These days I refuse to fly at all unless it’s a bonafide emergency. But I spent nearly all my working life traveling. Seems like every job I signed on for required flying all over the goddamned place. It was fun for the first 20 years or so, but I came to hate it. About the only thing I’ll do other than sit and read my book is to pee if necessary. I refuse to fly anything other than first class, so free food and drinks are okay. Otherwise, keep all that other shite. And talk to me at your own risk; I have enough friends, thanks.
Ahhhhh, forget it…
I don’t like to chat with strangers, whether on a plane or anywhere else. Everything else is fine.
I prefer not to use the restroom (I go right before boarding), order snack or drinks (I always bring my own), access the overhead bin (a hassle because I’m usually by the window), talk to strangers (I usually sleep) or request comfort items (I don’t need them, except maybe headphones). But I will if the situation demands.
But I never ever recline my seat (except in business/first, where the person behind me is not affected). I personally find it inconsiderate in coach. YMMV and if someone does it in front of me, I don’t say a thing. But I could never do so in good conscience.
I use the restroom if I have to. I used to try to avoid it but it was uncomfortable and gave me headaches, so it’s easier to just drink whatever I feel like.
I bring my own snacks and drinks because I’m picky and the servings are too small.
Reclining my seat? Sometimes. I check to make sure the person behind me isn’t overly large, long-legged, holding a baby, or stuck against the bulkhead before I do.
Comfort items? Not a chance in hell. I can’t shake the feeling that the pillows and blankets are dirty and possibly lice-infested. I’d have to be freezing to death first.
I generally put my earphones in to avoid talking the passengers in the surrounding seats, but if one of them speaks to me anyway, I will respond and be friendly. It’s not THAT long.
Can’t not recline my seat, even given that one knee was seriously damaged by a heavy-backed recliner on at least one occasion. Ain’t that ergonomics? I expect people to recline, and to expect my decision, but most cabins seem to allow for maximum reclining, without deliberating cracking a patella or two if one senses some extraordinary resistance. Now I’m thinking about killing me some white people – you know the kind. Oh, fuck it, I’ll just cadge a ride to some crappy mall and look at some boners eating funions by the score. Same thing.