They are, and they are the appropriate seating choice for kids that are small enough to still be in a rear facing seat. I was wondering about this conflict last time I flew with ours; there was no way for the seat in front to recline. I'm generally anti-recline and would prefer no one recline, but I do recognize the airlines put the button there, which implies people have the right to use it. I guess a kid's need for safe, appropriate seating trumps the recline right in those circumstances though.