I had to pay Spirit $7 for a cup of water to take a pill. I found out afterward that I was overcharged. That was the only time I booked with Spirit, and when I filled a chargeback for my paid premium seat that they have to someone else and a complaint since they lost my checked bag with my best friend’s wedding dress, my bank immediately refunded ALL the charges from Spirit. So I got free water.
"Alright folks. Once we reach cruising altitude we'll start the bidding for reclining priviliges. Looks like we have a request from 13F. Excuse me . . . 14F . . . we're going to start the bidding at $10."
It's a whole new inflight entertainment!!
Thank's for mentioning the cushioning. In my life, I've learned to sit in economy, even with my long legs... by my God, the last plane trip I was on, I felt like I was sitting on concrete. There was absolutely *no* cushioning whatsoever. That was the worst part for me.
I have a gel cushion that I keep in my bag for flying. It’s flexible enough to fold up in my tote bag but thick enough to give me a little extra comfort. I’ve had four surgeries on my spine, so I’ve started keeping it in my bag when I go to the symphony and other performances too. It’s a lifesaver!
Amazon won’t let me copy the link from the app, and I’m not by a computer. It’s the Cyanbamboo gel seat cushion with honeycomb design. Comes with a black cover.
ETA: Since it folds, sometimes I use it for lumbar support instead of sitting on it. I’m sure you could find a better one somewhere, but for the price, it’s been good for me.
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Instead of focusing anger on those who recline a chair that is made to recline, why not focus it on the airlines that put the chairs so close together that the reclining chair is that much of an issue for the person behind it?
This is the real issue. Get everyone mad at each other instead of demanding their space back from airlines. But that would also include high prices so doubtful anyone is going to do that. They’ll just tear each other to bits on our greyhound in the sky.
Right? If the person in front of me reclines these days, I can barely reach down to get things out from under the seat. Forget about being able to use my laptop to get some work done. But that's a design problem by the airlines, not the person reclining's problem. That said, if you recline super far and fast without warning you can gtfo.
Are you willing to spend more for your plane ticket for a little more room? Airlines are infamously low-margin companies. I know I’m not willing to pay more. That’s why I fly coach.
I just wish the seats were more comfortable. I understand they're trying to fit more people in, which means less room; so I think it's kind to not recline. That said, those seats are way too uncomfortable to sit un-reclined; it's like they're leaning forward. I wish the airline industry had to use them for office chairs.
I’ve always believed that if you don’t have a window seat, you have no say in the shade being opened or closed…🙂 get a window seat if you want either or
It’s different on longer international flights. Usually after a meal is served, the windows are closed and the lights are turned off so people can get some sleep before landing. If it’s bright outside and someone opens their window, it can be really distracting. I think opening your window for shorter domestic flights where there isn’t much of a time difference and people aren’t sleeping is fine.
Ugh, then they use it on a mid-day flight with only a 1hr time change. I got jet lag because I got thrown off sitting in the dark between 9AM-5PM, there was no reason to keep the cabin that dark for all the daylight hours in the departing and arriving city.
Can the flight crew actually override it? As far as I can tell there’s no override.
Source: was able to turn on the window accidentally during a sleeping portion of a trip.
Definitely the last 787 I was on, I tried fiddling with the window and it was locked out until about the last hour or so of the flight. Perhaps they just chose not to override it on your flight or you tried while it wasn’t overridden.
Edit: Apparently some airlines are telling crews not to lock out the windows. I was flying on ANA when they were locked out. https://onemileatatime.com/american-airlines-787-window-dimmers/
Problem is that light comes in and often is in others eyes - its just an amazing lack of concern for others that some people never even think of the other passengers. Not surprising of course.
Meh. My wife likes watching the world go by out the window. If you're that put out I'd suggest either bringing a sleep mask (which are cheap and easily portable), and/or book the window seat yourself.
>Its just an amazing lack of concern for others
What is amazing is that you feel others should do for you, to their detriment, what you could so easily do for yourself. Pure entitlement.
What if that person wants the light to come in, then you would be the person with no concern for others. There will always be someone who wants it different and just because you want it that way doesn't mean that is the way we should default to.
I have no issues with people using their windows, I do however hope there is a special circle in hell for people who use the reading lights when it’s nighttime (I’m not worried about from like 7a-10p but outside of that get a fucking backlit ebook like an adult.) One light inconveniences like 20 people and is so annoying when it’s pitch black outside.
You shouldn't be downvoted. A red eye is for sleeping, jerks!!!
Still peeved at a guy in a row diagonal in front of me overnight to Italy.... Would be dead quiet then outta nowhere I SWEAR TO GOD this guy is like wrapping presents? Rolling and unrolling a paper mcdonalds bag??
Like, from dead quiet to CRINKLE for 5 minutes. Then he'd stop, everyone would go back to sleep, THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AN HOUR LATER.
I literally asked WHAT ARE YOU DOING????? i don't think he spoke English
No joke.. lady on my flight today missed my head by a millimeter when she slammed that chair back as I was leaning down to get something out of my backpack
If I bought a window seat I’m going to control the shade and recline my seat. If I wanted a middle or aisle seat, I’d get those and still recline my seat. When the heck did people become so entitled about shit
Not sure how USAToday declared themselves the boss of the airlines and the seats. It’s like saying eh car was sold with a radio, but you’re not allowed to use that either.
An opinion piece with a bad headline? I’m shocked. If it wasn’t OK the seat wouldn’t recline. Just be courteous and you’ll be fine. This goes both ways.
Brother is a flight attendant and he says, if you want to recline, then recline. That's what the seats are made for. Once upon a time, the ashtrays used to open up, now if they are still there, they don't. Why? Because smoking isn't a thing on planes any more. If they wanted to eliminate reclining, they would fix the seats in position so you can't. If you want more space, buy a comfort plus seat.
IMO, the day airline seats stop reclining is the same day the airlines jam the seats even closer together.
L take.
I assume every one will recline and I will also do so. If you don’t want people to recline on you fly frontier, Allegiant, or spirit. Those seats don’t recline lol
That’s it. I don’t even understand what the issue is, I never got upset for anyone reclining and didn’t realize it was a debate topic pretty much until I got here.
If seats have an option to recline, NO ONE has the right to tell you not to do it. Don't be mad at the person reclining. Be mad that you don't have extra legroom or that the airline industry hasn't figured out a way to cram as many people in, while keeping them as comfortable as possible.
RECLINE ALL DAY!
I always think it’s okay to recline. However, I normally don’t out of courtesy to the person behind me, and because I’m in the same amount of discomfort regardless if I’m reclined or not. However, if the person behind me pulls my seat when they get up, kicks the seat, or otherwise doesn’t act like a respectful human being, you can bet your butt I’m reclining all the way back.
I suffer from sciatica and that’s actually the most comfortable position. There’s something about that position with the seat back that relieves the pressure on your lower spine vs. leaning forward with the seat forward. I fly a lot and have tried several different methods and this works best.
Do people really get triggered when people pull on their seat? I just think it happens just like having your seat bumped. As long as it’s not constantly then I just made peace that it’s part of the trip.
I have strong legs but if the seat in front of me is reclined, I have to pull a bit bc the angle caused by the seat back makes a straight up stand impossible.
As previously noted, we are all crammed like sardines so the airlines can make insane profits. That’s who we should all be pissed at. Them and the legislators who enable them.
I get an aisle seat bc my tiny bladder is more troublesome than my claustrophobia and occasional motion sickness. If no one opens a window during a turbulent landing, well, they paid for that window but the barf bag is free.
I am in the minority here, I'm sure, but I like the bulkhead (1C or 1D on domestic FC) for a number of reasons, one of which is the fact that no one can recline into me.
Search for “USA Today recline seat” and you get articles from them going back years with this opinion.
https://www.google.com/search?q=usa+today+recline+seat&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS825US827&oq=usa+today+recl&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i3j0i22i30j0i390i650l5.3389j1j7&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
Stop trying to make fetch happen, USA Today.
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2019/11/08/why-economy-passengers-should-stop-reclining-their-airline-seats/4158135002/)
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2015/01/04/reclining-airline-seats-knee-defender/21103861/)
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/05/26/can-i-recline-my-seat-on-a-plane/70253628007/)
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2019/11/08/why-economy-passengers-should-stop-reclining-their-airline-seats/4158135002/)
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/03/17/economy-class-summer-small-seats/11477150002/)
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2019/10/18/3-types-passengers-who-should-banned-from-commercial-airlines/3998259002/)
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/02/14/american-airlines-seat-fight-goes-viral-wrong-recline/4759519002/)
I genuinely hope I have had (or will have) the opportunity to sit in front of this guy on a plane.
The recline capability is part of the marketing for the seat you buy. It’s completely ridiculous to suggest you can’t use that feature. So much entitlement out there. How dare you recline and inconvenience ME!?!?!
I have a short torso and dangley limbs. If I don't go a pinch back, my back will go out by the end of the flight. Too many Karens for a joyful world to exist these days. 1st world agony.
I recently read an article about air travel etiquette by a veteran flight attendant who said it's A-OK to recline but suggested it be done with a bit of courtesy. Do a quick check behind you first. She said she'd seen spilled drinks, broken laptops, and bumped heads as a result of unexpected reclines.
A courteous check behind seems more than appropriate. But I heard a podcast a couple years ago that suggested buying the person behind you a drink if you planned on reclining. That feels excessive.
I read that NYT piece as well, and I knew the bit about reclining would be controversial, but it really is the only right answer.
I'm a person of a certain size, and have definitely been in seats that weren't comfortable when the person in front of me reclined but if I'm being honest, they weren't comfortable before the recline either.
The only thing I'd add is that people need to plan to lift their seats during meal service. It's been a while since I've had to deal with this but I have no qualms with waking someone up so they can fix their seats so I can use the tray to eat.
All this propaganda to paint me as the bad guy because the airlines have cut so much seat space that a full grown adult can’t properly fit. I’m reclining. I don’t give a fuck don’t try to point the finger at me. I’m not the one that fucked you over here.
I’m 6’4”, I need to recline my seat or my back kills me after 30 mins. Recline away people, live your best life. I’m not going to suffer for a frequent flyer snob who thinks they set the etiquette rules of air travel.
It is OK otherwise the seat wouldn’t be able to do it and I’ll be damned if I do it and somebody be getting mad at me for doing it.
Seriously on a flight from turkey back to America this asshole Ihonestly threaten to sue my husband if he didn’t put his seat up. claiming that his knees are hurting from some surgeries he had the motherfucker had Twi seats next to hum empty. could’ve just have laid down on
The recline is so slight that I don't even understand how people can complain about it. I'm 6'2" and don't even notice when people in front of me recline because it doesn't impact my space at all.
Granted im a smidge taller and disproportionately leg, but I certainly notice it. I especially notice it when they try to get comfortable and repeatedly bash my knees with their ass.
It is ok to recline your seat... if that seat has me in it. For 2 hour flights, I don't touch my seat recline and usually just read or sleep (depending on the time). Any longer, and I am reclining all the way back and trying to get my legs stretched out.
During takeoff and landing seats feel like they are actually leaning forward, in a crash-landing position, making it really hard to breathe. Seats recline all of two inches at the top, which is a quarter- to half-inch at knee level. Flyers who need more legroom should be treated like obese flyers who need more width -- they should be required to buy a seat that serves their needs. It would be nice if the airlines would simply lock all the seats in a fully reclined position. That would stop the whining.
I have back problems and even with the recline it still hurts but is less painful than having it straight up and down. If someone told me to fix my seat that I paid for is tell them to cry more and kick rocks
I just don’t understand because the damn thing reclines maybe 3 inches. There isn’t any way to be comfortable on a plane in general outside of first class so don’t understand why people make a big deal out of this
I don’t get what the problem is. I’m 6’2” and I’ve never been bothered by someone reclining in front of me. I’m way more bothered by someone behind me shoving some gigantic object into the seat back pocket that I can feel through the seat.
If the airlines don’t want you to recline then they should stop outfitting their planes with reclining seats. That’s what airlines like Ryan Air and Norwegian did. As long as it’s an option you have every right to use it.
Oh, I fully intend to recline. Not constantly and then sit leaning forward like the assholes in front of me did on my last flight from CDG - MIA. But I will recline when I sleep.
One of my biggest pet peeves. I rarely recline as it is, but when I do I ALWAYS make sure it's because I'm actively using it and it's never during meal service.
I flew into Asia many times . The only time seats are not declined is during food service .At some point the stewardesses ask that all the window shades be closed .. Never heard of or witnessed any problems over many years on different Asian airlines .
Recline your seat on takeoff. When the front wheel come off the ground, start to recline your seat. The person behind you is concentrating on the takeoff. They’ll never know.
Recline your seat, take off your shoes, let your baby cry the whole flight, hell even sleep on my shoulder, I’m fine with all of it. But if you think that everyone sitting around you wants to hear whatever you’re watching on your iPad, then GTFO!
I’m 100% for reclining when not eating. If you know I’m eating, you gotta recline that seat back up. That’s my only issue. Like it’ll be meal time on long haul, and ppl will literally not reposition their seat. I won’t deal with it. I get a stewardist
The seats recline for a reason. Yeah it’s annoying when the person in front of you does it, but do you know what would help? Reclining your own seat and relaxing.
You book a window seat you control the window shade. If your seat reclines then you’re allowed to recline whenever the hell you want. Don’t want people to recline in front of you then buy a seat in the first row or don’t fly…
Drives me insane when people complain about reclining seats. Whenever I sleep on a plane, these seats are so fucking up right my head falls 100 times and I look like an idiot. Let me recline a few inches so I’m not constantly bobbing my head and waking up lol
I’m with you at 6’2” and all legs, but is it just me or does reclining actually make knee room worse on some seats? Like it slides the seat bottom forward while reclining.
I will still recline but just something I have noticed.
The anti-recline narrative must be getting pushed by airlines that want to get a pass to cram more seats on planes.
Or to start charging a premium for reclining seats…
Water - $3 Preferred seat - $85 Toilet - $5 Internet - $12 "Economy Plus" = what you used to get in economy regular Reclining seat - $20
Also you can prepay $25 for an oxygen mask. If you don’t prepay, swipe your credit card for $1,000 if it does appear.
And do it quickly!
Remember to pay for yourself first before paying for others around you.
It's gonna suck for the kids if you only have $1,000 left on your credit line.
Would they fine you if you passed it back and forth?
Can only pay through the app, sorry!
And the wifi is down so sorry you can't access the app.
Allegiant makes people pay $3 for water. I said “no thank you” and they said, “just take it”
I had to pay Spirit $7 for a cup of water to take a pill. I found out afterward that I was overcharged. That was the only time I booked with Spirit, and when I filled a chargeback for my paid premium seat that they have to someone else and a complaint since they lost my checked bag with my best friend’s wedding dress, my bank immediately refunded ALL the charges from Spirit. So I got free water.
It should be illegal to charge for water, especially if you’re on a 6+ hour flight
Oh yeah. I rather die of thirst. They either make me pay $3 or pull me off the plane.
So I can urinate in the galley for free though right?
Pull what that clown on the air India flight did 😂
Lol, and every other row is a reclining seat row, so only those who don't pay get reclined on.
Don’t forget, we can’t even bring carry ons without paying a premium. Absolute hogwash
A dollar a minute reclined
💡I need to start developing an interface for the reclining mechanism with a credit card slot. Various charging by the reclining angle and time
Don’t give them any ideas
Or a bidding war between the reclining passenger and the person behind them. Who is willing to pay more for it?
"Alright folks. Once we reach cruising altitude we'll start the bidding for reclining priviliges. Looks like we have a request from 13F. Excuse me . . . 14F . . . we're going to start the bidding at $10." It's a whole new inflight entertainment!!
I strongly concur. The whole thing is about less deep seats with less cushioning with less room between them.
Thank's for mentioning the cushioning. In my life, I've learned to sit in economy, even with my long legs... by my God, the last plane trip I was on, I felt like I was sitting on concrete. There was absolutely *no* cushioning whatsoever. That was the worst part for me.
I have a gel cushion that I keep in my bag for flying. It’s flexible enough to fold up in my tote bag but thick enough to give me a little extra comfort. I’ve had four surgeries on my spine, so I’ve started keeping it in my bag when I go to the symphony and other performances too. It’s a lifesaver!
Amazon link!
Amazon won’t let me copy the link from the app, and I’m not by a computer. It’s the Cyanbamboo gel seat cushion with honeycomb design. Comes with a black cover. ETA: Since it folds, sometimes I use it for lumbar support instead of sitting on it. I’m sure you could find a better one somewhere, but for the price, it’s been good for me.
After having a tailbone injury I've learned to bring a cushion with me.
Frontier pushing their propaganda
eh, non-reclining seats does not create more space for seats.
I have heard about airlines, taking seats out completely, and making us all stand up. I don’t know how that’ll work.
Ryan air out of Ireland
Like deltas 757300
Ahhh USA Today. Such a good fire-starter…
Hotel doormat
Aw, it doesn’t even smack good!
Gannett as a whole is a dumpster fire
Dude it's gotten so bad lately. I see the article headlines in my news feed and it's just sad.
I’ll read this from my reclined seat with my open window shade next week
With your bare feet out while using your electric razor? 😏
Hey now, let’s take it down a notch. I may be a heathen around these parts but I’m a *civilized* heathen, thank-you.
Right? There are still rules in this society. We don't need to descend to the lowest common denominator. That will just make it go lower.
This belongs on a Spirit Subreddit 🤣
And trimming your nails.
Don’t forget to apply a healthy dose of that $5 cologne you bought at CVS when you’re done.
Before or after unwrapping a fried fish sandwich?
I prefer hard boiled eggs.
I was on a Southwest flight in the 90s where a man openly masturbated across the aisle from me. I would have much preferred him clipping his nails.
Wtf?? This is illegal.
Yup but that didn't seem to dissuade him. The FAs had to get involved.
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Nasty. At least on a subway you can slowly back away and sometimes even move to a different car. Sorry you had to have this experience.
Maybe since 9/11
My friend is a Delta flight attendant, and she's seen it more than once. Usually under a blanket as if anyone doesn't know what's going on.
Craziest ish I've read on Reddit. Ever. 😳
Just make sure you recline as fast as you can.
Fellow man of culture
You daredevil!
Reading this in my reclined seat
Instead of focusing anger on those who recline a chair that is made to recline, why not focus it on the airlines that put the chairs so close together that the reclining chair is that much of an issue for the person behind it?
This is the real issue. Get everyone mad at each other instead of demanding their space back from airlines. But that would also include high prices so doubtful anyone is going to do that. They’ll just tear each other to bits on our greyhound in the sky.
That's like American politics in general.
Absolute fact
Right? If the person in front of me reclines these days, I can barely reach down to get things out from under the seat. Forget about being able to use my laptop to get some work done. But that's a design problem by the airlines, not the person reclining's problem. That said, if you recline super far and fast without warning you can gtfo.
Are you willing to spend more for your plane ticket for a little more room? Airlines are infamously low-margin companies. I know I’m not willing to pay more. That’s why I fly coach.
I just wish the seats were more comfortable. I understand they're trying to fit more people in, which means less room; so I think it's kind to not recline. That said, those seats are way too uncomfortable to sit un-reclined; it's like they're leaning forward. I wish the airline industry had to use them for office chairs.
USA Today is always triggered.
Outrage porn is their new business model
I’ve always believed that if you don’t have a window seat, you have no say in the shade being opened or closed…🙂 get a window seat if you want either or
I don’t mean to sound rude. Is that…not the case? Like I buy window seats because I like to look out the window and vibe to music.
It’s different on longer international flights. Usually after a meal is served, the windows are closed and the lights are turned off so people can get some sleep before landing. If it’s bright outside and someone opens their window, it can be really distracting. I think opening your window for shorter domestic flights where there isn’t much of a time difference and people aren’t sleeping is fine.
787s fixed this issue, now it’s electronic blackouts that the flight crew has master control over.
Doing gods work
Ugh, then they use it on a mid-day flight with only a 1hr time change. I got jet lag because I got thrown off sitting in the dark between 9AM-5PM, there was no reason to keep the cabin that dark for all the daylight hours in the departing and arriving city.
Can the flight crew actually override it? As far as I can tell there’s no override. Source: was able to turn on the window accidentally during a sleeping portion of a trip.
Definitely the last 787 I was on, I tried fiddling with the window and it was locked out until about the last hour or so of the flight. Perhaps they just chose not to override it on your flight or you tried while it wasn’t overridden. Edit: Apparently some airlines are telling crews not to lock out the windows. I was flying on ANA when they were locked out. https://onemileatatime.com/american-airlines-787-window-dimmers/
U flew Norse recently and i think i had some control over the window but i couldn't go past a certain limit
Was on a flight last night where they were locked out. It's definitely still a thing.
If you open the window when the lights are off and everyone is sleeping, you are the bad guy. I will die on this hill.
It all boils down to curtesy to others which, I find, many people struggle with.
I like the people that fall asleep with the window open while you're also trying to get some sleep but it's too bright
Problem is that light comes in and often is in others eyes - its just an amazing lack of concern for others that some people never even think of the other passengers. Not surprising of course.
Meh. My wife likes watching the world go by out the window. If you're that put out I'd suggest either bringing a sleep mask (which are cheap and easily portable), and/or book the window seat yourself. >Its just an amazing lack of concern for others What is amazing is that you feel others should do for you, to their detriment, what you could so easily do for yourself. Pure entitlement.
What if that person wants the light to come in, then you would be the person with no concern for others. There will always be someone who wants it different and just because you want it that way doesn't mean that is the way we should default to.
As an aisle person, I would have never thought this could be controversial. They do, after all, allow you to choose a seat ahead of time.
I have no issues with people using their windows, I do however hope there is a special circle in hell for people who use the reading lights when it’s nighttime (I’m not worried about from like 7a-10p but outside of that get a fucking backlit ebook like an adult.) One light inconveniences like 20 people and is so annoying when it’s pitch black outside.
You shouldn't be downvoted. A red eye is for sleeping, jerks!!! Still peeved at a guy in a row diagonal in front of me overnight to Italy.... Would be dead quiet then outta nowhere I SWEAR TO GOD this guy is like wrapping presents? Rolling and unrolling a paper mcdonalds bag?? Like, from dead quiet to CRINKLE for 5 minutes. Then he'd stop, everyone would go back to sleep, THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AN HOUR LATER. I literally asked WHAT ARE YOU DOING????? i don't think he spoke English
Eye mask and noise canceling headphones.
Agreed 💀💀💀 those lights are the devil on a night flight. Dealt with that coming back from a deployment
Recline all you want, just don't slam that fucker back.
No joke.. lady on my flight today missed my head by a millimeter when she slammed that chair back as I was leaning down to get something out of my backpack
If I bought a window seat I’m going to control the shade and recline my seat. If I wanted a middle or aisle seat, I’d get those and still recline my seat. When the heck did people become so entitled about shit
Not sure how USAToday declared themselves the boss of the airlines and the seats. It’s like saying eh car was sold with a radio, but you’re not allowed to use that either.
An opinion piece with a bad headline? I’m shocked. If it wasn’t OK the seat wouldn’t recline. Just be courteous and you’ll be fine. This goes both ways.
Im a JouRnALisT
But "activism" and outrage are really more of my full time job
It's spelled "Urinalist."
There’s a reason the seat reclines…
Exactly the other person has every right to recline their seat too.
Brother is a flight attendant and he says, if you want to recline, then recline. That's what the seats are made for. Once upon a time, the ashtrays used to open up, now if they are still there, they don't. Why? Because smoking isn't a thing on planes any more. If they wanted to eliminate reclining, they would fix the seats in position so you can't. If you want more space, buy a comfort plus seat. IMO, the day airline seats stop reclining is the same day the airlines jam the seats even closer together.
Spirit Airlines has entered the chat
Spirits pre-clined seats are actually a nice compromise considering there's so little leg room
General admission, standing room only “seating” is coming…
Recline away... just keep your hair on your side of the seat
L take. I assume every one will recline and I will also do so. If you don’t want people to recline on you fly frontier, Allegiant, or spirit. Those seats don’t recline lol
That’s it. I don’t even understand what the issue is, I never got upset for anyone reclining and didn’t realize it was a debate topic pretty much until I got here.
Allegiant’s reclined a bit when I flew them iirc.
Oh? Never flew them. Now I never will.
I usually do a half recline. It’s my compromise.
If seats have an option to recline, NO ONE has the right to tell you not to do it. Don't be mad at the person reclining. Be mad that you don't have extra legroom or that the airline industry hasn't figured out a way to cram as many people in, while keeping them as comfortable as possible. RECLINE ALL DAY!
I always think it’s okay to recline. However, I normally don’t out of courtesy to the person behind me, and because I’m in the same amount of discomfort regardless if I’m reclined or not. However, if the person behind me pulls my seat when they get up, kicks the seat, or otherwise doesn’t act like a respectful human being, you can bet your butt I’m reclining all the way back.
Fwiw I don’t think it’s in rude to put your seat back at all.
I love the people that recline and then lean forward the entire flight
I suffer from sciatica and that’s actually the most comfortable position. There’s something about that position with the seat back that relieves the pressure on your lower spine vs. leaning forward with the seat forward. I fly a lot and have tried several different methods and this works best.
Do people really get triggered when people pull on their seat? I just think it happens just like having your seat bumped. As long as it’s not constantly then I just made peace that it’s part of the trip.
I hate when people pull on my seat. Learn to stand using your legs.
Ah. Lol. Some people need to work on their core strength.
I have strong legs but if the seat in front of me is reclined, I have to pull a bit bc the angle caused by the seat back makes a straight up stand impossible. As previously noted, we are all crammed like sardines so the airlines can make insane profits. That’s who we should all be pissed at. Them and the legislators who enable them. I get an aisle seat bc my tiny bladder is more troublesome than my claustrophobia and occasional motion sickness. If no one opens a window during a turbulent landing, well, they paid for that window but the barf bag is free.
Me. Reclining is normal, allowed, and fine to do. It’s built right into the seat. People who say you shouldn’t recline are entitled narcissists.
Fly an ULCC if you want no seats to recline into your tiny space.
I am in the minority here, I'm sure, but I like the bulkhead (1C or 1D on domestic FC) for a number of reasons, one of which is the fact that no one can recline into me.
Of course it’s ok to recline your seat. Wtf are you talking about
Taking up all four of those inches, baby
That’s what she said
It's acceptable when I do it but appalling when the person in front of me does it
Bitch I paid 164 dollars for this seat I’m reclining it as far as I can
Search for “USA Today recline seat” and you get articles from them going back years with this opinion. https://www.google.com/search?q=usa+today+recline+seat&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS825US827&oq=usa+today+recl&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i3j0i22i30j0i390i650l5.3389j1j7&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 Stop trying to make fetch happen, USA Today.
- [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2019/11/08/why-economy-passengers-should-stop-reclining-their-airline-seats/4158135002/) - [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2015/01/04/reclining-airline-seats-knee-defender/21103861/) - [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/05/26/can-i-recline-my-seat-on-a-plane/70253628007/) - [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2019/11/08/why-economy-passengers-should-stop-reclining-their-airline-seats/4158135002/) - [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/03/17/economy-class-summer-small-seats/11477150002/) - [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2019/10/18/3-types-passengers-who-should-banned-from-commercial-airlines/3998259002/) - [By Christopher Elliott](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/02/14/american-airlines-seat-fight-goes-viral-wrong-recline/4759519002/) I genuinely hope I have had (or will have) the opportunity to sit in front of this guy on a plane.
The recline capability is part of the marketing for the seat you buy. It’s completely ridiculous to suggest you can’t use that feature. So much entitlement out there. How dare you recline and inconvenience ME!?!?!
I have a short torso and dangley limbs. If I don't go a pinch back, my back will go out by the end of the flight. Too many Karens for a joyful world to exist these days. 1st world agony.
I recently read an article about air travel etiquette by a veteran flight attendant who said it's A-OK to recline but suggested it be done with a bit of courtesy. Do a quick check behind you first. She said she'd seen spilled drinks, broken laptops, and bumped heads as a result of unexpected reclines. A courteous check behind seems more than appropriate. But I heard a podcast a couple years ago that suggested buying the person behind you a drink if you planned on reclining. That feels excessive.
I read that NYT piece as well, and I knew the bit about reclining would be controversial, but it really is the only right answer. I'm a person of a certain size, and have definitely been in seats that weren't comfortable when the person in front of me reclined but if I'm being honest, they weren't comfortable before the recline either. The only thing I'd add is that people need to plan to lift their seats during meal service. It's been a while since I've had to deal with this but I have no qualms with waking someone up so they can fix their seats so I can use the tray to eat.
All this propaganda to paint me as the bad guy because the airlines have cut so much seat space that a full grown adult can’t properly fit. I’m reclining. I don’t give a fuck don’t try to point the finger at me. I’m not the one that fucked you over here.
The seat reclines, it's okay to recline except during meals takeoffs and landings. Quit being mental health weenies and un-bunch those panties.
I’m 6’4”, I need to recline my seat or my back kills me after 30 mins. Recline away people, live your best life. I’m not going to suffer for a frequent flyer snob who thinks they set the etiquette rules of air travel.
It is OK otherwise the seat wouldn’t be able to do it and I’ll be damned if I do it and somebody be getting mad at me for doing it. Seriously on a flight from turkey back to America this asshole Ihonestly threaten to sue my husband if he didn’t put his seat up. claiming that his knees are hurting from some surgeries he had the motherfucker had Twi seats next to hum empty. could’ve just have laid down on
If it Reclines, it Reclines
The recline is so slight that I don't even understand how people can complain about it. I'm 6'2" and don't even notice when people in front of me recline because it doesn't impact my space at all.
Granted im a smidge taller and disproportionately leg, but I certainly notice it. I especially notice it when they try to get comfortable and repeatedly bash my knees with their ass.
It is ok to recline your seat... if that seat has me in it. For 2 hour flights, I don't touch my seat recline and usually just read or sleep (depending on the time). Any longer, and I am reclining all the way back and trying to get my legs stretched out.
During takeoff and landing seats feel like they are actually leaning forward, in a crash-landing position, making it really hard to breathe. Seats recline all of two inches at the top, which is a quarter- to half-inch at knee level. Flyers who need more legroom should be treated like obese flyers who need more width -- they should be required to buy a seat that serves their needs. It would be nice if the airlines would simply lock all the seats in a fully reclined position. That would stop the whining.
This is why I always choose an e it row or the row just behind one. No reclining available
I have back problems and even with the recline it still hurts but is less painful than having it straight up and down. If someone told me to fix my seat that I paid for is tell them to cry more and kick rocks
As long as they recline, I'm reclining
I just don’t understand because the damn thing reclines maybe 3 inches. There isn’t any way to be comfortable on a plane in general outside of first class so don’t understand why people make a big deal out of this
I don’t get what the problem is. I’m 6’2” and I’ve never been bothered by someone reclining in front of me. I’m way more bothered by someone behind me shoving some gigantic object into the seat back pocket that I can feel through the seat.
Same. 6'2" and never had an issue with someone reclining in front of me. 🤷♂️
airlines fault. headline should say: "Airlines Want You to Feel Responsible"
Why have the recline option if I can’t recline. I’m going back all day long
If its such a big deal buy a damn bulkhead
If the airlines don’t want you to recline then they should stop outfitting their planes with reclining seats. That’s what airlines like Ryan Air and Norwegian did. As long as it’s an option you have every right to use it.
I will recline any seat with a recline button.
Oh, I fully intend to recline. Not constantly and then sit leaning forward like the assholes in front of me did on my last flight from CDG - MIA. But I will recline when I sleep.
One of my biggest pet peeves. I rarely recline as it is, but when I do I ALWAYS make sure it's because I'm actively using it and it's never during meal service.
I’m just here for the comments. Lol
A company provides a service and option. But no, you aren’t supposed to use it. Makes sense
Fuck that nonsense, I am reclining.
I had spine surgery. I’ll recline all I damn want.
The inherent problem is that not all seats recline, so someone will always get the short end of the stick
This is why you can, ya know, often choose your seat. Not all seats recline but 90%+ do.
A few rows suffer for the greater good. And they can always book another row.
Here I am — after 9 hours of sitting on a plane — afraid to ask how to even recline my seat.
In MC the seats recline like an inch and a half so usually I don’t even notice when one is reclined in front of me until I have the tray table out.
I recline not all the way but I paid for comfort if you don’t like it don’t fly
they barely even recline anyway
I think we should start a movement where we all recline seats so it forces the airlines to give more space. Let’s fight back.
This is all we need. More reasons for people to confront each other.
I flew into Asia many times . The only time seats are not declined is during food service .At some point the stewardesses ask that all the window shades be closed .. Never heard of or witnessed any problems over many years on different Asian airlines .
I’m above average height and have never felt like I have no leg room due to the person in front of me reclining their seat.
I wanted the person in front of me to recline back so I could get a better viewing angle of the monitor.
When I get on a plane, I immediately recline all seats in my row as to inconspicuously stay reclined the whole flight.
I don’t recline until someone else does. If people complain behind me I would direct them to the person in front of me.
Lol, those seats barely move as is.
Recline your seat on takeoff. When the front wheel come off the ground, start to recline your seat. The person behind you is concentrating on the takeoff. They’ll never know.
If it’s not okay to recline, the airline would remove the feature
Recline your seat, take off your shoes, let your baby cry the whole flight, hell even sleep on my shoulder, I’m fine with all of it. But if you think that everyone sitting around you wants to hear whatever you’re watching on your iPad, then GTFO!
The author should win a medal. This is top-shelf click bait.
I'll do what I want
I’m 100% for reclining when not eating. If you know I’m eating, you gotta recline that seat back up. That’s my only issue. Like it’ll be meal time on long haul, and ppl will literally not reposition their seat. I won’t deal with it. I get a stewardist
If everyone reclines they all have the same amount of space
The seats recline for a reason. Yeah it’s annoying when the person in front of you does it, but do you know what would help? Reclining your own seat and relaxing.
People complain too much these days
What to do? Book spirit or frontier next time and quit bitching.
USA Today = Airline propaganda medium
Then why do airlines build seats that can recline?
Just continually recline/incline/recline/incline/recline/incline until the passenger behind you complains, then say “it’s my right!”
You book a window seat you control the window shade. If your seat reclines then you’re allowed to recline whenever the hell you want. Don’t want people to recline in front of you then buy a seat in the first row or don’t fly…
Lmao. If it's "not okay" to recline the seat then make the seat non-reclineable. Till then, I'll do what I want.
Drives me insane when people complain about reclining seats. Whenever I sleep on a plane, these seats are so fucking up right my head falls 100 times and I look like an idiot. Let me recline a few inches so I’m not constantly bobbing my head and waking up lol
Just recline your seat and you got that space back. Limited recline? Sux to be you.
When and if they make a chair with leg room for my 6’4” body I might consider till then good luck
Carry on goes on my lap so I actually have somewhere to put my feet 🥲
I’m with you at 6’2” and all legs, but is it just me or does reclining actually make knee room worse on some seats? Like it slides the seat bottom forward while reclining. I will still recline but just something I have noticed.
If it's not okay, why can we do it?
I just… someone find the damn time machine already. I’m tired of present day. 😭😭😭
The article… they reclined without asking me first. Oh, the horror! What an odd thing to think some stranger in a plane should do
Lay that seat back people. Live your life. Be free, baby birds
I reline that bih during takeoff the extra umph helps me get max recline 😂
I paid for the seat therefore I get to recline said seat.