Are they international flights in SA or domestic flights? For example, domestic flghts in Peru, Row 9 is the worst, it is just before the exits, so does not recline... but the seat in front of you does

Solution: do online check-in 48 hours before to change your seat.

Hint: if arriving at a regional airport, they unload from front and back so a seat at the back of the bus gets you on first and off first.. well, almost.