Getting on a flight marks the start of an awesome vacation, but bad airplane manners can mess things up fast. There are some unwritten rules at 30,000 feet – wear headphones, avoid turning on the reading light during overnight flights, and more – but one hot topic has everyone split: seat reclining. Is it inconsiderate to recline? Is it rude to ask the person in front of you not to recline? Flight attendants and travel experts share their thoughts on this heated issue below.
To recline or not to recline? What's airplane etiquette?
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Shrinking space for your legs
It's true: the space between airline seats is getting smaller, along with the seats themselves. As travelers find themselves more packed on flights, the argument about reclining gets hotter. Over the last 10 years, the average pitch (the space from the back of one seat to another) has dropped by 4 inches. Less legroom lets airlines add more seats, but it has downsides. Annoyed travelers can't recline, shift around, or enjoy the same comfort they used to.
The decision: is reclining okay?
Besides takeoff and landing, you can always recline your airplane seat – but whether you should is debatable. This gray area sparks many arguments in the air, frustrating flight attendants. "Besides no Wi-Fi or broken entertainment, flight attendants hear more complaints about reclined seats than anything else," says U.S. flight attendant and author Heather Poole. Many flight attendants, including Poole, agree passengers may recline their seats anytime (except during takeoff and landing, per FAA rules) since it's part of what they pay for. But there are polite ways to do it, and sometimes it might not be right to recline.
Travel expert Samantha Brown talked about the hidden rules of airplane seating, saying reclining depends on the situation. "Do I recline? Yes and no." She added, "I don't recline if the flight is under 3 hours. Over 3 hours, I want to get comfortable. So yes, I will recline." Flight time matters, but being aware of fellow passengers is also key when deciding to recline.
Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, shared her opinion. Even though she doesn't recline on flights, she understands many travelers do. "If you really want to do it, at least check behind you. Make sure you're not going to spill someone's coffee on them," she advises. This expert advice shows that reclining can be acceptable if you stay aware of those around you.
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Always check before you lean back
As long as airline seats can recline, passengers are going to do it. But there are ways to keep things comfy for everyone on board. One common tip from flight attendants and travel pros is to ask the person behind you before you hit that little silver button. This is especially important on short flights or smaller planes where folks don't expect you to recline. On longer flights or red-eyes, reclining is usually expected.
If you get the okay from the person behind you, feel free to recline, but do it slowly to avoid bothering them. Too many times, someone has ended up with a lap full of ginger ale because the person ahead reclined too fast. Also, avoid reclining during meal or drink services, since other passengers might have their tray tables down. This can cause spills, and many flight attendants have seen broken laptops and tablets from seats reclining suddenly.
Flight crew can assist you
If you and your neighbor can't agree on reclining, ask a flight attendant for help. They know how to keep everyone safe and comfy. For instance, if you want to recline to ease your back pain, but the person behind you is working on their laptop, you might need some assistance. The flight attendant might be able to shift one of you to an empty seat to make it work. It's not worth fighting with another passenger like those viral videos you see on social media.
The final takeaway
In the end, your fellow travelers aren't the issue – tight airplane seating is. So, be polite and talk things out to fix problems. "This isn't a battle over reclined seats. It's about space, and many airlines let you buy extra space. Keep this in mind when you're looking for the cheapest fare," Poole says. It might be a good idea to check for more room in an exit row or premium economy if that matters to you. Remember, there are no rules against reclining your seat (except during takeoffs and landings), so it's your call when it's right for you and others behind you.
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