To recline or not to recline
Jul 22, 2011, 2:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: BNE/OOL temporarily-permanently at CAK/PIT
Programs: UA*1K & UA Club, National Ex. Elite, Hertz Pres. Circ., Amex Plat., CLEAR
Posts: 1,703
To recline or not to recline
I've been flying since I was two years old and have the Mileage Plus number to prove it (00100 series), and have been reclining my seat ever since.
During my days as a high-falutin' consultant in 2000 travelling on Y fares on 37-seat ERJs, I reclined. When I switched to paid FC A fares, I reclined. When I flew enough in 2001 to earn top level elite on one airline and maintain mid level on another, I reclined.
I recently learned that some people consider reclining one's seat to be a grave offence. Therefore, I wish to resurrect that discussion: should I continue to recline my seat with impunity, or am I inflicting a grievous offence on my fellow travellers (whether in F or Y) when I recline my seat after take-off?
During my days as a high-falutin' consultant in 2000 travelling on Y fares on 37-seat ERJs, I reclined. When I switched to paid FC A fares, I reclined. When I flew enough in 2001 to earn top level elite on one airline and maintain mid level on another, I reclined.
I recently learned that some people consider reclining one's seat to be a grave offence. Therefore, I wish to resurrect that discussion: should I continue to recline my seat with impunity, or am I inflicting a grievous offence on my fellow travellers (whether in F or Y) when I recline my seat after take-off?
Jul 22, 2011, 2:40 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 317
I almost never recline in coach, but I'm 6'5", and that's the reason why. In business or first I will recline with "impunity." In cattle class, even when you are small the space you have is tiny, and reclining gives you a modicum amount of comfort at a big expense for the person behind you. Sometimes I limp off flights because the person in front of me is constantly trying to eek out another inch or two, grinding my knees down.
Jul 22, 2011, 2:45 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: BNE/OOL temporarily-permanently at CAK/PIT
Programs: UA*1K & UA Club, National Ex. Elite, Hertz Pres. Circ., Amex Plat., CLEAR
Posts: 1,703
I almost never recline in coach, but I'm 6'5", and that's the reason why. In business or first I will recline with "impunity." In cattle class, even when you are small the space you have is tiny, and reclining gives you a modicum amount of comfort at a big expense for the person behind you. Sometimes I limp off flights because the person in front of me is constantly trying to eek out another inch or two, grinding my knees down.
For what it's worth, I'm 6'2".
Jul 22, 2011, 3:12 pm
#4
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
its fine to recline, but not during drink service....just ease it back & don't bounce....and don't complain when the person behind you jostles the seat back while trying to get out to the loo....
Jul 22, 2011, 3:22 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
I recline when and where I feel like it. When reclining, I go back slowly so as not to jar the person behind me. But otherwise, I figure that the aircraft designers have restricted the recline amounts enough to not impede safety. Coach is already not very comfortable, so what's a little added discomfort?
If the person in front of me has reclined, I pretty much have to do it myself or there's just not enough room.
If the person behind me asked very nicely for me to move up a bit, I would. Nobody ever has.
If the person in front of me has reclined, I pretty much have to do it myself or there's just not enough room.
If the person behind me asked very nicely for me to move up a bit, I would. Nobody ever has.
Jul 22, 2011, 3:24 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: none
Posts: 1,668
If the person behind you is a DYWKIA, you can recline, but expect to be written up on FT. Otherwise it's OK.
Jul 22, 2011, 4:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 317
I recline when and where I feel like it. When reclining, I go back slowly so as not to jar the person behind me. But otherwise, I figure that the aircraft designers have restricted the recline amounts enough to not impede safety. Coach is already not very comfortable, so what's a little added discomfort?
If the person in front of me has reclined, I pretty much have to do it myself or there's just not enough room.
If the person in front of me has reclined, I pretty much have to do it myself or there's just not enough room.
Jul 22, 2011, 4:07 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Rule #1 of reclining: Always check whether the person behind you has a laptop out for use before slamming your ... back.
Jul 22, 2011, 4:10 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
Jul 22, 2011, 4:58 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL
Programs: Global Entry, 4MM, Lifetime AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 258
Jul 22, 2011, 5:02 pm
#11
Senior Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat/2MM [23-yr. 1K, now emeritus] clawing way back to WN-A List; MR LT Titanium; HY Whateverist.
Posts: 12,396
We've had several recent, lengthy discussions on this identical subject. This first one, involving 60 posts was closed for reasons which showed that the members were unable to discuss the subject without attacking other members. Sadly, this has been a common result when discussing this topic:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ette-ques.html
This other one, still open, provides still another and recent discussion on the subject. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ist-fight.html
These are merely the latest comprehensive discussions on the subject.
The above discussions, together with the replies already in this thread should give the OP a 360-view of the topic and this thread is closed. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ette-ques.html
This other one, still open, provides still another and recent discussion on the subject. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ist-fight.html
These are merely the latest comprehensive discussions on the subject.
The above discussions, together with the replies already in this thread should give the OP a 360-view of the topic and this thread is closed. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.