In-flight confrontations spark debate about reclining seats 

Maybe the airplane seats need to be updated or remodeled.

This is ridiculous. No one is pointing the finger at the airline and asking why did they shrink the seats, or asking the people complaining why didn’t you pay for an extra legroom seat? I paid for a seat and if it reclines I’m gonna recline it goddamit.

As long as a seat has the recline function, people will use them. Simple solution is to have a "reclining" section of seats along with a non-reclining section, so folks know what they will be getting into.

So just did a day flight from London to Chicago. The guy in front of me immediately reclined once flight took off. I kind of felt like he was in my lap but it’s a long flight so whatever. However when passing trays around the flight attendant asked him to set his seat back up for meals as they couldn’t get the meal on my tray table. He was pissed. I don’t mind him reclining but at least let someone eat. I ate as fast as I could.

How about seats that actually have some room between them? Just an idea, airline companies!

Both sides have a solid argument. But the airlines should fix the damn problem then. Like kind of odd to have a reclining chair and to feel pressure if you should use it or not.

Sigh. People make everything a big deal/debate. You are allowed to recline your seat; however, you need to consider when you recline how far back to recline. If you’re in coach with not much room, find out if the person behind you have their tray down before reclining. And, if someone is sitting behind you (a very high probability) just don’t recline all the way back. People try to treat every public space like their living room/home and therein lies the biggest problem.

I only recline my seat when I'm in first class because there's more room. However, when I'm in coach, being 5'0 and petite, there's simply not enough space for me to recline. Unfortunately, on my recent 14-hour flight to South Korea, the person in front of me reclined their seat significantly, causing the TV monitor to practically touch my chin. In that situation, I had no choice but to recline as well. It seems that in the early years of air travel, seats were more spacious, but as they have become smaller, the reclining feature should have been eliminated. Airlines are reducing space to accommodate more passengers, and reclining only further diminishes the already limited room. It's just common sense, really.

As someone who flies a lot long distance, I recline. Quite frankly, most everyone does too. I think this debate is more for people who fly short distances where sleeping isn’t absolutely necessary, but when you’re taking a 10 hour flight, if you aren’t reclining, your back will kill you the next day.

I don't understand how reclining removes leg space. The top of the chair goes back by a few inches. Not the bottom or the chair itself. Unless your legs are level with your chest or stomach.... Perhaps I've not flown on enough different airplanes to see that some go back further than others? I never bring a large tablet because I know it won't fit on the table if the person in front of me reclines. I just assume people will recline. Why would I assume people won't try to be as comfortable as they can be?

I have had the experience of the seat in front of me reclined until it was practically in my lap. I felt trapped and uncomfortable. Seats should be able to recline a bit for back comfort, but the airlines need to drop the fantasy that they can reduce space between seats but do nothing to reduce the max recline angle, leaving it to passengers to duke it out or stay silent and endure it.

It's very simple: if seats are able to recline they can recline. Don't want to allow folks to recline? Remove them. Spirit and Allegiant airline seats don't recline.

courteous? LOL thats not a thing anymore in the US

If I pay for a ticket on a flight, and that plane has seats that recline, twirl or hop, it’s my right to use them.

I am 6'3 with long legs and I used to book exit row seats when flying, but now I go premium economy or business class and I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Unless you have flown 14 hours in coach…. Don’t even comment on reclining seats

I wonder just exactly when it was the last time Michael flew coach.

The fact that the tray didn’t move at all (when he reclined it in the demo with Robyn) is hilarious.

I really think the biggest problem here is the fact that airlines are cramming so many seats in there where you don't have a lot of room as it is so when somebody reclines it's taking more room out of the little space you have. I don't think they have that problem in first class they might have more room so people might not mind people reclining. They got to take some of those chairs out (which is not going to happen) cuz it will make it less crowded and people would be okay if a person reclines in front of them because they'll still have room. This is just my opinion whether that's the right opinion or not.

Airplane seats are way too small. It’s almost as if they redid them to add more seats in a plane.

I figure if someone in front of me goes back, I go back. I try not to make a big deal of it, especially if they're sleeping.

Airlines should be banned from cramming us in a sardine can with uncomfortable seats and zero leg room. They are the problem, not people who recline their seats. On long flights it’s unreasonable to expect people to sit upright.

The debate really is centered on personality differences. The recliners prioritize their comfort over someone else's inconvenience while non-recliners are more sympathetic to those around them. Both sides have valid arguments, so until the seat manufacturers remove the recline button altogether, it's best to just be observant of your surroundings and cognizant of the type of flight you're on.

Seats should not have the recline option. When the airline removed legroom, they should have removed the recline. There is no other side.

Personally, I'm with the faction that thinks I paid for the seat the seat reclines. I should be comfortable so I'm going to recline. But if I really need that much space. I'm not gonna book coach I'll book business.

How about looking back at your fellow passenger and ask nicely? Good manners and good communication can go a long way.

It is painful for me to NOT recline, but I only recline 2 inches.

If everyone simultaneously reclines, then it won’t be a problem.

I wish ppl wouldn’t recline their seats. There’s hardly enough space as it is, and it makes it harder to hold food on the tray. Suck it up and sit up!

Uh GMA has the seat pitch of premium economy seats, called “first class” seats in domestic US market. They are a couple of inches closer together on standard economy seats. Not sure how tall he is, but a 6” person their knees would almost be touching the seat In front. Airlines should not leave it to the passengers to play nice. It’s America, people shoot others because they get angry at a fast food drive through. Airlines either should remove the recline ability of economy seats or give passengers enough room so that recline works without disruption of passengers behind.

I like how they make this a debate between the two factions of customers vs a debate with the airline about why, if someone reclines, they're in the next persons lap. Divide and conquer. We ALL deserve better, whether you're a recliner or not.

Airlines should remove reclining seats and there is no longer a discussion. Keep the reclining seats and allow passengers to recline, then passengers must suck it up even if they don't like it.

This shouldn't even be a debate. The button is there, use it. But I always check w the passenger behind making sure it's ok to do so.

But People with Disabilities need to have the recliner chair as an option.

The seat reclines for a reason. It's more comfortable for a lot of people.

I’m 6’2 and I have no problem with someone reclining in front of me. It’s funny to see people that are 5’5 complaining about someone reclining in front of them!

Give a polite heads up to the person behind you 👍🏾

I haven't flown for years, looks like they've redesigned the trays. Everyone used to recline. I think it depends on the flight, if it's short then I could last without reclining. If there is someone big behind me, I'd try not to recline. But generally, I like to stretch out a little, so I used to always recline.

The one who saying recline seat is self centered, I bet she recline her seat every time. Be realistic don’t be a fake for telling lie to make yourself look good.

I only recline if the person in front reclined into me and I’m started to get claustrophobic. The REAL loser of the situation is anyone with a wall behind them because those seats DON’T recline. They are just stuck with no space or comfort.

For me, it depends on the situation. If the person behind you is not that tall or if it's a long international flight, then just ask nicely and politely if you can recline until you're done napping or until meal is about to be served. Just be considerate especially if you're in public transport or public places.

“Just suck it up and sit up… that’s what she said” 💀

Honestly I have no idea why they exist, nothing about Airline seats is about comfort. Never mind that the last row can't recline, they are up against a wall.

I will slightly recline my seat for my back but I try not to do it during food service and I will always check with the person behind me. I never fully recline.

The first guy needs to buy two seats. I've sat next to big guys like that and their rolls of fat overhang onto my seat, infringing on my seat space. I'm tall, but I only recline my seat if the person ahead of me does, otherwise my legs are jammed into the seat ahead.

Here is the etiquette for reclining seats 1. Dont do it during food service. 2. Dont push it back hard, do it slowly. 3. Always check the oerson behind you to make sure that they dont have a drink on the tray or if they have room for legs. 4. I hardly recline during short flights unless Im super tired or if nobody is behind me. 5. Ill recline omduring a long haul. 6. Pay up...if you want comfort.

Someone reclined in front of me and I sucked it up. Then later on I didn't straighten up upon landing immediately and someone from behind rudely let me know that.

People constantly kick my seat from the back. I’ll recline if I want to I get harassed either way. One time I had someone who was too tall use his legs to stop me from reclining, it was a 10 hr flight.

Its not a big deal. The recliner only goes like 2 inches back. Maybe woth an older airplane? But a new one. Recline away! I've NEVER cared.

I have had 3 back surgeries, and I simply cannot sit up at all, especially for any length of time. It's hard-enough to do it during takeoff/landing. It's very painful, even when reclined, it's still painful but not as much.

Like the man said.."If I pay for a reclining seat. I am going to recline" And to the woman..If you do not like people to recline in there seats...Then go fly SPIRT Airlines. But, I do actually look to see who is behind me before I recline.

Notice how that guy pushing the woman’s seat is sitting in front of a wall? He can’t recline his seat, so he is stuck with less space and comfort that everyone else. That is why the seat recline isn’t fair for everyone

It's a 50/50 debate. I saw another comment about someone who didn't care, and said "as someone who flies a lot, if you don't lean your seat back then your back will hurt the next day." I fly 2-3 times per month, and do not experience that issue. I'm 6'4 and I need all of my space.. I also give the same consideration to the person behind me. When they lean back, I have to put up my tray and their seat is 8-10 inches from my face. I didn't pay for my space to give them half of it, and I'm not taking half of someone else's. Airlines should redesign the seats. It's not about money, but thats a different topic.

I don't lean back out of courtesy to passenger behind me. But to be honest, working hard on being understanding when my knees get scrunched by person in front of me. This wouldn't be such an issue if the airlines would reduce the number of rows on an airplane. The financial bottom line is not a comfortable one to fiddle with.

If you want comfortability and don’t want to have a reclining seat in front of you book your own private jet lol

I wish they wouldnt have the option. I am not tall but when the person in front reclines I cant really set up my ipad or eat my meal. ALSO traveling with a 6'8" person we tend to spend the extra $$ to get exit rows for his legs and no reclining. People have no idea how hard it is for someone that tall...we have to take everything into consideration when traveling.

I understand if the person in front of me wants to recline, just as long as they don’t do it when we’re eating. Besides that one time, it’s totally within their right.

I normally check behind me to see the size of the person. If I see that they already have their knees into the back of my seat I will not recline. People need to use common sense. Also, if people need more room then pay for it.

It’s the airlines fault for placing seats too close together

What the heck? Why even have that feature available if it's uncouth to do so? So confused.

Recline it, baby, all the way!

Those seats on the GMA set were set very generously apart.

Im 6'7 people sitting in front of me are mad because it's no room for you to recline my knee are already to on the seat

My husband and I upgrade to more legroom in the exit row where people can’t recline. I, personally think it’s rude to recline. I’ve been sleeping with my head on the table or been eating and had the table pushed into me. I’ve had the chair in front of me pushed up against my knees, and I’m only 5’8”. I can’t imagine how my husband feels at 6’2”. I think to even have this as an option is ridiculous. Planes are making seats smaller, while the population is growing bigger, and you are offering people to recline? To me, that’s a BIG FU to the airline and the person who reclines!

The easiest solution is to just check behind you. I was on a 9 hour flight to Germany once and had been trying to sleep for over an hour. Eventually I laid my head on my coat that was on my tray table and fell asleep. Shortly after the woman in front of me reclined her seat and crushed my head between her seat and my tray table. Totally her right to recline her seat, but if she had just checked behind her it wouldn't have happened.

This is ridiculous. How did this become a thing? What is the big deal? It's just a few inches?🙄

Notice the news crew uses a mock upo that is as big or bigger than that of Business Class. Hardly the reality of Coach which most fly. Business and First Class have largely vanished in favor of more Coach seats. The reality is very few Business and First Class Tickets are sold, rather they are Reward Upgrades based upon Rewards and Flight Miles.

I think on short flights and during meals, seats should never be reclined.

What should be done is to force the airlines to return to giving passengers leg room. You don’t even mention that, which is interesting.

If you don’t want someone to recline their seat or think it’s rude, fly Spirit, Frontier, book an exit row, or fly in Economy Plus, business or first. I personally pay for airlines when I have a recline option ONLY.

I was on my first 12 hour flight and bought my seat with extra leg space, and I reclined just a bit, and even then these 2 teenagers behind me were kicking my seat every so often. I didn't say anything because I hate confrontation and I have anxiety as it is, but it felt like they were doing it on purpose. Horrible experience 🥺

Every year sits getting smaller and smaller, companies get more and more profit and only passengers are in the loss. If something happened no one would be able to get out because there is very space for people to move.

I wear a T shirt that says, "I decline to decline to recline my seat."

I couldnt agree more. The only time to recline is on a red eyes Flight in thoose 4-5 hours Where everyone sleeps, if i see someone in front of me with his/her Seat reclined and dosent sleep im gonna give Them a heads up to take it back up

I live by do unto others. I prefer the one in front of me ask ahead of time, or at least give a heads up. I do that for the one behind me.

I’m going to recline, I paid for my ticket. I’m over 6’, if the person sitting in front of me decides to recline, that’s his or right.

If the seat have that function is totally ok, this one is easy, if a car has a steering wheel you might as well use it.

You should be able to recline seats

I recline sometimes by back is bad and i cant stay it one position for to long.

If it's such a big deal, pay for business or first class. I got tired of this crap on 18hr flights.

Being over 6ft myself, and most my flights are trans-oceanic, if you think I won't recline, you're asking too much. I do check with the person behind, to make sure I don't knock over a drink or other item they may have on their tray, as a courtesy. Now, if it's about those who think they can toss their long hair over the seats, dangling into a drink, food or block the movie screen, that's a whole different discourtesy. Same with those who extend their feet into the space of the person in front of them, or prop their feet up on the arm rest in front of them, definitely a 'no-no'. Bad enough that there are those who kick their stinky shoes off and think their smelly feet won't bother others. I do miss the days when planes actually had more space between the seat rows. Cramming as many into a plane is becoming more like a cattle car than an means of some sort of comfortable travel. Those who have to have more leg room are basically forced to drop a lot more money for those business class, or sometimes triple cost for 1st class seats.

I always recline and I never check with the passenger behind me. If they have an issue with it, they can bring it up to the flight attendants. Problem is that the airline gives you that option and the right to do so except during takeoff/landing/emergencies. So too bad you don't like it. SUCK IT UP!

I find it super disrespectful to recline the seat and leave the person behind with no room. this shouldn't even be an option

I don’t care if ppl recline. But I have noticed the seats being stacked closer together making it uncomfortable. The airlines need to give more leg room so reclining will not be an issue. What I do find annoying are parents who do not teach their children not to kick ppl’s chairs. And no, I was not reclining. A few accidental bumps are expected but not for the the whole flight. And all airlines should implement assigned seating and no middle seats for short flights. I sat in between this one couple and they wouldn’t help each other out with passing each other drinks or passing along their rubbish to the flight attendant.😳 I was stuck and could not wait for the flight to be over.

Why would you recline if the person behind you is using their tray?

considerations

Just one more reason why I don’t fly. But if I did, if the seat reclines. I am reclining it. I always check behind me, but I mean if they didn’t want us to recline the seat they shouldn’t give us that option. Who we should be mad at is the airlines for putting the seats to close together you should be able to recline without it being an issue with any other passenger. You shouldn’t have to worry about someone’s coffee spilling that looks like a design issue. They should do better. Don’t be mad at the passenger in front of you. Be mad at the airline.

I had a idiot in front of me recline when I was putting my purse under the front seat in which his seat bang into my head. We haven't even taken off yet and people were still boarding.

It dosent recline that far. And dosent effect the tray. I mean maybe if you got a big computer...but you can also extend the tray out. I think this is more a mental thing that bothers people than a physical space issue. Just more the mental thing of the seat in front of you coming back. I dont personally recline, but im a big guy and this hasn't bothered me much. The people who play music or a movie out-loud without ear buds bothers me. And people's non stop crying kids. The reclining seat is at the bottom of my list.

If the person in front of me is reclining then I’m reclining as well! This could be avoided if the airlines did away with reclining seat!

I don’t think it’s rude. If the person behind me says it’s bothering them then I’ll adjust myself. It’s that big a deal.

✈️💺 ~ According to what I’m saying on this video him reclining did not take away any legroom really. Unless you were just extremely tall, it looks perfectly fine. There is a device I learned about that stops people from reclining. It’s a little metal cube that you put on the chair in front of you and it prevents it from going back. I took a flight and I was almost about to pass out I was so tired. And my chair would not go back. I just thought it was broken. Couple years later I learned about this device and I instantly remembered and figured that’s probably what it was.

Maybe airlines are the problem and should just increase the space by a couple inches? I’ve noticed some airlines have much smaller spaces than others. Being a little over 6ft tall it’s almost impossible for me not to recline with someone reclining in front of me. I’ve had my knees hit a few times.

I recline my seat if the person in front of me reclines their seat and I have no room.......FYI on budget airlines out of Singapore YOU CAN'T recline your seat so there is no issue then.

I just deal with it if people recline. Most seating is similar people come in all different sizes.. Sometimes the airlines offer bigger seats or more room for more money. I might ask if I was super uncomfortable...I would just deal with it..

They recline for a reason🙄🙄🙄

I cant remember which airline it was, but the seat “reclined”, but all it did was to slide the cushion forward, so it takes my leg space. And i love those. Because at least im not invading the space of the passenger behind me. Airlines should either disable reclining or use that design. But anyway generally, i dont recline my seat anymore.

If you don't want anyone to recline their seat fly spirit or frontier.

Erick you should be buying first class you’d think someone so big would be a kinder person about size constraints

This has NOTHING to do with being courteous. Are you freaking kidding? This is a stupid debate. WTF?