Originally Posted by
roberino
My clients pay me half rate for travel time. To me, that is an acknowledgement that my time is being used but that it is not being directly used on the project/contract. If they expected me to work on a flight then I would expect them to pay for a business class seat to facilitate that, as I cannot guarantee that I can work on my laptop if the person in front of me reclines their seat.
The reclining issue is really a big deal in terms of getting work done, and I agree that in a standard coach seat, if the person in front of me reclines it is not possible to use most laptops. I generally choose to take connections over direct flights if it means that I will likely be upgraded, or can get an exit row or adequate E+ seat (i.e. not P.S. to JFK). I actually get work done on the flight, so it ends up being a net gain for the client.
That said, I think it's my responsibility to make sure I get a seat where reclining will not prevent me from working. If I choose a standard economy seat, I have no right to prevent the person in front of me from reclining.