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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Airlines, seats, passive aggression

311 replies

RebeccaWithTheGoodHair · 24/04/2017 14:12

I was on a long haul flight over the weekend, 2 lots of 7 hour flights with a 3 hour stopover in the middle - it was never going to be a pleasant journey.

The first bit was OK but on the 2nd flight the people in the row in front sat down and immediately put their chairs back. Not just a little tilt either. They were practically in our laps. Our dropdown trays were hardly usable and the screen was difficult to see.

Of course they were perfectly entitled to do it and I could have done the same. Except I didn't because it's so bloody horrible for the person behind.

I don't get why airlines put these type of seats in, even using the tilt doesn't make them relaxing in any way. All it does it make it slightly less uncomfortable for the person in that seat - but 100 times worse for the hapless person behind.

My AIBU is whether giving it an extra hard shove when trying to use my tray or pick up my bag is U or not?

And if you are someone who does drop your seat back like that then don't you realise how horrible it is for the person behind you?

OP posts:
Roussette · 24/04/2017 15:51

I think there should be an announcement...

"Recline your seats NOW! "

If everyone does it at the same time we've all got the same room!

You can't expect people on longhaul not to recline. I'm desperate for that moment that I can.

expatinscotland · 24/04/2017 15:55

'Short haul, you should never recline seats but most don't nowadays.

Long haul - always up for meals and I think airlines should active the reclining element of seats only when lights go out if an overnight flight. If just longhaul but not overnight, for a long nap after lunch or whatever.'

Not everyone on a short haul has started their journey at the point of origin, though. Also, how is the airline going to 'active the reclining element of seats', the seats are designed so the passenger can do this or not.

Plenty of passengers on long-haul daytime flights have started from somewhere else and/or need to sleep as they have to work immediately at the destination point, why should an airline dictate that they cannot recline their seats to sleep or relax? They're a paying customer just like everyone else.

Mollyiscoddled · 24/04/2017 15:57

No wonder people get drunk and go a bit mad on planes these days.

PERSONAL SPACE INVASION ALERT!

wifeyhun · 24/04/2017 15:58

Short haul flights you short definitely not be allowed to recline.

Had an altercation on the way back from Lanzarote after the selfish lot reclined the minute the plane took off.

Long haul I can understand the point, but they did to be upright during meals.

SusannahL · 24/04/2017 15:59

Rebecca I completely agree with you. Who are all these giant toddlers who have to recline their seats before they can sleep?

Actually there is a device for sale which can be attached to the seat in front to prevent it moving. I can't remember what it's called though.

Original poster
RebeccaWithTheGoodHair · 24/04/2017 15:59

expat that is a great point because yes everyone is doing different things. I was exhausted after a 3am departure in the Far East so the 2nd flight (leaving 7ish from the Middle East) was another circle of hell.

I do admit that shoving someone's seat is unfriendly (and that's why I called it PA in my title, supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek b/c my normal rational side does know I was wrong .. sort of!).

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 24/04/2017 16:01

'Short haul flights you short definitely not be allowed to recline.

Had an altercation on the way back from Lanzarote after the selfish lot reclined the minute the plane took off.'

You had an altercation? It's not for you to dictate how other passengers use their seats. I'd have told you to sling your hook. I think I should be given a million £, but just because I feel that's what should happen, doesn't mean it's so. The seats recline. As long as they have the ability to do this, passengers are free to exercise that.

expatinscotland · 24/04/2017 16:03

'expat that is a great point because yes everyone is doing different things. I was exhausted after a 3am departure in the Far East so the 2nd flight (leaving 7ish from the Middle East) was another circle of hell.'

Yep, we have a 3am start to catch a flight to Amsterdam, then a 10-hour long haul day flight. On the way back, I sleep nary a wink because DS has autism and doesn't sleep. Then a 5-hour stopover where again, I have to keep my eyes on them as I'm on my own. Then a 2-hour flight to Glasgow, where I'm dropping by that point and put the seat back and get a couple of hours kip.

SusannahL · 24/04/2017 16:04

Thanks for the link Trufle.
I am sorely tempted to buy one !

SusannahL · 24/04/2017 16:06

Sorry Truffle, mis-spelt your name!

expatinscotland · 24/04/2017 16:06

'Thanks for the link Trufle.
I am sorely tempted to buy one !'

Quite a few airlines have banned their use, and if the passenger complains about your using one, the airline will likely side with him/her because the seat is designed to do that if so desired.

nursy1 · 24/04/2017 16:07

I do put my seat down on a long haul but I warn the folks behind first. It's rude to just tilt

BreakfastAtSquiffanys · 24/04/2017 16:10

They should design seats so that it is impossible to recline them quickly.
They should only drift back like a soft close toilet seat

specialsubject · 24/04/2017 16:11

That's not a bad idea.

Remember every ounce of weight on a plane uses more fuel and further stuffs the planet for your kids.

HappyFlappy · 24/04/2017 16:11

I got my own back by swapping with dd ( she was 7 at the time) I made no effort to tell her to sit still for the next few hours

I hope she kicked the selfish bugger's seat all the way there, Nancy.

Roussette · 24/04/2017 16:15

expat yes I know. My post was a bit tongue in cheek because this is a problem that will never be solved. Of course the customer is the one who has the ability to press the button and recline. I was just thinking if that wasn't activated during take off, landing and meals but it would need an aircraft redesign of course!

Roussette · 24/04/2017 16:18

If I was on a longhaul and lights were out and someone handed me that knee defender card, I'd tell them to bog off!

Madbengalmum · 24/04/2017 16:19

I personally prefer going on the shorthaul planes that have seats with no recline. Jet2 for example have no recline and everybody seems to be fine with it.

Gumbo · 24/04/2017 16:22

I had this on a 12-hour overnight flight with a 4-year-old DC. We were in the 2nd row from the back of a section. After dinner the people in front of us reclined their seats. It was 10pm and I reclined the seat of my DS so that he could go to sleep, and mine too. Cue irate women behind us yelling for us to put our seats up immediately as they had drinks on their tray table! I refused, pointing out that I had a young child who wanted to sleep. The 2 women got more irate, but I stood my ground. They call an air hostess who told me I had to put DS's seat back up!!! I refused again, pointing out that the seats of ALL 15 rows ahead of us were reclined, and unless the seats in front of me were put upright too so that we weren't squished, I would not be putting DS's seat upright. Unbelievably, instead of telling the women behind us to get a grip, she told the people in front of us, and in front of them etc - all to put their seats upright so that the people behind me could drink in comfort! Hmm It was another 2 hours (with DS lying on my lap to sleep) before we were 'allowed' to recline our seats. Yes Virgin Atlantic, I'm talking about you!

PunkrockerGirl · 24/04/2017 16:23

expat
I'm thoroughly enjoying the smoking outside thread - so much outrage, it's wonderful!
I rather think we're due a "why should I have to pay to ensure I end up next to my whiny brats dc on the plane" thread soon. That always goes well Wink

meettherussians · 24/04/2017 16:23

I shove, and each time have to take down/put up tray table will ensure I whack it as hard as possible into seat. If their seat goes down before flight has even taken off on a short haul, the recliner in question soon regrets it. Completely lazy, selfish behaviour.

rookiemere · 24/04/2017 16:26

Everyone here seems to be so angry on planes these days. I must have really low standards, as my main requirement is not to be sat beside an obese, smelly person and to get to my destination on time.

Yes it would be nice if people didn't recline until after the meal, but the button exists and they are within their rights to use it. Sure it compromises the space somewhat but I don't think they are doing it to deliberately annoy the person behind them, rather to ensure they can get some rest.

If you have long legs or due to size issues you are unable to fit comfortably in your seat if the one in front is reclined, then it's your responsibility to either live with it, or pay the squillions extra to upgrade, rather than moan about people doing what they are allowed to do with their own seat.

Also I don't think it's particularly special snow-flakey not to be able to sleep in an upright position. I'm lucky if I get any sleep on an overnight flight and yes I'll use the recline button to improve my chances.

wasonthelist · 24/04/2017 16:27

I shove, and each time have to take down/put up tray table will ensure I whack it as hard as possible into seat.
Charming.