As a recent new PM who started out 2002 as an FO, I had plenty of coach experience earlier in the year.

Believe it or not, I will not recline my seat in coach if there is someone behind me. I dont find it gives me much more comfort and I feel really bad for the person.

Conversely, I'd prefer if you didn't recline your seat if you are in front of me, especially if i'm planning to try and use my laptop for work or to watch a movie. I also prefer a window like Andy, because I too can "hold it" for a while, and I like a pillow against the side of the plane when i'm tired.

Try this sometime if you're stuck in coach because you didn't want to use 4 500 mile upgrades to do FLL-CLT:

If I really don't want the person in front of me to recline their seat, I cross my legs. Yes, i'm only 5'9", but if you try, you can cross your legs..right after take off. Person in front of you will try to recline the seat, it will not budge, and they think it's either a non-reclining row or the seat is broke. Also - if it's a full flight, can they really turn around and see your legs are crossed?

Try it, it works!

Bob