Originally Posted by Rebelyell

I've flown AF trans-A several times, and they are pretty aggressive about requiring everyone to raise their seats during meal times. My guess is the OP may have been asked and did not hear due to the headphones. The idea is that his wife, sitting next to him, would get the idea and raise her seat. I'm really surprised they allowed the person in front of the OP to remain reclined.

I've never found the AF staff to be "rude," but I tend to like the French.