Reclining on an airplane? and other flying etiquette

[Isualum13]

I think reclining seats should only be available in the higher priced sections of the airplane. Economy just doesn't have the room for this functionality. If someone wants to recline, they should have to pay more. I think it would solve a lot of problems.

Would this involve making some cheaper rows directly behind the rows that recline. I wouldnt want to pay more for the luxury of reclining if the person in front of me could recline. But if I had the option of choosing a cheaper seat that doesnt recline knowing the person in front of me paid extra for a seat that could recline it's a different story.

 

[agrabes]

JFC, I am like 5'-9" and pay for roomier seats. With some neck bone spurs and arthritis I am not usually good neckwise for sitting perfectly upright for four hours or more even with a little inflated collar pillow. The reduced isle room in economy sucks and that's on the airlines but some of you tall cheap bastards should pony up a few extra dollars for comfort + or something and/or select the seats in exit rows that do not recline.

I can see some of you pricks banging on the seatback of some elderly lady that can't sit upright straight as an arrow for 4 hours or more.

Here's the thing - you're assuming recline is full 100% or 0%. The complaints we're having are for those who just slam in 100% recline without a care. I'm on the taller end of average, but not in basketball player territory. The average person should not have to pay for extra space just to be able to sit in a default position without being hit by the seatback in front of them. This isn't about extra comfort, it's about literally not being crushed by the seat in front of you.

If you have some kind of medical condition where it causes you pain to sit upright you have a few options:
1) Recline 2-3 inches, just enough to make it bearable for both parties.
2) Slouch in your seat, put a coat or your carry on down to support your back. (This is what I do most of the time.)

I think reclining seats should only be available in the higher priced sections of the airplane. Economy just doesn't have the room for this functionality. If someone wants to recline, they should have to pay more. I think it would solve a lot of problems.

Agreed - this is the true problem. The seat spacing and recline distance should be set to accommodate the tall end of average, something like 6'-2". The seat should be able to recline back only far enough that it would not contact a 6'-2" person's knees if they are sitting normally, feet flat on the floor and knees bent at 90 degrees. This should resolve most problems - people can still recline a few inches but aren't causing extreme discomfort for the people behind them. Many of the smaller planes actually do have this set up. Generally, in the small commuter planes I can accommodate a 100% recline from the person in front of me without discomfort. It's the in between planes and older planes where it seems like they allow the seats to go back too far.

 

[HFCS]

Coach seats only recline two inches. Business and first class have enough space to recline without bothering anybody.

Non-issue.

 

[cycloneG]

Would this involve making some cheaper rows directly behind the rows that recline. I wouldnt want to pay more for the luxury of reclining if the person in front of me could recline. But if I had the option of choosing a cheaper seat that doesnt recline knowing the person in front of me paid extra for a seat that could recline it's a different story.

The recline section wouldn't be a separate section in economy. It would be in sections already designated such as Comfort+ and first class. I'm suggesting removing the recline functionality from all Economy.

 

[Clonefan32]

I don't fly very often, but do these things even recline that much? Does it really help make it more comfortable? I guess I just don't see the value in reclining a few inches when doing so can really encroach on the already restricted area of the person behind you. They should just do away with reclining. The benefit does not outweigh the hassle.

 

[Stormin]

I assume you live in Minneapolis because of your teams. There's literally no flight in the lower 48 that's 4 hours or more from Minneapolis.

I fly International flights to Mexico generally. Sometimes West Coast.

No food service anymore. And there is no problem setting a drink on fold down table even with seat in front in full recline. If you need work space for computer go to BUSINESS Class or First Class. That would be the Courteous thing to do.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Coach seats only recline two inches. Business and first class have enough space to recline without bothering anybody.

Non-issue.

It’s 4 inches! You sound like my ex claiming it’s only 2 inches

 

[Stormin]

The Prick on the Airline could have paid extra and selected his seat. He went cheap and the airline seated him in a crappy seat. The Prick has only himself to blame.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Happens a ton. They are either doing it intentionally or just really stupid. I say they're both.

I've switched from my window seat one time... I boarded and there was a mother and a little girl (5ish) in their seats already. They were middle seat and aisle seat. As I was putting my carry-on away I noticed the girl was trying to look out the window. Little kids like looking out the windows so I asked the mom if they wanted to slide in and I made a 5 year old's day.

But if you're a grown ass man taking my window seat? Gtfo. That's my seat.

100 flights a year and you’re in economy with 3 seats? You must fly American

 

[BoxsterCy]

I fly International flights to Mexico generally. Sometimes West Coast.

No food service anymore. And there is no problem setting a drink on fold down table even with seat in front in full recline. If you need work space for computer go to BUSINESS Class or First Class. That would be the Courteous thing to do.

737 I was on Wednesday certainly didn't recline much at all.

 

[cmjh10]

Note to self, never fly. People get pissy

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Here's another one, have you guys ever physically run to catch a flight?

I refuse to run just because my flight was late. There will always be another plane and the stress of trying to make a tight connection that's not your fault is too much.

 

[Drew0311]

I don’t recline because it does not give any more comfort and causes someone else less comfort. It reclines like two inches and does not make it any more comfortable at all.

 

[Bigman38]

Here's another one, have you guys ever physically run to catch a flight?

I refuse to run just because my flight was late. There will always be another plane and the stress of trying to make a tight connection that's not your fault is too much.

End of a long business trip and I jogged across O'Hare to make it just in time to board, only to get told they're grounding the plane. I mostly just don't want to deal with the headache of catching another flight.

 

[Angie]

Here's another one, have you guys ever physically run to catch a flight?

I refuse to run just because my flight was late. There will always be another plane and the stress of trying to make a tight connection that's not your fault is too much.

I ran through O'Hare to catch my connection to Rome this past May. I made the plane in time, but the joke was on me when the flight got turned around over Philly and we had to deplane for five hours due to a passenger in first class making a bomb threat.

 

[MeanDean]

I also have trouble sleeping sitting up. I've seen these, but never gotten them for fear I'd look like a total idiot:

LINK

Those look perfect. I'd definitely be into trying one but really rarely fly anymore so probably wouldn't take the plunge.

 

[Beernuts]

Here's another one, have you guys ever physically run to catch a flight?

I refuse to run just because my flight was late. There will always be another plane and the stress of trying to make a tight connection that's not your fault is too much.

Wife and I had to run one time to catch a connecting flight from Chicago to Des Moines. Fortunately the ISU ladies track team was on the same flight so we had others tor run with. Unfortunately is was a track team we had to run with

Anyone remember the children's book...Fortunately, Unfortunately?

 

[IASTATE07]

Note to self, never fly. People get pissy

Kinda getting heated in here.

 

[AgronAlum]

If you sit in front of me, chances are you’re not reclining. My knees are already into the back of the seat when it’s up. You’re not going to make it very far trying to go backwards. I’ve never had anyone be obnoxious about it or anything.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

Here is a relevant question, should morbidly obese/ just massive humans people be required to purchase two airline seats. Some airlines have the policy that if you require a seat belt extension or are unable to fit in a seat with both armrests down, you need to buy an extra seat.


These types are what I am talking about.



Brian has said that when he has to fly, which is relatively frequently, he will always fly first class providing it's available. This is a small plane for even your average human.

Brian Shaw is a monster! I bet first class is a tight fit for him.