Post # 77

Member
4654 posts
Honey bee
@PuntaCanaBride:
@MrsPanda99:
@MrsWBS:
@lollygagon:
In case you were wondering about what that device is, it’s called the Knee Defender (kneedefender.com) and it comes with what I think is a hilarious “courtesy card” explaining why you are using it… as if that somehow makes it less rude.
@Rachel631: What airline do you fly? On my long-haul Korean Air flights, the tray and screen all have little adjuster things to solve that exact problem (the tray comes further out and the screen swings out a bit so you can control the angle.) Also, last time I flew with them, I realized that when you recline, you actually also nudge *forward* into your own legroom a bit, reducing how much you impinge on the seat behind you. I thought that was a nice touch. They also had about 2 more inches of seat pitch than a lot of other airlines I’ve flown, which makes more difference than you’d think.
However when I flew American Airlines to Japan it was more like what you describe. (Korean Air is often a bit pricier but I’ve really developed an affection for them with little things like that!)
Post # 78

Member
1401 posts
Bumble bee
I don’t like the recliners, but that’s only because my legs are super long and usually the seat bangs straight into my knees. I’ve had more than one person complain that I’m not letting them recline when in reality they’re just hitting my knees… which I can’t exactly move! I try to keep my seat upright if I can. Being a tall person, I’m very aware of how little leg room the reclining leaves.
Post # 79

Member
1798 posts
Buzzing bee
I wouldn’t mind reclining if there were more room for my feet and legs under the seat. The last time we flew I had a kid in front of me who I could tell was going to be obnoxious from the start. From the moment we got into our seats he was going back and forth in his seat. The flight attendant then had to come over and make him put his seat in the upright position when we were taking off. As soon as we started taking off I positioned my legs just so that he wouldn’t be able to lean back again. He tried really hard, but I wasn’t going to let him especially when drinks came out later.
Post # 80

Member
919 posts
Busy bee
@Bebealways: Oh man, I would be livid if someone tried to use one of those on me!
@RenoSweeney24: I always sit indian style too! Fiance thinks its so weird but its waaay more comfy
Post # 81

Member
11735 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
@Bebealways: i did google it earlier I was so curious! I’m wondering now if people have used I on me before. I have definitely sat in seats before that didn’t recline! I’m going to be on the lookout for them now.
Post # 82

Member
1471 posts
Bumble bee
I won’t recline on a short haul. It bugs me when someone does – I feel like I’m put in an awful position – have no personal space or be rude to the person behind me, especailly as in a daytime long haul people often occupy themselves wiht activities that are better done upright.
On a long haul, I try and only recline during the “sleeping” part of the flight. If the person behind me is awake and has their seat upright I will always ask. If they are asleep, especially reclined, I don’t worry about asking.
In my experience airlines can vary greatly in how in your face the seats get. Some airlines don’t bother me at all, on occasion they are right in my face (the worst was when I was looking OVER the lady’s seat – but this was over 10 years ago and when I flew the same airline years later it wasn’t like that).
I was on a flight recently (can’t remember which one – maybe Air New Zealand?) where the seats reclined forward and under, not backward, meaning you could recline at leisure without encroaching into the space of the person behind you. I think more planes should be fitted with those.
ETA: And please, please always put your seat up at meal times. Please.
Post # 83

Member
2449 posts
Buzzing bee
@lolot: Yeah I remembered and posted a link to that topic on this thread! I feel like, realistically speaking, only the people >6ft or the people with SUPER long legs should be complaining. And of those types of people that I know and travel with, I have not heard complaints. I even asked some people after I saw that previous thread and they had the same reaction as your husband.
Post # 84

Member
2268 posts
Buzzing bee
@MrsWBS: “I kind of feel if you hate people reclining that much you should reserve a seat in the first row, pay for first class or take a private jet. It’s public transportation, what can you expect?! The seat is made to recline, you are paying to use the seat so it is your right to use all the functions of the seat. How that is rude is beyond me. I have never been annoyed by someone reclining and had no clue people felt so strongly about it. The only thing I find annoying is kicking te back of my seat but most adults don’t do tht and if kids do I can easily overlook it as long as the parent is continually reminding them not to.“
Exactly!
On average, I travel domestically 4-5 times a year, short international flights (under five hours) 4+ times a year and long haul international flights two to three times a year. During long haul international flights, when I know I need to be well rested, I fly Business Class. I recline my seat (when I fly economy) and I’ve never had an issue with people reclining theirs or had anyone have an issue with me reclining mine.
Post # 86

Member
982 posts
Busy bee
@Bebealways: ha! Emetophobic here too! It would be the worst if I got stuck next to someone who got travel sickness! I once had a little girl throw up in the waiting room at my work, and I was literally frozen behind my desk. THANK GOD her mum cleaned it up, otherwise I would have snuck out the fire escape and ran for the hills. LOL! I get really anxious when waiting for doctor’s appointments and looking around at the other patients thinking ‘OMG! are they going to be sick? OMG!’. Glad I am not alone with this fear!!
Back to your question – I will recline my seat if the person in front and the person behind has. Luckily, the last flight I took (9 hours), I was in a seat in the mid section where the plane starts to narrow, and there was no seat behind me. I really don’t mind if people recline their seats in front of me, but I try to avoid upsetting anyone behind me.
Post # 87

Member
7975 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@Bebealways: Malaysia Airlines. There are pros and cons, but the reclining is definitely a con. Royal Brunei are better, but you can’t buy booze on their flights. That said, Malaysia Airlines only gives you one measly glass of wine for a 16 hour flight, so it’s hardly better. Bleurgh.
Plus, they always seem to give me the same meal on MA… I have no objections to nasi lemak, but is that all they freaking serve?
Post # 88

Member
657 posts
Busy bee
@j_jaye: OMG me too! That’s one of the absolute worst things someone can do!
I get really annoyed by seat recliners – regardless of the flight duration. And especially when I’m trying to get some work done and the tray is literally in my boobs. I don’t say anything or stop them, but I silently and secretly fume haha. When I sleep on a plane (and I do a whole lot), I have one of those neck pillows so I can sleep sitting up.