Originally Posted by
flyldavid
Actually if you want to be techinical about it. All passengers must be in their seats with their seatbelts fastened, seatbacks and tray tables up, and all overhead bins closed PRIOR to closing the main cabin door. The main cabin door can only be closed when the "cabin is secured" as an FAR, and all of the above must be in compliance for the cabin to be secured.
Untrue, because PAX can actually still be standing when the door is closed. However, all overhead bins must be closed prior to door closure as well as bags stowed. The principle is that, while presumably there is always a place to stow a person (in their seat) there may not be a place to put all of the luggage unless compliance is verified before the door is closed and if the plane isn't moving, PAX who aren't seated can't be hurt.
Technically, per CO policy (and I think it's safe to assume they don't have a published policy in direct violation of an FAR), seat backs don't have to be up until the moment the AC commences movement. This goes for tray tables, seat belts, footrests etc. Once the door is closed though, it's assumed that the AC could be pushing back at any moment so it's appropriate to prepare for movement (sometimes we push literally one or two minutes after the door is closed). Prior to door closure, it's impossible for the AC to move so the recline is allowed.
Door closure:
(b) No certificate holder may allow all passenger entry doors of an airplane to be closed in preparation for taxi or pushback unless at least one required crewmember has verified that each article of baggage is stowed in accordance with this section and §121.285 (c) and (d).
Movement:
(a) No certificate holder may move an airplane on the surface, take off, or land when any food, beverage, or tableware furnished by the certificate holder is located at any passenger seat.
(b) No certificate holder may move an airplane on the surface, take off, or land unless each food and beverage tray and seat back tray table is secured in its stowed position.
Note that seat recline isn't even addressed in the FAR's and I haven't found it yet. Note also that this is why we're supposed to take your pre-departure drink before taxi and all items prior to landing.
EDIT: Found it. If you really want to get technical (and I like to), seat backs DON'T have to be up for taxi, only take off and landing (but CO policy still supplants this):
Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
PART 121—OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS
Subpart T—Flight Operations
§ 121.571 Briefing passengers before takeoff.
(A) The placement of seat backs in an upright position before takeoff and landing.