Seat reclining etiquette
Poll
 | 29 votes (46.03%) | ||
| | 3 votes (4.76%) | ||
| | 3 votes (4.76%) | ||
| | 26 votes (41.26%) | ||
| | 2 votes (3.17%) |
63 members have voted
June 29th, 2012 at 10:38:36 AM
permalink
Nareed just made a post complaining about a plane where the seats didn't recline. Personally, I think I would welcome this. It is my opinion that it is bad etiquette to recline, especially the full way, when somebody is behind you. However, the person in front of me usually doesn't have the same opinion, so I feel I'm being robbed of my fair share of space.
The question for the poll is what is the proper etiquette for seat reclining? This refers to the time-killing parts of the flight, not imediately after take off, before landing, or during meal service.
The question for the poll is what is the proper etiquette for seat reclining? This refers to the time-killing parts of the flight, not imediately after take off, before landing, or during meal service.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 29th, 2012 at 10:54:56 AM
permalink
I have enough complaints to begin with regarding the airline industry, but I will try to keep it to your scenario. I think it bring up the fact that the seating areas, especially in coach are too cramped. You can't get out of your row (unless on the aisle) to go to the bathroom without making everyone else in your row to get out of their seats and into the aisle to begin with. Even at most stadiums, you still can usually stand up straight and let them pass. I find it laughable how most airplanes are able to pass fire codes with this being the case. If the airline made enough room for a passenger say at a window seat so that the person in the middle seat or aisle seat doesn't have to move for you to go to the bathroom, I would say recline as far as you wish, but since it is so cramped, perhaps these seats shouldn't be reclinable to begin with.
A flute with no holes is not a flute, a donut with no holes is a danish
June 29th, 2012 at 10:59:19 AM
permalink
If the person in front of me reclines, it makes my flight miserable.
Now some airlines are implementing those new shell seats in coach which slide forward, instead of recline back, and have the same general effect. I'm fine with that.
Spirit airlines' new planes dont recline, but they've reduced the seat pitch as a result. This is my fear as far as removing the recline feature is concerned.
I say, ask the person behind you if they mind... And if they do, don't recline...
Now some airlines are implementing those new shell seats in coach which slide forward, instead of recline back, and have the same general effect. I'm fine with that.
Spirit airlines' new planes dont recline, but they've reduced the seat pitch as a result. This is my fear as far as removing the recline feature is concerned.
I say, ask the person behind you if they mind... And if they do, don't recline...
June 29th, 2012 at 11:00:01 AM
permalink
As far as you like, as long as you like. Most seats don't recline much anyway.
What you can do, however, is book the window seat right behind the exit row. Usually there's no seat in front. You get a lot mroe leg room, too. But you ahve to stow your carry-on on the overhead bin.
Or book the seat on the exit row. often the seats in front of it don't recline, so they won't obstruct the emergency exit.
I don't ahve the URL handy, but there's a site called "seat advisor" or something similar. It's part of Trip Advisor. It has seat maps and notes for many airlines and plane types.
BTW I do bring my seat back up during meal service, unless I'm asleep.
What you can do, however, is book the window seat right behind the exit row. Usually there's no seat in front. You get a lot mroe leg room, too. But you ahve to stow your carry-on on the overhead bin.
Or book the seat on the exit row. often the seats in front of it don't recline, so they won't obstruct the emergency exit.
I don't ahve the URL handy, but there's a site called "seat advisor" or something similar. It's part of Trip Advisor. It has seat maps and notes for many airlines and plane types.
BTW I do bring my seat back up during meal service, unless I'm asleep.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 29th, 2012 at 11:00:43 AM
permalink
Gabes is right. It sucks the way they pack 'em in, in coach.
But the seats hardly recline at all, so I say, go ahead and recline them.
-----
Sadly, I had to reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galt to gain a perspective on the last option.
Now I want to punch someone, I'm just not sure who.
But the seats hardly recline at all, so I say, go ahead and recline them.
-----
Sadly, I had to reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galt to gain a perspective on the last option.
Now I want to punch someone, I'm just not sure who.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 29th, 2012 at 11:31:12 AM
permalink
I agree with DJTB. American airlines spent tons of cash on commercials touting the extra room that they put in coach by removing seats. The spent absolutely no money telling people that they put the seats right back in after the campaign was over.
I fly on Virgin America whenever possible. That way if the guy in front of me reclines, it merely brings the TV closer to me.
I fly on Virgin America whenever possible. That way if the guy in front of me reclines, it merely brings the TV closer to me.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
June 29th, 2012 at 12:48:48 PM
permalink
I paid for (among other things) being able to recline my seat if I want to, so I will recline it when I want.
If the guy behind me does not like it, he can upgrade to First Class. Sorry, tough luck.
If the guy behind me does not like it, he can upgrade to First Class. Sorry, tough luck.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 29th, 2012 at 12:54:51 PM
permalink
Wizard, I think you're being overly polite. The seats recline for a reason, and everyone is in the same position. Taking the reclination (not sure if I just made up that word or not) space is your right. The person behind you has the same right to recline their seat, all the way to the poor schmuck in the last row, but those are the least-desirable seats and usually go to the people who buy their tickets last, so I don't feel bad for them since they didn't plan ahead (ideally they should offer these seats at a discount, just like they charge a premium for exit-row seats, but I don't believe this is the case).
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
June 29th, 2012 at 1:02:18 PM
permalink
Quote: AcesAndEightsbut those are the least-desirable seats and usually go to the people who buy their tickets last, so I don't feel bad for them since they didn't plan ahead (ideally they should offer these seats at a discount, just like they charge a premium for exit-row seats, but I don't believe this is the case).
I made a scene once on a jet blue flight, when they put me into one of those last row seats, and most of the stupid "even more leg room" seats were empty, so I asked (politely) that I move there, and the stewardess got all serious, and said no way, people pay money for those seats! So, I said, well, if they pay you money for those seats, then you should pay me for putting me into a substandard one, how come I have to pay full price for a ticket, that does not buy me the same conditions as everyone else? She had to consult the captain before finally allowing me to move.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 29th, 2012 at 1:08:03 PM
permalink
Depends on the airplane. I was on a flight to Florida recently (I forget the model) where the seats were so insanely tight and cramped, you risked a bowel obstruction if you didn't fully recline.
For a regular-size coach seat, I try to be considerate and not recline more than 50-75%, regardless of what the asshole in front of me does.
For a regular-size coach seat, I try to be considerate and not recline more than 50-75%, regardless of what the asshole in front of me does.
June 29th, 2012 at 1:25:11 PM
permalink
I voted recline as far as you wish. I'll only recline in my seat if I'm trying to sleep, as I cannot sleep sitting upright anywhere. But if anyone else wants to recline while reading or doing anything else, I have no problem with it. Mind you, I'm a fairly tall guy (about 6'3") and honestly the leg-room is laughable to begin with for me so reclining really doesn't make it that much worse. I simply readjust in my seat when i see someone reclining and get on with the flight. As others have alluded to, the reclining on planes is so slight that I really don't feel bad either reclining my own seat or when someone in front of me chooses to do so.
June 29th, 2012 at 1:29:39 PM
permalink
I never recline- it's just not anymore comfortable for me.
I don't care if the seat in front of me reclines- doesn't bother me at all.
I hate it when the person next to me weighs 400 pounds! That sucks!
I don't care if the seat in front of me reclines- doesn't bother me at all.
I hate it when the person next to me weighs 400 pounds! That sucks!
June 29th, 2012 at 1:30:56 PM
permalink
I took, "Not at all." I'm 6'4", guy in front of me reclines at all and he's in my lap!
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
June 29th, 2012 at 1:48:07 PM
permalink
For what it's worth, I hate being that guy.Quote: WupperI hate it when the person next to me weighs 400 pounds! That sucks!
That's why I always take a window, and try to squeeze as close to the side as possible. I.E. I try to act thin. I'm about 320.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 29th, 2012 at 1:52:12 PM
permalink
What I really can't stand in an airplane, regarldess of other considerations, is seating between two other people. It's worse if they are strangers, but it's unpleasant even if they're not. I think the last time I faced such dire straits was in 1983 or 84...
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 29th, 2012 at 2:26:30 PM
permalink
Quote: NareedWhat I really can't stand in an airplane, regarldess of other considerations, is seating between two other people. It's worse if they are strangers, but it's unpleasant even if they're not. I think the last time I faced such dire straits was in 1983 or 84...
I was stuck in the middle seat between two strangers on a flight to Japan. It was a long time ago, but I think it was about an 14 or 16 hour flight? I was in my mid-twenties; don't think I could do it today.
Those 4 hour flights from Ohio to Vegas are my limit.
June 29th, 2012 at 2:43:36 PM
permalink
Seating doesn't concern me much even though I fly alot, why? my flights are seattle to vegas and back a whopping 1:45 mins. On a side note my usual 2-3 nite packages come in at 200-260$ mid week low digit accommodations like imperial palace of course.
June 29th, 2012 at 2:52:11 PM
permalink
Quote: WupperI was stuck in the middle seat between two strangers on a flight to Japan. It was a long time ago, but I think it was about an 14 or 16 hour flight? I was in my mid-twenties; don't think I could do it today.
I couldn't have done it in my 20s.
Not too long ago I almost paid for a flioght change because it looked as though I might be stuck between two epople. This was a 45 minute flight (meaning about 1:10 on board. Fortunately I scored an aisle seat.
Quote:Those 4 hour flights from Ohio to Vegas are my limit.
I think MEX-LAS averages about 3:30. I won't say that's my limit, exactly, but that I don't see any reason for a longer flight as yet.
But if I were flying to Europe, I'd take a sleeping pill with me.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 29th, 2012 at 2:56:43 PM
permalink
I only fly in private jets...
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
June 29th, 2012 at 3:07:51 PM
permalink
Quote: TIMSPEEDI only fly in private jets...
You just had to put that out there didn't ya lol.
June 29th, 2012 at 3:34:26 PM
permalink
Strange poll.
My understanding has always been that the polite way to recline is as far as the person behind you has reclined.
What the person in front of you is doing has no bearing on it. If everyone behind you is sleeping, will you not recline just because someone in front of you hasn't? And if one guy in the very front reclines, should everyone else immediately follow?
Now, it's a separate question whether to exercise politeness in the matter. I'll usually stick to the above if I don't need the space, but ignore whatever happens around if I actually need it, as long as people don't complain verbally or by nudging my seat.
My understanding has always been that the polite way to recline is as far as the person behind you has reclined.
What the person in front of you is doing has no bearing on it. If everyone behind you is sleeping, will you not recline just because someone in front of you hasn't? And if one guy in the very front reclines, should everyone else immediately follow?
Now, it's a separate question whether to exercise politeness in the matter. I'll usually stick to the above if I don't need the space, but ignore whatever happens around if I actually need it, as long as people don't complain verbally or by nudging my seat.
Resist ANFO Boston PRISM Stormfront IRA Freedom CIA Obama
June 29th, 2012 at 3:51:33 PM
permalink
How about, "As far back as you want or until the person behind you complains, whichever comes first"?
June 29th, 2012 at 4:03:46 PM
permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBearFor what it's worth, I hate being that guy.
That's why I always take a window, and try to squeeze as close to the side as possible. I.E. I try to act thin. I'm about 320.
Well, you are a Teddy Bear - who could be mad at a Teddy bear :)
June 29th, 2012 at 4:04:28 PM
permalink
Most people don't like when someone reclines in front of them, but not enough to complain.
I really value having space on an airline flight, since I always open my laptop on the table and get some work done (I spend too much time flying international not to). That really calls for space and for the seat in front of you not being reclined.
But I value not wasting more than necessary on transportation more than I value the extra space.
I really value having space on an airline flight, since I always open my laptop on the table and get some work done (I spend too much time flying international not to). That really calls for space and for the seat in front of you not being reclined.
But I value not wasting more than necessary on transportation more than I value the extra space.
Resist ANFO Boston PRISM Stormfront IRA Freedom CIA Obama
June 29th, 2012 at 4:37:44 PM
permalink
Quote: P90I really value having space on an airline flight, since I always open my laptop on the table and get some work done (I spend too much time flying international not to). That really calls for space and for the seat in front of you not being reclined.
Try the window seat behind the exit row, as sometimes there is no seat in front. Or any seat ON the exit row, as the seats in front don't recline. Or even the first row, where all you ahve in front is a bulkhead. Of course, ins eom of this cases the table will be folded into the armrest, and it may be smaller than usual.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 29th, 2012 at 5:11:47 PM
permalink
I agree with the Wiz ..... reclining is rude and it is needless. I've flown hundreds of times and have yet to recline.
June 29th, 2012 at 5:18:58 PM
permalink
I just use seatguru to check specific aircraft layout when I'm to fly a carrier and a plane I haven't used before. It differs between planes and carriers, seatguru has reports on how exactly.
Most of the better carriers have online check-in. When that is the case, you log in not too long after it opens and you have the whole plane to pick exact seats from. And even if log in among the last, more than half the seats will still be free, since more people still check-in in person.
Plus, one less line. What I really hate about air travel is the lines. I just wish it was like a bus, a train, a ferry, about every other form of transport - pay, sit down, go.
Most of the better carriers have online check-in. When that is the case, you log in not too long after it opens and you have the whole plane to pick exact seats from. And even if log in among the last, more than half the seats will still be free, since more people still check-in in person.
Plus, one less line. What I really hate about air travel is the lines. I just wish it was like a bus, a train, a ferry, about every other form of transport - pay, sit down, go.
Resist ANFO Boston PRISM Stormfront IRA Freedom CIA Obama
June 29th, 2012 at 6:32:18 PM
permalink
I just assume if there is no reclining, there would be a sign saying so.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
June 29th, 2012 at 7:05:17 PM
permalink
I'm a mess of twisted bones and torn ligaments. If I'm not lucky enough to catch one of the front row, mass leg room seats, or the aisle, then I'm kind of screwed. I can recline and bother the person behind me, or I can toss and turn and groan, bothering the hell out of my aisle mates. Either way, I'll be spreading in-flight misery to all those around me.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
June 29th, 2012 at 7:36:56 PM
permalink
Quote: rxwineI just assume if there is no reclining, there would be a sign saying so.
I assume that reclining is a luxury afforded to passengers only if there is nobody behind them. I can also forgive reclining on a red-eye flight.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 29th, 2012 at 7:49:56 PM
permalink
But we're both making up our own etiquette standards.
It should say, "Please don't recline if someone is sitting behind you" then,
It should say, "Please don't recline if someone is sitting behind you" then,
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
June 29th, 2012 at 8:15:27 PM
permalink
Wizard, I agree with you on 95% of things but you are totally off the mark here, as evidenced by the poll results. Reclining is absolutely a right and privilege of everyone on any flight, any time. Because of airlines cutting capacity, most flights are full these days, so there will always be someone behind you. You don't have to ask if you can recline, unless you want to be exceedingly polite. I never have a problem with someone reclining because it doesn't decrease my legroom (I am average height, on the short side), rather the pitch of the seat merely invades the space in front of my face. I'm usually reading a book, watching the TV, or using a computer, so it doesn't bother me. You can always recline yourself if you desire more room. (No need to ask the person in back of you.)
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
June 29th, 2012 at 8:29:54 PM
permalink
When I see the guy in front of me is going
to recline, I put my hands in front of me to
where I want the seat to stop and I prevent
it from coming back any farther. They usually
accept where it stops, but sometimes they
fight it. They never win, though.
to recline, I put my hands in front of me to
where I want the seat to stop and I prevent
it from coming back any farther. They usually
accept where it stops, but sometimes they
fight it. They never win, though.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 29th, 2012 at 8:46:43 PM
permalink
Quote: rxwineIt should say, "Please don't recline if someone is sitting behind you" then,
I oppose putting up signage for every possible contingency in life. However, I do think there should be an accepted convention of what the proper etiquette is. I've asked flight attendants about this many times and they never give a definitive answer.
Quote: teddysReclining is absolutely a right and privilege of everyone on any flight, any time.
What if the person behind you has his knees up or is using the table for something? For example, playing solitaire on it (with real cards) and you invoking your reclining right causes the cards to fall all over the floor.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 29th, 2012 at 8:54:32 PM
permalink
I fly coach. The seats barely recline anyway. If I want to recline, I recline for what it's worth. I put it up for a reasonable interval during meal service.
I think the real key is set it and leave it. Don't keep screwing around with it.
I think the real key is set it and leave it. Don't keep screwing around with it.
June 29th, 2012 at 8:56:17 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobWhen I see the guy in front of me is going
to recline, I put my hands in front of me to
where I want the seat to stop and I prevent
it from coming back any farther. They usually
accept where it stops, but sometimes they
fight it. They never win, though.
Wow, I think this is 2 things that bob and I have agreed about this week (that is one CUTE grandkid:-) ). I do the same thing, only with my legs. That way, if I'm caught, I can play the "I'm freaking tall, sorry..." card.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
June 29th, 2012 at 8:59:28 PM
permalink
Quote: QuadDeuces
I think the real key is set it and leave it. Don't keep screwing around with it.
As someone tall enough to get hit in the knees every time someone reclines, I very much respect this point. I can deal with just about any static position (though I would prefer no reclining), but I'd like to minimize the in-flight knee bruising.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
June 29th, 2012 at 9:38:28 PM
permalink
Quote: WizardWhat if the person behind you has his knees up or is using the table for something? For example, playing solitaire on it (with real cards) and you invoking your reclining right causes the cards to fall all over the floor.
I haven't been on a plane in at least a year, but aren't seat tables designed to be level in both positions?
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
June 29th, 2012 at 10:27:07 PM
permalink
Quote: ahiromuI haven't been on a plane in at least a year, but aren't seat tables designed to be level in both positions?
Last time I checked they were. But maybe they're building card houses and don't want to be disturbed.
You've chosen to be in a sardine can with 200-400 other people, people.
June 29th, 2012 at 10:58:44 PM
permalink
I'm a tall guy also with long legs. Flights these days have no legroom as it is, so if some d-bag is inconsiderate enough to encroach in my space for his selfish needs, then I don't have a problem hitting the back of his seat till he gets the message. Continuously. Under the guise of "I'm just adjusting my knees to the new situation, sir".
I never recline, ever. And I don't want it done to me, ever. It's about courtesy.
I never recline, ever. And I don't want it done to me, ever. It's about courtesy.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
June 30th, 2012 at 2:06:25 AM
permalink
I voted "Not at all," although I will recline under one of the following two conditions:
1) I only recline an inch or so to make the seat a little more comfortable, or
2) The person behind me is reclined and/or asleep.
When I fly it is usually with JetBlue, where each seat has its own TV. The TV screen on the back of my seat would be of no use to the person behind me if it is facing the floor.
1) I only recline an inch or so to make the seat a little more comfortable, or
2) The person behind me is reclined and/or asleep.
When I fly it is usually with JetBlue, where each seat has its own TV. The TV screen on the back of my seat would be of no use to the person behind me if it is facing the floor.
June 30th, 2012 at 5:34:28 AM
permalink
Quote: JB
When I fly it is usually with JetBlue, where each seat has its own TV. The TV screen on the back of my seat would be of no use to the person behind me if it is facing the floor.
Not really. You can tilt it a little with your hand. Not much, but just enough to compensate for the seat back angle changes.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 30th, 2012 at 5:36:18 AM
permalink
Quote: zippyboyso if some d-bag is inconsiderate enough to encroach in my space for his selfish needs, then I don't have a problem hitting the back of his seat till he gets the message. Continuously. Under the guise of "I'm just adjusting my knees to the new situation, sir".
If some stupidly inconsiderate self-righteous jerk starts pushing the back of my seat with his knees, clearly on purpose to promote some of his passive-aggressive agenda ... I'll just fart. And if that is not enough ... Maybe, I turn around and spill my drink.
P.S.: It is not your space. It is airline's space, and I paid for using it when I bought my ticket to fly in a reclining seat. If you don't like how much space you get, upgrade to first class.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
June 30th, 2012 at 6:55:55 AM
permalink
Quote: ahiromuI haven't been on a plane in at least a year, but aren't seat tables designed to be level in both positions?
Yes,its level in both positions, but its not in the same place. and some people recline very quickly, so it'd be easy for the cards to shift.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
June 30th, 2012 at 7:58:11 AM
permalink
Quote: AcesAndEightsThe seats recline for a reason, and everyone is in the same position.
For several reasons, not the least of which is easing or avoiding lumbar stress.
June 30th, 2012 at 10:04:28 AM
permalink
Quote: teddysWizard, I agree with you on 95% of things but you are totally off the mark here, as evidenced by the poll results.
Don't try to talk him into changing his mind. Just remember to pick the seat behind the Wizard if you should happen to travel together :)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 30th, 2012 at 11:46:41 AM
permalink
It appears that the only fair thing is for the airlines to charge extra for anyone over 6 feet tall. I mean they do make obese people pay for 2 seats.
June 30th, 2012 at 1:03:16 PM
permalink
This is the solution
OMG, the seat (1. won't recline 2. in front of me is reclined)
OMG, the seat (1. won't recline 2. in front of me is reclined)
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
