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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you an aeroplane seat recliner??

493 replies

Sotuko · 03/11/2017 10:25

If so, do you not feel a bit guilty about the poor sod sat behind you who now has even less space than they had before??

I don't understand why airlines still allow this, there isn't the room for it!

During a long flight last night/this morning/I don't know I've lost all track of time, I wasn't able to use my telly as the woman in front made sure it was RIGHT in my face and don't even get me started on meal time.

So are you a seat recliner and if so, do you think about the impact on the person behind you?

OP posts:
GinDaddy · 03/11/2017 10:26

^^ Are you running out of articles on the Daily Fail? Slow news day?!

Original poster
Sotuko · 03/11/2017 10:27

Errr not a journalist I'm afraid, just a tired and grumpy traveller! I'm sure mumsnet can confirm that I'm posting from outside the UK!

OP posts:
youngestisapsycho · 03/11/2017 10:29

On any flight I've been on the stewards always make people put their seats up when meals are given out. If it is a long night flight i don't see any problem. The guy in font of me reclined his seat and I could still see the Tv perfectly fine, certainly wasn't right in my face.
I managed to recline mine this time as I had a small child behind me who was fast asleep. I don't usually recline tho as I feel guilty!

rollingonariver · 03/11/2017 10:30

You should have said something!
I 100% understand I don’t think that airlines should allow it either. I don’t think people even realise what it does to other passengers.

SandLand · 03/11/2017 10:30

Yes. Most of the flights I take leave at 1am or 4am. I recline and try to shut my eyes.
Upright for food service tho.

Original poster
Sotuko · 03/11/2017 10:30

This was emirates, both times I've used them the staff have been rude and don't give a shit!

OP posts:
battenbergbutterfly · 03/11/2017 10:31

What’s with the ‘are you a Daily Mail journalist?’ shit ffs. Does every single thread in Mumsnet get questioned? If you recommend a brand or a product you’re questioned as to whether you work for them etc. Getting beyond ridiculous.

MyDcAreMarvel · 03/11/2017 10:33

I don't see the problem, tbh recently flew 10 hours with Thomas Cook behind a reclined seat.

Original poster
Sotuko · 03/11/2017 10:33

Agree batten, it's so fucking boring and attention seeking.

OP posts:
Kpo58 · 03/11/2017 10:35

If anyone tries reclining the seat in front of me, they will end up with knees digging into their back for the rest of the journey done in the most uncomfortable way possible.

ShotsFired · 03/11/2017 10:35

No, I only travel short haul in economy now, and there is no need to recline anything for a couple of hours. It's annoying when the person in front does, but not the end of the world.

(The long haul flights I do are so bloody uncomfortable in economy generally that I have now made the call to save up and pay for business class/lie-flat, so I can't comment on anything over about 4 hours)

DeadGood · 03/11/2017 10:36

I recline. Why on earth wouldn't I? The issue with space on aeroplanes is around the knee area, not the face.

They don't recline that much. Certainly not enough to put the screen right in your face.

If it's a long-haul flight, the lights are dimmed to facilitate sleep. Just put your seat back too, so that you have exactly the same amount of space as before. The person behind you can recline as well. And do it goes on.

GummyGoddess · 03/11/2017 10:37

I don't feel guilty because I ask the person behind me if they mind. Nobody has ever said they did mind, and I always ask them to let me know if they need it back in the upright position.

NannyR · 03/11/2017 10:38

I don't like it when people recline in front of me, but I accept that they are fully entitled to do so if they wish. I've never had a problem using the TV screen, they are designed to tilt at an angle so you can use them whether the passenger in front is reclined or not.

missperegrinespeculiar · 03/11/2017 10:39

I do not recline for short haul, but frankly the idea of not reclining for a 12 or 14 hour flight is insane, my back would be destroyed! of course, seat up for meals.

I don't really get the problem to be honest, if you recline as well surely the space is the same as if both stay up? why don't you recline, too?

Cantseethewoods · 03/11/2017 10:40

Night time long haul in economy then I think it's to be expected. I do, and I'd fully expect the person in front of me to. Daytime short haul then I wouldn't but basically if the person in front of me does then that's their right I guess.

missperegrinespeculiar · 03/11/2017 10:41

I also disagree about Emirates, we have had fantastic service, and very friendly.

Protectingmydaughterfromfilth · 03/11/2017 10:43

Kpo You entitled fucker! Who do you think you are?! The seats are designed to recline And pax have every right to do so! The person behind can recline theirs! 🙄

If the person behind me did what you have threatened, I would be reporting you to cabin crew, who would sternly explain to you that all pax have the right to recline their seats. Grow up and suck it up!

MiddleagedManic · 03/11/2017 10:44

Knees in the back, oh yes. If you don't ask then you are rude. Happened to me over the summer. Not early/late flight, not even 4 hrs. I couldn't recline as parent with baby on lap behind me - knew this cos I checked. Person in front didn't at all - was shocked that they just did it. Would've have hurt the baby if they were in my seat and did that. I think those who don't suffer are perhaps on the short side. Those of us who are a bit taller do suffer as the angle of the seat means not being able to sit comfortably let alone see the screen. I had to read my book the whole time as wouldn't be able to see properly. Selfish idiots.

McTufty · 03/11/2017 10:46

I don’t if the person in front of me doesn’t. If they do, then I do or I have a lot less space.

Kpo58 · 03/11/2017 10:49

Kpo You entitled fucker! Who do you think you are?!

Someone who has been on a plane with not enough legroom when every time the person in front -bounced- sat down (which was frequent) my legs were crushed and caused me pain. Until there is proper legroom for those over 5'5", people shouldn't be allowed to recline.

BoredOnMatLeave · 03/11/2017 10:51

People say it doesn't take away from the space behind you but it really does. DP is 6ft 5 and all legs. When he sits in the chair his knees touch the seat in front quite high. It is impossible for the person in front to recline, a few people have tried and have either got annoyed at DP for having his knees up (not true, his feet are flat to the floor) or pushed too hard and hurt him.

SinglePringle · 03/11/2017 10:53

Short haul daytime or night, no.

Long haul daytime, no.

Long haul night, yes for sleep / when lights dimmed. Upright for food.

WorldWideWanderer · 03/11/2017 10:54

As pp said, if someone in front reclines, I also recline, that means the space is the same....
Upright for meals, I don't normally bother reclining but I do if the person in front does as it evens the space out.
For long haul flights I have to say I now save like mad in order to go premium economy or even with a bed when I did 13 hours to Agentina.....

MegEmski · 03/11/2017 10:55

Yes I do, and it doesnt bother me when the person in front reclines. Never had an issue watching the TV.

Did emirates long haul to Zimbabwe over summer. No problems even when person in front reclined, didnt change my knee room. could still see screen.

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