Comments on: The battle of the reclining seat: What are the rules?

By: Abi

Abi — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:42:37 +0000

Kind of reminds me of putting my elbows on the bar, to try to limit the number of people who will barge me out of the way.

Or is that just me?!

By: Richard Mellor

Richard Mellor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:45:47 +0000

I think Etihad and Jet also have the same facility as Cathay – as you say, you slide forward and down when you recline.

Totally with you otherwise, and glad this blog is living up to its name!!

By: Lisa Corcoran

Lisa Corcoran — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:55:28 +0000

I hate auto-recliners with a passion and I turn into a woman possessed when I’m normally so placid. Some people are so self absorbed and it drives me mad.It’s worse when cabin crew say “you’ll just have to move your seat back as well”. So not the point!!

By: Alastair McKenzie

Alastair McKenzie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:51:24 +0000

Jack (Eyeflare) is right. There used to be a little plastic gadget sold in the US called the Knee-Defender.

By: Cheryl Probst

Cheryl Probst — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:49:44 +0000

I don’t think you’ll find too many people who’ll disagree with you on this issue. I can’t get in and out to use the bathroom or just walk around a bit when the idiot in front of me has the seat fully reclined. I have no problems with telling them (waking them up if I have to) that they have to move the seat so I can get out.

A problem on a recent flight from Beijing is one woman sat in the aisle most of the flight so her kid could stretch out over two seats. This made it very difficult for other passengers to get by, and complaints to the flight attendants did no good. I would have thought this was a safety issue, but apparently they didn’t.

By: The Travelling Bum

The Travelling Bum — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:58:02 +0000

I have done this before at 6’2 I have precious little space as it is! Its a winning technique and I’m a pretty big guy so I haven’t yet had any arguments. Touch screens in seat backs are also handy – agree with getting up and using the touch screens too!
If all else fails I’ve found the use of my hand luggage (always a backpack or shoulder bag) and a swift turn to knock the passenger over at the end of the flight quite satisfying.

By: Jack - eyeflare travel

Jack - eyeflare travel — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:59:14 +0000

Amen, brother!

While I always recline a little bit as it’s more comfortable, the only reason to ever do it fully is to sleep. Sitting in a reclined seat isn’t even comfortable, so you’re right in that people do it only because they can.

I’ve seen some plastic blocks that actually stop seats from reclining much at all, might be worth investigating!

By: FannyFanlight

FannyFanlight — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:07:10 +0000

I do EXACTLY this, darling. It really is the only way. These people need to be shot…er… I mean STOPPED. x FF

By: Charlie

Charlie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:21:45 +0000

I’ve used the knee technique to great effect for years. Also, while I all but never recline myself – being, you know, considerate and that – on the rare occasions I do, I ask the person behind if they mind first. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone else do that, ever.

By: David

David — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:03:24 +0000

My legs aren’t actually that long – I’m 5’11 but weirdly out of proportion with a really long back and the legs of a midget. I can’t imagine how bad it must be for the genuinely tall and properly proportioned.

I also think that if someone is going to recline into me, then I have a right to aggressively tap the touch-screen and maul their headrest every time I stand up.