wait until you actually check in to assign you a seat so first come first served but british certainly dont

        • Toons on 15/06/2017 - 16:18

          @furys12: no but you can request at time of booking irrespective of fee

          We have decent memberships with a few airlines so our preferences generally take care of it, seat allocation is done well before the 24 hour window on all airlines online checkin allows you to modify / bypass the designated seat you can't see till that time.

          Same at check in in the airport you have an assigned seat but can get it changed for something better if you ask nicely :-)

          I've never paid for a seat change yet and don't plan on it.

          As far as BA is concerned they treat me better than Qantas even though our primary FF memberships are with them.

          Qantas have become the worst i'm afraid they won't do anything.

          I can use a code share on any of the one world partners and get better treatment from them than qantas. like lounges qantas have been reducing opening hours for some time now. so rather than sit around i can walk up to BA and get access to first class lounge because Q is closed.

        • Bystander on 16/06/2017 - 19:14

          @Toons: The cheap airlines Air Asia, Scoot, etc always want to charge me. Do you get free seat selection with them?

    • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 08:57

      The planes I've been on, those back seats do recline, just not as much as the other seats.

      When I'm in economy, those seats are my second choice (my first is the exit row) so that I don't have to think about the person behind me. The plane usually fills from the front as well, so there's a good chance the seat next to me is free.

      Bit of a gamble, really.

  • Toons on 13/06/2017 - 22:00
    +10

    I travel all the time and i used to be polite or considerate to the whole reclining of seat thing.

    I'll gladly raise it back up for meals and make sure the person behind is finished before putting it back down.

    The rest of the flight is mine to sit how i want, over time i've realised that there are very few people who actually care in return and feel entitled to their space, the same people bring 3 bags into the cabin and take up all the stowage compartments.

    The kicker for me was on a flight from Dubai to Perth and i was asked to swap seats just prior to take off with a young girl who had been placed half a plane away from her family. I thought no issue and i'd do the right thing, biggest mistake ever. my seat entertainment system broke down before the seatbelt sign went off numerous restarts / reboots did nothing, the hostess came back with a bunch of magazines and i asked if she had a torch she looked puzzled, not a thing worked including the reading light and the button to call to the cabin crew.

    I was left with one thing to do wait till dinner was served recline my seat and sleep the way home. this wasn't the case either the woman behind me screamed at her husband i'm not having this the whole way home do something. i said politely sorry my seat doesn't work i'm sitting here in the dark i just want to sleep. After numerous attempts to just annoy me by shaking my seat every 15 mins i ended up with a cabin bag being dropped on my head. luckily the hostess saw her do it and after more than a few colourful words waking up those close by the Cabin crew manager and the Co-Pilot were there in a couple of minutes and gave the woman a choice shut up and behave or be restrained for the remainder of the flight. funnily enough everyone thought it was her choice including me, it was actually my choice, i said this isn't my seat, i swapped in good faith to make the flight easier for someone else, it doesn't work and don't expect this kind of crap in the middle of the night. I said if she can respect my rights and keep to herself including the kicking and shaking of my seat that will do me i just want to get home.

    She left me alone her husband couldn't have been more ashamed and apologetic and she was escorted off the plane by Air traffic security.

    2 months later i got an apology letter from the carrier allowing me to prioritise any return upgrade i want to the maximum available on the flight once, and automatic upgrades to business for the next two years whenever possible.

    moral of the story your entitled to do what makes you comfortable and you should. if other have problems take the high ground and let them deal with the airline they won't win.

    • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 09:03

      What a nightmare of a flight you would've had.

      I must admit though, I'm a little surprised the airline actually wrote to you to apologise. Did you lodge a complaint or did they take the proactive approach themselves? Their "compensation" is pretty darn good!

      Can you tell us what airline it was? I'm only asking for the name because I think they've done a good thing here.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/06/2017 - 09:18

        The good thing would be to move you into Business of First Class to recognise the inconvenience they caused by asking you to move into a defective seat.

        • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 09:25

          Sometimes it's not possible though. It sounds like it may have been a completely full flight, hence they couldn't move him to another seat with a working entertainment system.

          The "compensation package" given afterwards is pretty good!

      • carwashhair on 14/06/2017 - 10:24
        +1

        Perth to Dubai… guessing Emirates. @Toons - that upgrade is very deserved in your case. Isn't it often the way - you try to do a right or good thing and something else entirely comes around to bite you on the @rse for it. I have to say, you don't often hear of service recovery such as this, even after the fact. So can I echo bobbified - did you seek recourse from the airline or was it initiated on their side after the flight?

        • Toons on 14/06/2017 - 11:10
          +3

          Yeah wasn't hard to work out with the to - from

          But no i sought no recompense, the hostess came and saw me before landing, asked me for my boarding pass so she had the right details for her report as the manifest showed a different passenger. "seat swap with the young girl" I thought it was all just to do with the cranky old bird and reiterated that i had no intention of pressing charges. that was that.

          Flight was full which was why they didn't or couldn't move me immediately.

          Perhaps sometimes taking the moral high ground has it's way of rewarding you.

      • Toons on 14/06/2017 - 11:13
        +2

        They were pro active, read below i never expected to hear anything else about it.

        • bobbified on 14/06/2017 - 11:15
          +2

          That's awesome - they recognised that you were trying to do something good and unfairly copped it for doing so. They weren't in a position to help you out more at the time, but they certainly did afterwards. Congrats to the Emirates team.

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