Reclining on an airplane? and other flying etiquette

Do you recline your seat while flying

  • Yes

    Votes: 52 20.4%
  • No

    Votes: 132 51.8%
  • Sometimes

    Votes: 71 27.8%

  • Total voters
    255

ISUCyclones2015

Doesn't wipe standing up
SuperFanatic
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Dec 19, 2010
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I’m sure you’ve all seen the video but if not here's a guy that got mad about someone reclining their seat - https://www.independent.co.uk/trave...seat-punch-recline-video-flight-a9333231.html

  • Do you guys recline your seat? What do you think of people that do without asking?

Some other flying etiquette questions:
  • Do you guys ask to leave the windows closed?
  • Who gets the middle armrests?
  • Should first class have a dress code?
 

VTXCyRyD

Well-Known Member
Sep 2, 2010
5,647
3,003
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I almost always recline, but it is an absolute minimum. So much so the flight attendants don't even see the seat as reclined. The seats sit way too far up in their normal position.

If my brother is on a flight with me and sitting behind me the seat goes into full recline mode.
 

ISUCyclones2015

Doesn't wipe standing up
SuperFanatic
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Dec 19, 2010
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I'm a big proponent of NOT reclining the seat. If someone does, I understand it's their choice but most flights in the US aren't that bad. The only exceptions I think are redeyes and international flights then I can understand. But a two hour flight from Dallas to Chicago? Give me a break.

I think it should be up to the window seat whether the window shade is up or down. Delta has a big problem of people wanting the flight as dark as possible but if I'm ever in the window seat I usually like it open.

Middle seat should get full access to the middle two armrests. No ifs or buts about it.

I go back and forth on the first class (or just flying in general) having a dress code. You shouldn't look like you are in PJs about to go to bed. Anything else I feel is generally acceptable but I can understand why airlines just don't care outside of obscenities on clothes.
 

BillBrasky4Cy

Well-Known Member
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giphy.gif
 

harimad

Well-Known Member
Jul 28, 2016
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52
Illinois
I go back and forth on the first class (or just flying in general) having a dress code. You shouldn't look like you are in PJs about to go to bed. Anything else I feel is generally acceptable but I can understand why airlines just don't care outside of obscenities on clothes.
If you take your shoes off, please do not have stinky feet. If you bring food on the plane, don't bring pungent food. And exercise some hygiene before boarding.

Basically, just because I have to spend a few hours sitting next to you, it shouldn't mean that I have to smell you the entire time.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: CycloneCJ

cyclone101

Well-Known Member
Oct 19, 2009
4,565
4,295
113
Dez Moinz
-If you have the window seat, you control the window, aisle seat can ebod. But don't be a douche about it. If the suns blaring directly in the windows, I shut it. Otherwise it's up.
-I personally don't recline but I have long legs and feel for people that are the same way. If you have a two hour flight, tough it out. If you reaaalllly have to, ask the person behind you if they're cool with it but honestly, most travel within the US isn't going to be too bad. International is completely different.
-Armrests should go to the middle person if it's a 3 seater. If it's a 2 seater, arm wrestle for it, idk.

One more thing, you people that aren't assigned the window seat but take it anyway, why do you do it? I picked that seat so I could lay my head against the window and not get up for your small bladder three times during the flight. I am going to ask you to move. And don't get all huffy when I do. That's my seat. I picked a window seat for a reason.
 

ISUCyclones2015

Doesn't wipe standing up
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 19, 2010
14,646
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Chicago, IL
If you take your shoes off, please do not have stinky feet. If you bring food on the plane, don't bring pungent food. And exercise some hygiene before boarding.

Basically, just because I have to spend a few hours sitting next to you, it shouldn't mean that I have to smell you the entire time.

If you take your shoes off on a plane I lose all respect for you. I saw someone go into the lavatory bare foot once and almost barfed
 

BCClone

Well Seen Member.
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Sep 4, 2011
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Not exactly sure.
I'm a big proponent of NOT reclining the seat. If someone does, I understand it's their choice but most flights in the US aren't that bad. The only exceptions I think are redeyes and international flights then I can understand. But a two hour flight from Dallas to Chicago? Give me a break.

I think it should be up to the window seat whether the window shade is up or down. Delta has a big problem of people wanting the flight as dark as possible but if I'm ever in the window seat I usually like it open.

Middle seat should get full access to the middle two armrests. No ifs or buts about it.

I go back and forth on the first class (or just flying in general) having a dress code. You shouldn't look like you are in PJs about to go to bed. Anything else I feel is generally acceptable but I can understand why airlines just don't care outside of obscenities on clothes.

The middle seat sitters did pay 20-30 bucks less per ticket so there is that.
 

OPButtrey

Well-Known Member
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Nov 21, 2010
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I can't believe this is a debate.

If a seat has the ability to recline, you can recline. End of discussion.

The question isn't if you CAN recline. It's if you should. There are lots of things you CAN do but wouldn't because you realize it is rude, disrespectful, inconvenient, ect to those around you.
 

Stormin

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2006
45,479
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If airlines did not want seats to recline then they wouldn’t recline. There are a couple rows of seats near the Exit Rows that do not recline so as to keep access for exits. Bottom line is if you want extra room and don’t want a reclining seat in front of you then pay for first class or Comfort seats. The guy continually thumping seat of reclined seat was a prick. His conduct was inexcusable. The Flight Attendant that agreed with the guy should be fired. Flight Attendant has no people skills. Airlines have added more and more seats. They are to blame.
 

JP4CY

Lord, beer me strength.
Staff member
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Dec 19, 2008
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Testifying
I've never really considered the aisle seat to have more leg room because I don't put my legs out there. I'm shocked at how many people need to use those insanely small bathrooms literally minutes after leaving a terminal.
Also, the drink cart:
hqdefault.jpg
 
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Reactions: 2020cy and Snydes

Gonzo

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2009
26,792
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Behind you
I never recline, think it's obnoxious and inconsiderate.

Assuming airlines won't outright forbid it, they should at least implement 'Reclining' and 'No Reclining' seating sections. That way everyone who enjoys having some guy's fat head in their lap for 4 hours can enjoy it together and the rest of us can be spared.
 

ISUCyclones2015

Doesn't wipe standing up
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Dec 19, 2010
14,646
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Chicago, IL
I can't believe this is a debate.

If a seat has the ability to recline, you can recline. End of discussion.

If you have the ability to flip someone the bird. You can flip them the bird. Doesn't NOT make you a jerk though.

Also don't get me started on people who just slam their seat back without a care in the world. I've gotten a cracked computer and a couple spilled drinks that way
 

BCClone

Well Seen Member.
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Sep 4, 2011
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Not exactly sure.
I never recline, think it's obnoxious and inconsiderate.

Assuming airlines won't outright forbid it, they should at least implement 'Reclining' and 'No Reclining' seating sections. That way everyone who enjoys having some guy's fat head in their lap for 4 hours can enjoy it together and the rest of us can be spared.

If your fat head is in their lap for 4 hours you’re supposed to see a doctor.
 

cb1030

Well-Known Member
Oct 6, 2017
316
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93
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I find myself doing the half recline on most flights, especially if the person in the row ahead is reclining their seat. I'm trying not to be a complete d bag by reclining the full way, but still trying to keep some space for a laptop or book resting on the tray.

I really can't understand the people who are outraged at recliners. Life would be real tough if I was triggered by something that is completely routine like that.
 

BoxsterCy

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 14, 2009
48,381
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Minnesota
  • I don't recline an a short flight, say two hours or less.
  • I do recline on longer flights, try not to when they are serving da foods. #traysnstuff
  • Would get extremely pissed if some jackass started kicking my seat like a cross between a two-year old and playground bully..
  • If you are so big and so tall that you think you need special accommodations like other peeps not reclining than buy a seat in 1st class and STFU.
Your others
  • Do you guys ask to leave the windows closed? No, I am not a vampire and am generally not watching movies.
  • Who gets the middle armrests? The passenger with the pointiest elbows.
  • Should first class have a dress code? Is this a huge problem? Won't Hawks be flying economy?
 
  • Winner
Reactions: GTO