Seat Recline Etiquette
Jun 19, 2017, 10:51 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Silver/ows, CX AsiaMiles (not even GR anymore!) missing my GO days
Posts: 1,581
At the risk of getting flamed for this comment, this sounds more like a bad parenting problem than a seat recline problem per se. Yes the pax in front does have a "right" to recline as a general matter. But it's rude to do so during meals, especially abruptly, and unsafe to do so during takeoff and landing. If the parent refused to make the child comply with safety instructions or general good manners, that's the issue.
Jun 19, 2017, 11:02 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LHR/ATH
Programs: Amex Platinum, LH SEN (Gold), BA Bronze
Posts: 4,489
As seems to be the predominant way of doing it, yes I recline without asking but do it slowly to avoid spilled coffee. Never been an issue so far. Cabin crew police it during mealtime anyway.
Jun 19, 2017, 11:44 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 573
For me it's seats up until the end of the meal and then seats back. I don't usually ask but try to do it slowly just in case.
There is nothing more annoying than a sharp seat recline into you while you are having your meal. It usually knocks your wine bottle or water over.
There is nothing more annoying than a sharp seat recline into you while you are having your meal. It usually knocks your wine bottle or water over.
Jun 19, 2017, 12:02 pm
#23
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,938
Jun 19, 2017, 12:16 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
Jun 19, 2017, 12:20 pm
#27
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
Why not follow the ways of Ryan Air and charge for a reclining seat...? that way people can't really complain if they have actually chosen to sit in an area with reclining seats and someone actually does so.
Jun 19, 2017, 12:53 pm
#28
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Canada
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,253
I never recline on short haul, mainly because I feel awful for anyone behind.
On long haul I would absolutely expect to be able to recline. I would probably recline after take off but then put it back up when the meal service begins. I'd leave it up until the cabin crew had cleared everything away and then I'd probably go back down (slowly). I've been on a non-BA longish hall (5.5 hours) and the person behind me didn't want me to recline because he was very tall. I said since it was overnight could we come up with a compromise since the seats were very upright and we worked something out. I think being reasonable on both sides is the key.
On long haul I would absolutely expect to be able to recline. I would probably recline after take off but then put it back up when the meal service begins. I'd leave it up until the cabin crew had cleared everything away and then I'd probably go back down (slowly). I've been on a non-BA longish hall (5.5 hours) and the person behind me didn't want me to recline because he was very tall. I said since it was overnight could we come up with a compromise since the seats were very upright and we worked something out. I think being reasonable on both sides is the key.
Jun 19, 2017, 1:08 pm
#29
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Other than on departure and landing and in those very rare circumstances where turbulence aloft requires seatbacks up, you should feel free to recline to the fullest extent your seat permits.
I do not and would not consider asking as it is none of anyone else's business, other than perhaps the Captain.
But, that does not mean slamming your seat back is OK. In the particular situation, I would have asked the CC to intervene with the parents. No idea how old the child was, but it's hardly appropriate for OP to intervene directly.
I do not and would not consider asking as it is none of anyone else's business, other than perhaps the Captain.
But, that does not mean slamming your seat back is OK. In the particular situation, I would have asked the CC to intervene with the parents. No idea how old the child was, but it's hardly appropriate for OP to intervene directly.
Jun 19, 2017, 1:21 pm
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: Amex platinum, LeClubAccor Plat, Club Carlson gold, Hilton HHonours Diamond
Posts: 318
Thanks very much all. I know that the answer is J - but y was already Ł1200 for short notice flights! (Poor planning).
I will feel less bad about gently reclining after meal service in future.
I will feel less bad about gently reclining after meal service in future.
