Airplane seat etiquette!

[rparmfamily]

The trays on all of the airplanes I've ever flown on 'self adjust' when the seat is reclined - never had a drink spill or anything when the person in front of me reclined.

The sudden jarring motion of the seat coming back would make mine spill. I fly a lot...I live in Hawaii...it's almost 7 hrs to just get to CA!

 

[lovemyguys]

The sudden jarring motion of the seat coming back would make mine spill. I fly a lot...I live in Hawaii...it's almost 7 hrs to just get to CA!

Thank you! That is EXACTLY what happens.

BTW~Congrats on the upcoming arrival of your new little one! If you look at my sig. you will see that I have an 8yr.old, 6yr.old and a 1yr.old. I LOVE the gap between the older 2 and the baby! Enjoy

 

[SLK1]

I haven't read this whole thread but IMHO, people who recline their seats are just plain rude! I NEVER recline my seat. Frankly, it doesn't go back far enough to make a difference to who is sitting in it, but it makes a world of difference to the person sitting behind me. My DH is 6'4" and when someone reclines, he just jams his knees in because it is so ridiculous. So, be kind, DON'T recline!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Well SLK1, that's your perspective, but it certainly makes a difference to my husband. Who is not 5'10" but still would like a bit of extra room, especially if the person in front of him has reclined.

As I just said, I don't personally recline, but it doesn't really bother me when others do.

That's just really rude of your husband, and I hope that the person in front of him has complained to the flight attendant about it! Perhaps it doesn't make a difference to *him* if he reclines or not, but obviously the person in front of him (and you) thinks it makes a difference to them.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I haven't read this whole thread but IMHO, people who recline their seats are just plain rude! I NEVER recline my seat. Frankly, it doesn't go back far enough to make a difference to who is sitting in it, but it makes a world of difference to the person sitting behind me. My DH is 6'4" and when someone reclines, he just jams his knees in because it is so ridiculous. So, be kind, DON'T recline!!

Your statement is ridiculous. If it's considered rude to recline, why have reclining seats? The seat occupant is only utilizing the seat that was paid for, in its proper manner. You can choose not to recline, but you have no right to dictate to others. And it is your DH that is being rude! He could ask politely, or do his best to get a bulkhead seat (some airlines charge extra for this).

 

[Teacher03]

I haven't read this whole thread but IMHO, people who recline their seats are just plain rude! I NEVER recline my seat. Frankly, it doesn't go back far enough to make a difference to who is sitting in it, but it makes a world of difference to the person sitting behind me. My DH is 6'4" and when someone reclines, he just jams his knees in because it is so ridiculous. So, be kind, DON'T recline!!

To be honest, your husband is rude to "jam his knees in!" That's rude!

 

[jms531]

Funny this thread should resurface since I encountered a "lap baby mother" on our way to MCO last week. DH is 6'5 and I'm 5'8 and we had DD in tow (bought her her own seat-always have, always will even though she's young enough to save a few bucks and fly lap). Anyway I get sick on flights especially with trying to keep DD occupied with toys until she passes out. She finally passed out and went to recline my seat to get a little extra room and try to relax myself before I really "got sick". Well as soon as I reclined my seat the woman behind me pushed my seat back up and said, "No that's not going to work, I have a baby back here." I was so floored I quickly apologized and lifted my seat back up (I was too shocked to even think it through). Needless to say as soon as we landed I had to run to the bathrooms. I just couldn't believe the nerve of that woman to ask?!? By asking like that you're putting someone in a very hard position. I KNEW I had a reason for reclining my seat but didn't want to be "rude" because she had a baby.

Here's how I feel. If you're going to consider taking your child as a lap baby do so assuming you'll be okay with the seat in front of you reclined. Space on a plane is precious and we non lap baby passengers have the right to recline just as much as you do. I had a kid to take care of, too but I bought her her own seat and didn't make my child someone elses problem!

 

[SLK1]

Your statement is ridiculous. If it's considered rude to recline, why have reclining seats? The seat occupant is only utilizing the seat that was paid for, in its proper manner. You can choose not to recline, but you have no right to dictate to others. And it is your DH that is being rude! He could ask politely, or do his best to get a bulkhead seat (some airlines charge extra for this).

I guess I should give a bit more details on my opinion: if the flight is short, no need to recline. Sorry, that is my opinion. My DH flies twice each month, so is no stranger to airlines and normally is upgraded to first class where it's not an issue. However, when we travel as a family and sit in coach, we notice it's usually the "newbie" travelers reclining, as if to say, "Oooh, reclining seats! Let's try it out!". Of course there are those who are sick or need to recline with a baby - that is life and is par for the course of air travel. But on a short flight, no baby, no illness, nothing like that...don't recline your seat. It just doesn't make sense and causes discomfort for the people behind you. Yeah, you paid for the seat, sure. But the person behind you paid for his/her seat too - including the "airspace" around it!

Frankly, I think airlines should be ashamed of themselves for creating these cramped spaces, reclining seats that have no business reclining, giving rude service by flight attendants, and charging an arm and a leg to be uncomfortable!

 

[SLK1]

Well SLK1, that's your perspective, but it certainly makes a difference to my husband. Who is not 5'10" but still would like a bit of extra room, especially if the person in front of him has reclined.

As I just said, I don't personally recline, but it doesn't really bother me when others do.

That's just really rude of your husband, and I hope that the person in front of him has complained to the flight attendant about it! Perhaps it doesn't make a difference to *him* if he reclines or not, but obviously the person in front of him (and you) thinks it makes a difference to them.

Nope, no complaints as of yet. He doesn't kick at the seat constantly, just gives a little nudge to let them know there IS someone back there. Maybe if the person realizes they are making someone uncomfortable, they'll realize it's not making a difference to recline and they'll maybe adjust a bit. It's really not a huge deal...

 

[crashbb]

I guess I should give a bit more details on my opinion: if the flight is short, no need to recline. Sorry, that is my opinion. My DH flies twice each month, so is no stranger to airlines and normally is upgraded to first class where it's not an issue. However, when we travel as a family and sit in coach, we notice it's usually the "newbie" travelers reclining, as if to say, "Oooh, reclining seats! Let's try it out!". Of course there are those who are sick or need to recline with a baby - that is life and is par for the course of air travel. But on a short flight, no baby, no illness, nothing like that...don't recline your seat. It just doesn't make sense and causes discomfort for the people behind you. Yeah, you paid for the seat, sure. But the person behind you paid for his/her seat too - including the "airspace" around it!

Frankly, I think airlines should be ashamed of themselves for creating these cramped spaces, reclining seats that have no business reclining, giving rude service by flight attendants, and charging an arm and a leg to be uncomfortable!

I'm no newbie flyer excited by the ability to recline - I fly enough to have Elite status with my airline's frequent flyer program. I still recline. Even on short flights, if I haven't been upgraded (my airline doesn't give "free" upgrades), I find it much more comfortable to recline slightly (not all the way).

You can find it rude if you'd like, but I'm still going to recline (I do recline slowly and don't bash it back). I also put the chair upright during meals (if it is a flight that has meals).

 

[Grendalynn]

They are always good for trying to accomodate everyone if possible. Check with the people at the desk before you even board the plane or the person at the door of the aircraft as you board. Someone may not show, or be willing to switch seats near by for a safe, comfortable flight. I honestly think its all in how you approach the issue.

 

[badblackpug]

Wow I can't believe this old thing resurfaced! ...but I will say it again, just because you have the "right" to do something doesn't make it the "right" thing to do. At 6' and 6'4" we are are ALREADY sitting our knees jammed against the seat in front of us, no tray, no baby, no recline needed. When you recline the seat in front it goes from being uncomfortable to painful. Like I said, there are a lot of things I have the "right" to do "because I paid for it" (such as stand in front of your child at a parade or show or make an elderly person stnd on the bus/monorail) but I wouldn't do it because it is not polite. All I am saying is be aware of those around you, be courteous, be nice.

 

[kinntj]

Wow I can't believe this old thing resurfaced! ...but I will say it again, just because you have the "right" to do something doesn't make it the "right" thing to do. At 6' and 6'4" we are are ALREADY sitting our knees jammed against the seat in front of us, no tray, no baby, no recline needed. When you recline the seat in front it goes from being uncomfortable to painful. Like I said, there are a lot of things I have the "right" to do "because I paid for it" (such as stand in front of your child at a parade or show or make an elderly person stnd on the bus/monorail) but I wouldn't do it because it is not polite. All I am saying is be aware of those around you, be courteous, be nice.

Doesn't make it wrong either.

Sorry, but if it reclines, I'll recline it. If you're passive agressive and push your knees into my chair (SLK1 DH) I won't move it at all during the whole flight. That just makes me mad. If you say "maam, could you put your seat back up for more leg room for me?" I would say sure and put my seat back up. Heck, I'll even apologize.

I'm not aware of who's around me because I have 2 kids that I'm taking care of making sure they keep busy and don't make noise. That's what I'm thinking about when it comes to others comfort.

If you're going to be pissed about it, then complain each and every time to the airline for allowing it, not the person in front of you. You'll get more places with honey than vinegar. I'm really nice and will usually do what people ask me, if they are nice and ask.

To the OP, if you ask...you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[kinntj]

I haven't read this whole thread but IMHO, people who recline their seats are just plain rude! I NEVER recline my seat. Frankly, it doesn't go back far enough to make a difference to who is sitting in it, but it makes a world of difference to the person sitting behind me. My DH is 6'4" and when someone reclines, he just jams his knees in because it is so ridiculous. So, be kind, DON'T recline!!

Your DH should be kind first, then I might consider it. Sorry, but I won't move my chair for your DH by him nudging it. If he asks, I'm more than happy to move my chair back up for him. I think the rule is simple, if YOU want someone to do something for YOU, then YOU ask. That's so simple I couldn't have explained it better.

 

[kyak]

To be honest, your husband is rude to "jam his knees in!" That's rude!

When you're 6'4 flying in economy, there's no other place to PUT your knees. I am 6' and fly 10-15 times a year, and my knees almost always touch the back of the seat in front of me, and when they recline, it makes it worse!

I typically don't recline unless my flight is longer than 2 hours. If someone asks me to sit my chair up, I do. I typically always ask the person behind me if it would be alright to recline for a bit. Being courteous always makes people happier, and easier to work with if you're having a problem.

 

[Kathymcbain]

Funny this thread should resurface since I encountered a "lap baby mother" on our way to MCO last week. DH is 6'5 and I'm 5'8 and we had DD in tow (bought her her own seat-always have, always will even though she's young enough to save a few bucks and fly lap). Anyway I get sick on flights especially with trying to keep DD occupied with toys until she passes out. She finally passed out and went to recline my seat to get a little extra room and try to relax myself before I really "got sick". Well as soon as I reclined my seat the woman behind me pushed my seat back up and said, "No that's not going to work, I have a baby back here." I was so floored I quickly apologized and lifted my seat back up (I was too shocked to even think it through). Needless to say as soon as we landed I had to run to the bathrooms. I just couldn't believe the nerve of that woman to ask?!? By asking like that you're putting someone in a very hard position. I KNEW I had a reason for reclining my seat but didn't want to be "rude" because she had a baby.

Here's how I feel. If you're going to consider taking your child as a lap baby do so assuming you'll be okay with the seat in front of you reclined. Space on a plane is precious and we non lap baby passengers have the right to recline just as much as you do. I had a kid to take care of, too but I bought her her own seat and didn't make my child someone elses problem!

Wow...that was quite bold of her. I would have reclined, I really would have. I get sick when I sit completely straight and while I can do it on occasion, it's not something that's even a little comfortable.

There ARE alternatives...buy your child a seat, pay extra to have a bulkhead row, pay extra or use miles to upgrade to first class, etc.

And someone shoving their knees into the back of my seat wouldn't get me to put it up either. I might, however, allow my 5-year old to turn around when the seatbelt light goes off to "talk" to you the whole flight. She really, really loves strangers...and she can talk the paint off a wall.

If you asked nicely, I'd do my best. My DH is 6'4 and we ALWAYS get him a bulkhead, exit row, or first class seat. If he can't get it we choose another flight. Why? Because he doesn't want to be uncomfortable and he doesn't want to impose on others!

 

[all4fun]

What I don't understand is when people recline their seat but spend the majority of the flight leaning forward. Now that makes no sense. And yes, I've been behind that person. Very annoying, especially when we couldn't open the lap top enough to see the screen because the back of the airplane seat was too far back.

Here's my plea: If you don't have to recline, then please don't. If you must recline, then see if just putting it back a little bit, not the whole way, is enough. That is the common courtesy thing to do when sitting in coach which is already cramped enough for everyone. Many people will not complain because it is your "right" to be reclined but that doesn't mean they're not annoyed.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'll be honest... I have been on both sides... both as the person in the last row and as the person reclining in the last row. When its happened, if it was a problem, I'll either ask the person in front of me if nicely if they'd be willing to recline only partway and have been asked, in which I do the same thing. Generally, if you are polite, I find most people reasonable. Just be willing to compromise... maybe they just put it back halfway...

This may be the wrong place to post this however here goes..whats your take on this...we have booked our flight to florida and could only get the last row all sitting together...I know this row dosnt recline and I will have the baby on my lap. I just know the person in front is going to recline their seat and there will be no room to breath...while technically there is nothing I can do about it is it morally wrong for me to complain ?
I know it is just common courtesy but what can I do if they are crushing the baby and wont budge their seat??? I know they have payed thier money just like everyone else and they have every right to do this but most cases I think its "I will because I can". Whats your take on this? Thanks

 

[yitbos96bb]

But see why take an almost passive aggressive approach. Most people are reasonable. Honestly, your approach would tick me off more and I'd probably ignore you. Instead just be straightforward..."Excuse me sir or maam... I'm sorry, but we are really cramped back here and have our baby with us. Would it be at all possible for you to please not recline your seat all the way back.. if you could even do it halfway I would be so very appreciative." yes, you might get a tool who will say no... most people will help you out.

I do not think it is right to complain because that person deserves that seat (and if you have another adult - you could have split up into different locations to get a reclining seat - so you likely had other options). BUT, that being said if it was me sitting in front of you and I realized the situation - I would not recline. Now, how to let me know - since it's tough to see what's going on behind you. Maybe when he/she starts reclining just saying (not in a mean way but loud enough to be heard) 'Oh my - it's really tight back here since these back seats don't recline, isn't it honey' (talking to someone else in your party or to the baby on your lap). If I heard this and realized, I would put my seat back up. And many other courteous people would do so as well. Airplane seats aren't comfortable even leaning back - I would think most people would try to help you out.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I know a few people who do this... generally, they say the reclining helps their lower back and the lean forward helps their upper back. All anecdotal of course.

What I don't understand is when people recline their seat but spend the majority of the flight leaning forward. Now that makes no sense. And yes, I've been behind that person. Very annoying, especially when we couldn't open the lap top enough to see the screen because the back of the airplane seat was too far back.

Here's my plea: If you don't have to recline, then please don't. If you must recline, then see if just putting it back a little bit, not the whole way, is enough. That is the common courtesy thing to do when sitting in coach which is already cramped enough for everyone. Many people will not complain because it is your "right" to be reclined but that doesn't mean they're not annoyed.