# Is reclining your seat on an airplane rude? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 20, 2008, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621 "2008-11-20T06:57:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![dawson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@dawson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dawson)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/161 "2008-11-22T04:43:51Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Good point. What some people don’t seem to get is that this is a zero sum game. The pro-recliners seem to ignore the fact that their reclining steals space from the person behind them. There is a what is mine is mine and what is yours is mine attitude. This is obvious in the armrest situation. I think the issue there is that raising the armrest lets the larger person spill into the seat. I think the reason we like this less is that there is physical contact with strangers involved, not the case in the seat back situation. > > As for why seats recline, remember that they were designed when there was more room between seats, and reclining was not going to smash the seat into your face, and when the chance of getting an empty seat behind you was much greater. > > Being polite makes life easier in stressful situations. When I read a paper in a nearly empty subway, I can unfold it and turn pages at will, but if I’m reading in a very crowded subway, I use a different and less convenient method to avoid pushing the paper into someone else’s face. Airline seats are no different. > [@Knorf](#): > > But it _is_ smashed into your knees, which is what most people are complaining about. And you don’t have to be all that tall for this to happen. > > People are inconsiderate assholes, nothing new. It’s too bad is all. No, people are self-entitled assholes. It’s my space, I paid for it, not you. If I want to use it, it doesn’t make me inconsiderate. Your the inconsiderate one expecting me to not use a feature for which I paid. You knew going in that a reclined seat would hit your legs, so unless you had a massive growth spurt between the time you booked your flight to the time you got on the plane, you have no excuse. The point is you have choices. You can fly business class. If that’s not an option find another mode of transportation; car, bus, yak, etc. If that’s not an option,and it’s that much of an inconvenience, then maybe you should consider another line of work that doesn’t require you to travel in cramped quarters. Either way they are your choices, and you have to live with them, not me. So no, I’m not rude if I choose to recline my seat. I’m not saying I’ll do it everytime I get on an airplane, I’m just saying I’m well within my social and moral obligations if I do recline. Hate the game, not the player. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/162 "2008-11-22T04:50:38Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > Wow, anyone else being struck by the amazing difference in reactions to what seems to me vitually identical situations? > > A) I’m really tall and so I need more leg room. If you recline (I think we all agree that since the seats were built to recline, reclining them is part of your ‘rights’ as a passnger) then you are inflicting extra discomfort on me and that’s rude. > > And it seems most people agree that if you have a tall person behind you, you ought to give up the comfort and extra space you would gain by reclining. > > B) I’m really wide, and need more hip room. If you won’t let me raise the arm rest then you are inflicting extra discomfort on me and that’s rude. > > I haven’t noticed a single person agreeing that people who happen to be sitting beside an extra wide person should surrender part of his seat width. > > Interesting difference, yes? I see your points and they are good; however, compromising your “rights” regarding reclining will not put you in direct bodily contact with another person. Flipping the old armrest just might. There’s a difference between being smushed together on a bus, train or subway for several stops when everyone else is in a similar situation and being hip-thigh-shoulders touching someone for probably an hour to whenever. At the very LEAST, it’s awkward. I couldn’t do it. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t. That armrest is staying down. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/163 "2008-11-22T05:08:00Z")
Too bad y’all didn’t make this into a poll. Quasi ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/164 "2008-11-22T05:30:01Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > People are inconsiderate assholes, nothing new. It’s too bad is all. Which exact part makes me an inconsiderate asshole - the desire to sleep once in a while, the desire to relieve my back pain, or the unwillingness to accept less total space for myself when the guy in front of me reclines? Look, I’m sorry that you are too tall for the seat the way it’s designed, but I don’t think it makes me an asshole that I don’t accept that I should be uncomfortable so that you can be comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/165 "2008-11-22T05:35:03Z")
It’s not rude. The seats are made to recline, and there’s nothing wrong with exercising that function. However, if I do recline my airline seat (and I very rarely do), it’s only a couple of inches or so, probably only 10-15% of its full recline potential. I personally just feel bad on intruding on the person behind’s space, so I don’t do it. I don’t like it when the person in front of me reclines, either, but I can’t consider it rude, since the seats are made to me used that way. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/166 "2008-11-22T05:44:52Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > It’s not rude. The seats are made to recline, and there’s nothing wrong with exercising that function. However, if I do recline my airline seat (and I very rarely do), it’s only a couple of inches or so, probably only 10-15% of its full recline potential. I personally just feel bad on intruding on the person behind’s space, so I don’t do it. I don’t like it when the person in front of me reclines, either, but I can’t consider it rude, since the seats are made to me used that way. Sure you can. The seats are also made to have the tray tables be usable. When the seat is reclined that usablility is reduced or removed. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/167 "2008-11-22T05:57:32Z")
I think that “Knee Defender” thing (linked in a previous post) could **cause** more problems than it would solve. I can just see me using that thing to stop the seat from reclining, and the guy directly in front of me looking like Godzilla with 4-5 Bloody Mary’s already under his belt. If you went to the site, you probably read that little card that you can print out and hand to the offending “recliner”. I don’t\*\* think \*\*so. I may have Alzheimer’s but luckily I can still make decisions, and that’s not one I wanna make. Can you say “air rage”? And I don’t recline at all, and the only trips I make are to Germany twice a year. But I _will_ push back and I _will_ avail myself of the top of that seat to get out of mine. 😉 Q ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/168 "2008-11-22T06:11:36Z")
> [@Antinor01](#): > > Sure you can. The seats are also made to have the tray tables be usable. When the seat is reclined that usablility is reduced or removed. The tray tables are used for dinner, lunch, etc. If you want to use it to catch up on work, I see no reason I have to be uncomfortable for your lack of ability to do your work during regular business hours. If you can’t look at your laptop while I have my seat reclined. Don’t look at your laptop. If you can’t read your book without the table being down. Don’t read your book. It’s your choice to do these activities. My choice is to recline my chair. Why do you think your ability to do your choices should over ride my ability to be comfortable and use the seat that I paid to sit in the way it was meant to be used? There is nothing stopping you from buying a smaller laptop that would fit in the space provided. There is nothing stopping you from reclining and resting your book in your lap. Well, except some dick behind you who thinks that his comfort and convenience trumps yours, that is. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/169 "2008-11-22T06:14:30Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Well, except some dick behind you who thinks that his comfort and convenience trumps yours, that is. Same can be said for some dick in front of you who thinks his comfort and convenience trumps yours. My point is simply that both parties should communicate instead of just assuming that they should get their way. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/170 "2008-11-22T06:27:35Z")
> [@Antinor01](#): > > Same can be said for some dick in front of you who thinks his comfort and convenience trumps yours. Except for that fact that the dick in front paid for a seat that reclines. > [@](#): > > My point is simply that both parties should communicate instead of just assuming that they should get their way. The assumption is that my seat reclines and that I can use it for that purpose. If the person behind me objects then I will listen to those objections. “I want to do work” Sorry, Bub, you have an office for that. “I want to eat my dinner” No problem. I must have been sleeping not to notice that it was being served. Sorry. “I’m freakishly tall” Trade with your 5’2" wife sitting in the aisle and stick your feet out there. Otherwise, I’m sorry I’m the ant and you’re the grasshopper. But, lack of planning on your part does not concern me. “I’m claustrophobic” Idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/171 "2008-11-22T06:31:35Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Except for that fact that the dick in front paid for a seat that reclines. And the dick behind you paid for a seat that has a table in front of it. > [@](#): > > The assumption is that my seat reclines and that I can use it for that purpose. If the person behind me objects then I will listen to those objections. > “I want to do work” Sorry, Bub, you have an office for that. > “I want to eat my dinner” No problem. I must have been sleeping not to notice that it was being served. Sorry. > “I’m freakishly tall” Trade with your 5’2" wife sitting in the aisle and stick your feet out there. Otherwise, I’m sorry I’m the ant and you’re the grasshopper. But, lack of planning on your part does not concern me. > “I’m claustrophobic” Idiot. And you have a bed at home to sleep in. It does work both ways. ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/172 "2008-11-22T06:42:51Z")
On most every plane I’ve been on the tray table slides towards you so you can adjust it a bit if the person in front reclines. The seat only comes back a couple inches, there is still room to do something on the table. As for the bed to sleep in - are you seriously suggesting that on a 14 hour red-eye flight I’m not supposed to sleep at all? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/173 "2008-11-22T06:44:33Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > As for the bed to sleep in - are you seriously suggesting that on a 14 hour red-eye flight I’m not supposed to sleep at all? Not at all. I’m suggesting that you make sure the person behind you is ok with having your chair reclined back into them. Communication is key. I really don’t see where I’ve said anything different throughout the thread. ---
**Author:** ![light\_sweet\_crude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/aca169/32.png) [@light\_sweet\_crude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/light_sweet_crude)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/174 "2008-11-22T06:49:46Z")
Just like to reiterate that you can be totally within your rights and still be rude. If someone sees me walking to the elevator and deliberately pushes the ‘door close’ button, I’d think that was kind of rude, even though there is no rule against it. Anyway, slight hijack and totally hypothetical question: if there were some way to gauge physical discomfort on a normalized scale (not based on personal perception), and it was determined that reclining causes the person behind you to have more discomfort than not reclining causes you, would you refrain, or recline away, because you paid for it? Finally, I agree that one of the main problems with seat design (besides basic issues with spacing) is that they curve away from your lower back and give no support there at all. I usually squash the sad little pillow they give you there, and that makes things a bit more comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/175 "2008-11-22T06:56:20Z")
> [@Antinor01](#): > > And the dick behind you paid for a seat that has a table in front of it. And no one is stopping you from using the table. That you can’t use it in the way to wish to isn’t a fault of mine. Who expects to be able to operate a laptop with a 19" screen in economy class? Adjust. Buy a small notebook instead. Same functionality only it would probably fit on your table while I’m reclining. > [@](#): > > And you have a bed at home to sleep in. It does work both ways. They hand out blankets and pillows so you can sleep. It pretty much assumes that is what they expect you to do in your chair, doesn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/176 "2008-11-22T07:06:23Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > And no one is stopping you from using the table. That you can’t use it in the way to wish to isn’t a fault of mine. Who expects to be able to operate a laptop with a 19" screen in economy class? Adjust. Buy a small notebook instead. Same functionality only it would probably fit on your table while I’m reclining. > > They hand out blankets and pillows so you can sleep. It pretty much assumes that is what they expect you to do in your chair, doesn’t it? As I’ve said, 4 or 5 times now, it goes both ways. Talk to the person behind you (or in front of you) and do what works in the situation. ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/177 "2008-11-22T07:06:39Z")
> [@Antinor01](#): > > Not at all. I’m suggesting that you make sure the person behind you is ok with having your chair reclined back into them. Communication is key. > > I really don’t see where I’ve said anything different throughout the thread. I agree with you that communication is key - in fact, I think I was the first one who suggested that if you have a problem with a recliner, then you should say something to them. And yet for some reason you saw fit to say you hoped you never flew with me or anyone like me. I still think that the impetus is on the person who has the problem to begin the communication, and in every possible case that would be the person in the back. I have flown a lot, and nobody has ever, ever asked me, or anyone sitting near me, if it was okay if they reclined - and this is in Canada, where people are near-pathologically polite. Serious question - do people generally ask you if it’s okay if they recline? If somebody asked, would you say no and not let them recline for the entire flight? Or would you compromise? What if they explained to you that their back hurt or that the person in front of _them_ was reclined? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/178 "2008-11-22T07:17:33Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > I agree with you that communication is key - in fact, I think I was the first one who suggested that if you have a problem with a recliner, then you should say something to them. And yet for some reason you saw fit to say you hoped you never flew with me or anyone like me. Yea, sorry about that. I was probably thinking of someone else. (I know, I’ve been a bit of a bitch and perhaps a bit strident lately but that doesn’t excuse it) > [@](#): > > Serious question - do people generally ask you if it’s okay if they recline? If somebody asked, would you say no and not let them recline for the entire flight? Or would you compromise? What if they explained to you that their back hurt or that the person in front of _them_ was reclined? Since I hate confrontation, I’d probably let them do whatever they wanted. But the fact that they at least realized that it was intruding on me would make me think better of them. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/179 "2008-11-22T07:19:11Z")
The only time I’ve been in this conflict: Some asswipe shithead fucktard leaned his sit back into my knees. It was a full flight; certainly I could not easily trade seats. If I recall correctly, I had the middle seat (not my first choice.) It might have been the window. Asswipe shithead fucktard complained about my knees in his back. I said there was nothing I could do (there wasn’t) – he was the assipe shithead fucktard who slammed the seat into my legs. I didn’t call him that, but certainly his arrogant manner and insistence on some idiotic notion of his “right to space” earned it if I had. The asswipe shithead fucktard got very testy (but after all, where the fuck was I supposed to put my knees?), and complained loudly and arrogantly to the flight attendants. They promptly told him to put his seat forward and leave me alone. By the way, I’m _not_ that tall, only 189 cm (about 6’ 2 1/2".) ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2008, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621/180 "2008-11-22T07:20:04Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > I still think that the impetus is on the person who has the problem to begin the communication, and in every possible case that would be the person in the back. I have flown a lot, and nobody has ever, ever asked me, or anyone sitting near me, if it was okay if they reclined - and this is in Canada, where people are near-pathologically polite. Bah! We are the rudest people on Earth. We just say we’re Americans if someone complains.😉 I agree that it is the person who has the problem who should speak up. I can’t see myself standing up and turning to ask the person behind me if it is okay if I recline. I’ve never seen it done and I’ve been flying over 100,000KM a year for the last 8 years. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-reclining-your-seat-on-an-airplane-rude/473621.md?page=10)