Are You A Recliner??

[Plaid Princess]

Maybe the same reason "extra large" people are required to purchase two seats?

Or, if you don't like that argument, you're NOT required to pay extra for your seat. But we're talking YOUR comfort. I think the point is if you want comfort, pay for it, don't expect others to take care of you.

I don't agree with that argument, because cannot control my height, whereas I can control my weight. But I missed the part where I'm expecting others to take care of me? How does not wanting to pay extra mean others are taking care of me?

 

[Gracie09]

Maybe the same reason "extra large" people are required to purchase two seats?

Or, if you don't like that argument, you're NOT required to pay extra for your seat. But we're talking YOUR comfort. I think the point is if you want comfort, pay for it, don't expect others to take care of you.

On many airlines an overweight person does not have to buy and extra seat or if they do they can have the extra seat refunded if there were any empty seats on the flight. A tall person does not even have the option of purchasing an extra seat. When we were flying last Sept with my husband, he had an extra legroom seat and I was 2 rows behind with our children. Close enough for him to help if one had to use the restroom etc. When he went to get into his seat, he found it occupied with part of the person next to him. The airlines answer was that HE take the next flight because this one was full, because they didn't want to embarrass the person who was in his seat. Thankfully, a nice man saw our issue (I was trying to figure out how I was going to get through Newark airport at 11pm with a stroller and several carryons and how I would manage our luggage at the other end and of course we parked off site so do I sit around the airport with 2 kids while waiting to see if he made it as all the planes were delayed/cancelled due to weather, ours included.) and he volunteered his seat to my husband. Of course is was like 15 rows away and not extra legroom, but at least he was on the plane. The airlines response, we received a free glass of wine and they eventually refunded to cost of the extra legroom seat. But not until several weeks later after going back and forth about it. It was especially annoying because the airline personnel had to be aware that the woman encroaching on my husband's seat was not going to fit because they assisted her onto the plane. It should have been handled at that point. They knew it was a full flight and someone would have to sit in that seat.
We have inquired about purchasing and extra seat in front of my husband to leave empty as it is often cheaper than upgrading us all. No. So we pay more, and don't have any of the protections overweight people have. If an overweight person had been told to take the next flight, it would have made the national news. But a tall person, who cares.

 

[sam_gordon]

On many airlines an overweight person does not have to buy and extra seat or if they do they can have the extra seat refunded if there were any empty seats on the flight. A tall person does not even have the option of purchasing an extra seat. When we were flying last Sept with my husband, he had an extra legroom seat and I was 2 rows behind with our children. Close enough for him to help if one had to use the restroom etc. When he went to get into his seat, he found it occupied with part of the person next to him. The airlines answer was that HE take the next flight because this one was full, because they didn't want to embarrass the person who was in his seat. Thankfully, a nice man saw our issue (I was trying to figure out how I was going to get through Newark airport at 11pm with a stroller and several carryons and how I would manage our luggage at the other end and of course we parked off site so do I sit around the airport with 2 kids while waiting to see if he made it as all the planes were delayed/cancelled due to weather, ours included.) and he volunteered his seat to my husband. Of course is was like 15 rows away and not extra legroom, but at least he was on the plane. The airlines response, we received a free glass of wine and they eventually refunded to cost of the extra legroom seat. But not until several weeks later after going back and forth about it. It was especially annoying because the airline personnel had to be aware that the woman encroaching on my husband's seat was not going to fit because they assisted her onto the plane. It should have been handled at that point. They knew it was a full flight and someone would have to sit in that seat.
We have inquired about purchasing and extra seat in front of my husband to leave empty as it is often cheaper than upgrading us all. No. So we pay more, and don't have any of the protections overweight people have. If an overweight person had been told to take the next flight, it would have made the national news. But a tall person, who cares.

I'm thinking I would avoid that airline like the plague in the future. That's an awful way to treat your husband. Regarding the bolded, the only way the overweight person makes the national news is if someone complains to the news. Your husband being told he needs to take a later flight has nothing to do with him being tall. I'm guessing anyone in that seat would have been told the same thing. I'm sure if you wanted to, you could call the local news stations and say "airline x kicked me off the flight because the person next to me took up too much space". Whether they'd do a story or if it would have "legs" remains to be seen.

 

[Gracie09]

I'm thinking I would avoid that airline like the plague in the future. That's an awful way to treat your husband. Regarding the bolded, the only way the overweight person makes the national news is if someone complains to the news. Your husband being told he needs to take a later flight has nothing to do with him being tall. I'm guessing anyone in that seat would have been told the same thing. I'm sure if you wanted to, you could call the local news stations and say "airline x kicked me off the flight because the person next to me took up too much space". Whether they'd do a story or if it would have "legs" remains to be seen.

The point is, even if you are willing to pay extra and do pay extra, you don't always get the leg room you need. There is no way for an airline to allow you to purchase 2 seats, in line with each other, not next to each other. Its just not possible. You can't link them like you can seats side by side. If you don't check in for the second seat they will fill it with a standby. If you try to check in for both seats it causes issues. So you're stuck hoping that when you purchase extra legroom, or business/first class seats, you actually get them.

 

[robinb]

Thankfully, a nice man saw our issue (I was trying to figure out how I was going to get through Newark airport at 11pm with a stroller and several carryons and how I would manage our luggage at the other end and of course we parked off site so do I sit around the airport with 2 kids while waiting to see if he made it as all the planes were delayed/cancelled due to weather, ours included.) and he volunteered his seat to my husband.

I'm curious. Did the man sit next to the woman who was using both seats or did he wait for the next flight?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

And I have every right to be frustrated when a short person takes a seat with legroom they don't need.

That is just silly. People have the right to sit in whatever seat they are willing to pay for. Should we stop bringing our grandson up with us into Economy Plus on United (we get it for free due to status) when we travel because he has short legs? If you get frustrated because of this, that's your issue.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yep. Legacy carriers have universally crappy legroom. And I do try to get extra legroom when possible, but why should I be required to pay extra for a seat just because my legs are longer?

Exactly. Why should I have to pay for business and first class because I enjoy the amenities more than in coach? Shouldn't I get it for free too?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has confirmed that airlines are not required by law to provide additional seating or an upgrade in the event additional space is required for a passenger.

 

[Gracie09]

I'm curious. Did the man sit next to the woman who was using both seats or did he wait for the next flight?

he got off the flight and waited for the next. We thanked him profusely and tried to give him a $20 to get a couple drinks while he waited but he wouldn't take it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

........

• • I was shocked on a flight a few years ago when a stewardess let the passenger in front of me keep the seat reclined for sleeping. While I was being served dinner. Is this proper?
• I'm also seeing a trend where some selfish passengers demand that I keep my seat upright, but when I turn back, they have their seat reclined. Huh? When challenged, they tell me sob stories. Lies.
• the worst situation was 4 years ago on a bus from Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. There was no space to keep my backpack on my lap with the front seat reclined. How can they make seats so tight for a 10 hour bus ride?
• Yep, I think it's selfish to use knee defenders or various devices to stop the seat in front recline. Some will stick their legs against the seatback to prevent the seat in front from reclining.

They are flight attendants, not stewardesses.

Yes, seats should be put upright during meal service.

Bus trips have nothing to do with air travel.

I don't know of any airline which does not prohibit the use of Knee Defenders.

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh please. I'm 5'8", dd is 5'10", dh is 6'4". We normally don't pay extra for more legroom unless it's a flight longer than 3 hrs. When flying SW, if I feel that I want more legroom, I either pay business select fare or I upgrade at the gate and pay extra in order to have a better shot at an exit row seat.
If someone wants that extra room, they can pay for it....same as I do.
People need to send a message to the airlines, with their wallets. Fly airlines that give you what you need/want.

 

[robinb]

he got off the flight and waited for the next. We thanked him profusely and tried to give him a $20 to get a couple drinks while he waited but he wouldn't take it.

That was so nice of him! I hope the airline took good care of him.

 

[xlxo]

They are flight attendants, not stewardesses.

Yes, seats should be put upright during meal service.

Bus trips have nothing to do with air travel.

I don't know of any airline which does not prohibit the use of Knee Defenders.

Thanks for the correction. I thought so too where seats are to be upright during meals. However this attendant felt red eye flights are an exception?

The tour buses I've been on also have the option to recline much like an aircraft.

By designing reclining seats, with little legroom. I think it's just an invitation for more air rage.

For those who have suggested buying two seats... one behind another. Once the aircraft door closes, I've seen people move around to empty seats for more elbow room. Kinda defeats that idea.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

One time I was nice and put my seat back up after the woman behind me complained loudly

I then got up and noticed her seat was FULLY back. I put mine back too. She complained again and this time I told her "I thought it was acceptable since you did it" Everyone around her laughed and she shut up.

From that point on I just decided to do what I wanted and if you are behind me and I recline, SORRY> I don't slam in back, but the seat reclines and I do use that feature. I also do NOT allow you to put the arm rest up. I don't care if you aren't comfortable with it down. I am not comfortable with you in my space!

And sorry, but there is NO legal requirement that the seat in front of you has to be up for meals. So if the guy in front of you is reclined and asleep the Flight Attendant will not wake him/her up. The only requirements are to do with flight safety. Dinner is an option not a safety requirement. (And considering how bad airline food is just eat before you get on LOL! )

Oh and by the way, I am 5'5" I routinely sit in the Exit Row and/or Delta Economy Comfort due to my status. And I don't feel guilty.

Sorry folks but nothing on this thread really had changed the mind of this frequent flyer (nor really any of the rest of the road warriors out there LOL!)

 

[BobC]

I never recline. I know the person behind me suffers. I don't want 2 extra inches of recline to make myself 5% happier while the person behind me is now 50% unhappier.

It's simple common courtesy.

I sat in front of a lady on a trip back from Vegas a few years ago that hopped on the plane and immediately put up the arm rest shouting "THIS HAS TO GO UP!" and began chowing down on her onion, garlic, other-smelly-ingredient hamburger on a full plane....

 

[xlxo]

One time I was nice and put my seat back up after the woman behind me complained loudly

I then got up and noticed her seat was FULLY back. I put mine back too. She complained again and this time I told her "I thought it was acceptable since you did it" Everyone around her laughed and she shut up.

That was the exact situation with me.... the woman was probably 5' 4" and complained there was no legroom by purposely "slouching" instead of sitting up straight in her seat. I have no sympathy for these rude bullies. The bullies can complain all they want or catch another flight/bus.

If the seat was not meant to recline, then why build a recline function? Why should she be comfortable, yet the person in front suffer?

 

[delilah]

I really had no idea people didn't like me to recline my own seat. I can't tell you I notice of the guy in front of me does or not but it's his seat, I would expect he would get comfy.

One trip, just as we landed my son (5) put his hand on the top of the seat in front. Right away, I told him not to but the lady in front actually swatted the top of the seat. Never said a word, just swung back.
I admit, I dislike when someone has to use my seat for leverage to get up but hitting at them was so odd.

When I travel with my family, I usually sit in the window seat. I have had my hand swatted when trying to get up to go to the restroom when the people in front of me are in reclining position. I am a relatively small person, but it is difficult to walk and bend sideways, and avoid everybody's legs at the same time. We all three end up in the aisle. When I travel for business alone, I usually will get an aisle seat. I know I won't be rude if somebody needs to get up to use the restroom. And I never recline the seat.

 

[CT Disney]

OP Here

I have to say...I have made significant progress in my fear of annoying others by reclining! On the way home from our cross-country trip I reclined! But...It was an overnight flight. And everyone else was also reclined. And my DH was behind me. And, before I reclined I asked him if he would mind. And, OK, I didn't recline ALL the way. Just half way. Very courageous of me, huh?!?

In all seriousness, I just don't think I could bring myself to do it on a daytime flight. I like what the previous poster said about making myself 5% happier while the person behind me would be 50% unhappier.

I think the annoyance on my initial flight all boils down to one thing: courtesy. The woman in front of me reclined fully for the entire cross-country flight. Whether she was sitting upright (back not against her seat) or using the bathroom...that seat stayed fully reclined. So, I never had a break from it. Many times she did lean back in her reclined seat, but she also had her hands gripping the top of her seat on many occasions. Her fingertips were actually hooked over the top portion of my TV. Ugh. Also, her toddler son had his seat fully reclined as well. (Yes, Yes, I know it's his right to do so ) But, at one point he decided to take a nap...sideways across his mom's lap. His back didn't touch his fully reclined seat for almost an hour! At that point I gave my teenage daughter (who was right behind him) permission to prop her knees on the back of his seat just so she could stretch out a little.

I notice that a lot of people keep saying that the seats recline, therefore I have a right to recline. I totally get that argument...believe me I do. But, there are a lot of things I have a right to do that I just wouldn't do because I know it's making someone else uncomfortable. For example, I would not eat a smelly fish or egg sandwich on a plane. I would not burp loudly on a plane. I would not hum along to my music on a plane. I have a right to do all those things on a plane, but I just wouldn't do them. Take for example the teenage girls sitting 3 rows behind us on the plane. They laughed and talked at full VOLUME for most of the flight. The pre-school teacher in me wanted to turn around and say, "Please use your inside voices." Did they have a right to talk like that? I guess so. But was it still annoying? Yup.

I wonder if some on my annoyance also has to do with the TVs on JetBlue. One of the big reasons I booked JB was because it was a long flight and I knew the TV would be nice. Right before the lady in front of me reclined I was happily watching a movie. I was so comfortable. As soon as she reclined the TV just felt so close to my face. It was something about the angle of it. It wasn't nearly as comfortable.

Thanks for all the entertainment this thread has given me. I got back from our trip last week and was laughing that the thread was still alive and kicking. I've enjoyed the discourse!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I never recline.

 

[mickeyfan9194]

I always recline. I take Xanax to help get me through the flight, which makes me very drowsy. I sleep through most of the flight that way. I fail to see how that inch or two can leave you with no room to move. However, it does stop me from falling forward into the seat in front of me while I’m sleeping.

 

[BobC]

I always recline. I take Xanax to help get me through the flight, which makes me very drowsy. I sleep through most of the flight that way. I fail to see how that inch or two can leave you with no room to move. However, it does stop me from falling forward into the seat in front of me while I’m sleeping.

When you only have about 10 inches, 2 inches means the world of difference....