Reclining seat on a plane

[darksideofthemooncup]

I don't think I was being unreasonable but wanted to get others' take on it. BA economy flight, middle seat, man in front of me reclined his seat then had a go at me because he could feel my knees through the back of his seat. I explained that a 5,10'', short of amputation there wasn't a lot I could do about it and perhaps the problem was more about him reclining his seat onto my knees. At which point he then doubled down and said I should book first class. I'm afraid I didn't cover myself in glory and told him in no uncertain terms where to go. So, my position is that on economy flights where space is limited, just because you can recline your seat, it doesn't mean you should, AIBU?

I'm sure if the OP could have moved further back she would have. No one is going to want to have their knees pressed against the seat in front.

I wasn't the one with the issue, he had the issue with me because he could feel my legs when I moved and had a go at me about it!

Wow, dh is 6foot and never has this issue. I had it once when I reclined and the guy behind turned out to be 5ft 4 ish (same as me when we stood up) yet shoved his knees in my back and wiggled the whole flight. I reclined to increase space for the toddler on my lap.

Reclining your economy seat is a dick move.

Second dick move is complaining that your knees are getting in the way of his first dick move.

Srsly - what did he expect you to do?!

So what do you suggest she does with her knees in the meantime? Take them off and put them in the overhead storage?!
Op, you are being very unreasonable to have knees! Take them off next time. Maybe they can go in the hold or they can accompany the pilot?

Agreed.

A “never ever recline in daylight” rule might just about be OK for some airlines but with any of the networked operators there are often a decent number of connecting passengers and some of those may just like or need another hour or twos sleep in the seat on a short haul sector.

The extra comfort you get from reclining is so meagre compared to the misery you inflict on the person behind. It really shouldn't be a thing in economy short haul.

And that’s the difficulty- where one person can recline but another is unable to - so you were stuck behind a recliner but couldn’t recline yourself in order to reclaim some space.

I find it uncomfortable to sit bolt upright myself due to back issues but would feel sheepish to recline on a flight such as the one you describe.

So the man can get comfy reclining his seat, but OP isn’t allowed to sit in a comfortable way for her?

When the cabin lights go down, it's night time. Recline your seat. When the cabin lights are on it's daytime, respect your neighbours and put your seat upright again. How difficult is that?

I have never found reclining to be at all comfortable and it certainly doesn't make up for the lost space.

Hmmn. I don’t think you did anything wrong, OP - as other posters have amusingly pointed out, you could hardly leave your legs behind. He was definitely wrong to have a go at you, but I don’t agree that he was wrong to recline his seat. As long as a meal is not being served, passengers can recline their seats if they choose.

I sympathise but think people can recline their seat. I travelled long haul a 14 hour journey and what really caused me discomfort was sitting between two very overweight one was extremely overweight the other overworked people (I was in the middle of the two.) They both strayed into my space due to their size. I had never before thought about this issue but it has made me think now about how to avoid such a situation again. It was such an unpleasant journey

@Phen0menon

she can sit how the fuck she likes in her seat! She's under no obligation to sit as you describe so some one one else can recline more comfortably.

and the hard of thinking might engage brains & realise for another persons body clock it might not be 'daytime' depending if they've come off another flight from a different time zone!🙄🙄

@darksideofthemooncup

maybe be more considerate next time & pack your knees in your luggage. If you travel frequently maybe just get them
permanently removed!

He was an entitled, just be glad your IQ isn't as low as his & enjoy your evening!!

YABU. The seats recline for a reason, if it’s too uncomfortable for you then you need to book exits seats or other extra legroom seats. My DH is very tall, normal seats not an option for him. I’m not sure how you’re struggling so much though as I’m over 5’8” and have plenty of room in the normal seats, seat reclined or not.

Seat has a recline function so passengers can recline them. I don't give a monkeys aboutvthe person behind me thinks. The seats are for reclining.

air canada and west jet's reclining capabilities are limited to a couple inches at most, barely enough to shift the weight off your upper buttocks. so little that it's almost imperceivable when asked to place your seat in the upright position.

I've been there, just tell them to stop touching you.
If they refuse, say it very loudly. Worked for me.

Reclining your seat is of no benefit to the recliner it's just psychological or possibly a power play on their part. Budget airlines that freeze the seats have the right idea.

As I've stated previously, he had the problem with me, not the other way round, I just think that just because you can doesn't mean you should and then to moan because you can feel the person behind you is bonkers!

My DH manages to fit behind a reclined seat and he is 6ft 4.

So is mine and he can’t. Some people have longer legs than other people of the same height. It costs us a fortune in extra legroom seats.

I don’t know why so many recline, it’s so uncomfortable for the person behind, especially trying to eat meals etc. Maybe after service when the lights go out on a long haul but short haul it’s a dick move. Serves him right.

I’m in the controversial “if the shares recline then you can recline them” camp, but if you recline and have knees in your back then you just have to suck it up (or maybe not recline) and if he’s precious about it HE should’ve booked first class!

Completely agree.