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

  • PAOK11 on 15/06/2017 - 10:36
    +3

    I agree lot of whingers on this site. I'm 6'4 sook sook sook, take a cruise ship if you wont pay business or prem economy & quit your bitchin

  • baggyred on 15/06/2017 - 10:51
    +2

    I recline my seat to the fully flat position.

    But only after eating my french cheese, sourdough and champagne.

  • telljoolz on 15/06/2017 - 11:59
    +1

    I'm against reclining seats.

    If the person in front reclines, you lose the space you had and are therefore less comfortable than before.
    This forces me to recline a bit to reclaim some space back, which then forces the person behind me to lose what space they had… and so on…

    You paid for your ticket so I guess you do have the right to recline, but don't you feel sorry for the person behind you?
    Ultimately it's your choice since the airline built seats that way. I wish they would physically disable this chair function.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/06/2017 - 20:35

      I wish they wouldn't allow you to fly, we can dream.

      • telljoolz on 17/06/2017 - 09:37

        Why get personal? Based on the discussion posts, your opinion is outnumbered by the considerate people anyway.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2017 - 09:41
          -2

          Your opinion means nothing when the back of my seat breaks your knee caps.

  • BargainCowboy on 15/06/2017 - 12:43
    +1

    You need to add:
    I only recline if the person in front of me reclined theirs

  • thord on 15/06/2017 - 14:24

    So long as you're not (profanity) around moving back or forth or jiggling the seat, i don't care.

  • luffyex2010 on 15/06/2017 - 15:00

    Hmm when did the old fashion talking/asking the person at the back if they are fine/ok with it before even thinking i paid for the reclining seats…..so does every passenger onboard.

    If its a short flight like and hour or more, upright should be no problem but no harm asking.

    If its a long distance flight, they should have a icon light during resting hours indicating full reclining seats permitted…which will last until a meal time.

    If all else fails you have the businesss or first class if being considerate is not part of your understanding.

  • sabrina222 on 15/06/2017 - 15:20
    +1

    Wish the airlines would have seats that inclined and did not impact on others when you reclined.
    Or is this wishful thinking!

    • dufflover on 16/06/2017 - 17:56

      Ofcourse they have … it's called Business Class :P

      • FW190 on 21/06/2017 - 21:11

        or back in the good old days when air travel was something semi-special, even economy class was roomy by today's standards.

        you want $9 airfares? well, something has to give

  • cnrmlj on 15/06/2017 - 15:30
    -3

    Rarely recline myself even overnight to US and hate when people in front of me do especially when they are short people / flights. Last flight I kept kneeing the reclined seat in front; much to my daughter's disgust. If they were polite / tall, I would have been much more accommodating.

    • Cusack on 17/06/2017 - 10:17
      -1

      Your daughter sounds more mature. And is disgusted for a reason. Think about it.

      • cnrmlj on 17/06/2017 - 10:31

        Yeah, thanks champ. Would be lost without your sage council. #thinkaboutit

  • Mike88 on 15/06/2017 - 18:01

    Seat was designed to reclinable. If you have an issue with the person in front of you reclining you should voice this to the airline and request seating to be adjusted to suit your rigid back structure. Not every one is the same and may find it difficult on prolonged or even short flights to be in the upright position.
    I am far more concerned with being seated next to someone to large for their seat, noisey kids/parents and drunk "adults".

  • PlagueistheCheap on 15/06/2017 - 18:52
    +1

    I'm on a flight tomorrow and plan to recline, I'll report my findings.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/06/2017 - 20:32
    -3

    It's only mid June and I'm pushing at least 40 flights so far this year.

    Recline away baby!

    I am also 6' 7" so your complaint about of lack of legroom is invalid.

  • dufflover on 16/06/2017 - 18:01

    I fly regularly domestically and luckily no one seems to recline for the short flight. But in general I do hope that each time I fly especially if international that I don't get "unlucky" with the passengers around; whether it's an "inconsiderate recliner" or "super fattie", or "loud music-er" many of the other things that can happen.

    When Qantas still used to fly 767s I would deliberately pick the seat in-front of the bulkhead (not to be misread as front row with bulkhead in the front). The recline was reduced, but still enough to nap more comfortably and not having to worry about being inconsiderate to anyone else.

  • Name on 16/06/2017 - 18:29

    Where is the option for i don't recline but I don't mind if others recline?

  • belongsinforums on 17/06/2017 - 07:29

    Don't you hate it when people use their armrest? So inconsiderate!

  • dddp on 17/06/2017 - 07:41

    Only people under 180cm don't have issues with the person in front reclining their seat on domestic flights in economy

    • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2017 - 10:15

      I am bang on 200cm and don't have a problem with people in front of me reclining

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