PSA for anyone using a laptop during flights, the tray tables do not change angle or height when the person in front of you puts their seat all the way back. I almost had someone break my laptop screen a few years ago because the top of my screen got caught under the exposed edges where my tray table would fold up into, as the seat back came angling down towards my tray table. I was quick enough to be able to pull my laptop towards me and remove the screen before the full force was applied to the screen housing.

I never put my seat back. I think they should take that feature out of airplane seats entirely.

Complaining about someone using a seat as designed feels entitled to me. Sorry. I’ve always so confused how some people consider it encroaching. Sure it’s all shared space, but that means you are sharing it with others. Reclining inherently uses that chairs fair space.

Doesn’t bother me if they recline - on an Airbus the seat base pivots so you get more knee room.

Related things that do annoy me - people dropping the seat back with a lot of force (why not recline gently so the person behind can adjust their stuff?), and people kicking the back of my seat.

A 12 hour flight is often going to involve a change in timezone, so I usually get some sleep, and for that I want my seat reclined … plus keeping in one position for that amount of time is uncomfortable for my joints and backside.

There is no etiquette. That’s a flawed argument.

The seats are designed the way they are by the airlines. They allow the minimum amount of space for the maximum amount of money.

The airlines could make all seats non-reclining with very little effort. But they would lose money because non-reclining seats would be a dealbreaker to a small but not insignificant number of customers…me for one.

The airlines could also make seats more comfortable and reclinable by allowing more space for each seat. But they would lose money because they would sell less seats.

The seats recline the small amount they do because of the natural equilibrium that the market allows between comfort and profit. End of story.

You peasants arguing about which other peasant is a terrible person are blaming the wrong people.

I’ve never even tried to learn how to put the seats back, because it just seems rude to me. I wouldn’t want the person in front of me doing that, so I don’t do it to anyone else.

They paid for a seat, they can use it as they wish within its designed and permitted capabilities. You don’t know what time zone they’ve come from or where they’re going, when they sleep is their business. You don’t know what back/ physical issues they may have. If you don’t want to sit behind a reclining seat that upsets your delicate sensibilities don’t buy a ticket that sits you behind a reclining seat that upsets your delicate sensibilities. Who the hell do you think you are to dictate what others should do because you don’t like your own life choices.

I never put my seat back and consider it rude when other people do it. There was even one instance in which I made a stink I demanded the person in front of me put their seat back up (thankfully, they complied).

As others have pointed out, this is a situation created by the airlines and their shitty business models.

If I want to recline I’m reclining. My comfort shouldn’t be impeded because it might inconvenience the person in back of me.

Never.

I always keep mine back, except during meals and when it’s not allowed. It’s better for my back this way.

Some basic etiquette: Recline carefully - there are people with stuff behind you.

The problem is not the reclining seats, it’s that we are now packed like cattle.

I’d probably offer to trade seats with you if the person in front of me didn’t lay back. If not, I’d try to find a happy medium where I could lay back and you’d be okay. There’s no way I’m sitting up the entire flight.

No. Should not be allowed. For some reason airlines have been allowed to narrow that space more and more to the point where it’s just not reasonable to use. You are infringing on the person behind you. Sure it’s mainly the airlines fault, and the government regulators that are supposed to serve the people, but don’t be an asshole about basic human courtesy

• for those of us on the taller side, you reclining can be painful on the knees. How is it any different than me walking by punching your shoulder. Should I do that? Not ok
• for those of us on the taller side, if you recline, we may no longer easily see the whole screen
• Even short people no longer have room for a laptop and reclining means you quite likely damage it. That’s not ok
• While the trays are supposedly independent, if reclining, they aren’t entirely. You reclining will bump the tray and potentially spill a drink. Not ok. On some aircraft the recline will partly crush a tall cup or can on the back of the tray or knock it over. Not ok
• those of us on the bigger side may no longer even fit a standard paperback. Now you’re not even letting me read because you feel entitled?

As someone both big and tall, I have had people in front of me recline so my normal breathing is in their hair. I have to admit to playing that up to success. There’s nothing like some entitled asshole turning around to glare that someone is breathing in their hair, and suddenly realizing just how close the seats are and it’s their fault. My edgy revenge fantasy is to rest my novel on top of their head because it literally would be easier to read than in front of me

There are products that attach to the seat in front of you to prevent the person from reclining.

It is ethical, noble, and honest to use this.