When Should You Recline Your Airplane Seat and When Should You Not?

Reclining Seats in Economy Class: Proper Procedures and Etiquette

While you are anxiously waiting for the plane to take off, you are sitting in the uncomfortable seat provided by the airline when the passenger in front of you reclines their seat all the way back. When you least expect it, the amount of room you have becomes constrained, and you can't help but feel a little bit annoyed.

When traveling by airline, is it ever OK to lean back in your seat?

And if that's the case, when do you think would be the best time to do it?

Airplane seating is becoming a bit tight, right?  Airline seats in economy were 25 to 34 inches apart in the early 2000s. However, by 2019, those seats have shrunk to 30 to 31 inches apart, and even 28 inches for short-haul flights. The seats themselves were reduced in size from 18.5 inches to 17 inches.

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While passengers have little control over the changing architecture of flights, a new dilemma has arisen concerning how we treat our fellow passengers: Should you, or should you not, recline your seat?

It's a debate that has long polarized the internet, with some arguing that you should be allowed to recline in the seat you paid for, while others believe it's an insult to flying etiquette.

Airplane etiquette dictates that you only recline when absolutely required, and that you only recline a small amount to acquire the comfort you need without intruding too much on the person behind you.

Because airline chairs are built to recline, it is very fair for passengers to do so. However, the manner in which you recline makes all the difference.

So, what should a traveler do? Here are a few things to think about.

Consider the kind of flight you're taking.

It may be better to avoid reclining on a short daylight flight. Because many passengers may be on a commuting trip and working on their computer, the tray table may be down and coffee may be pouring, making a reclining seat in front of them a possible catastrophe.

However, if the travel is overnight, it's difficult to argue against the opportunity to recline. Many folks will most likely be trying to get some shut-eye so they can feel refreshed when they arrive. A solid rule of thumb is to do it early and with advance notice.

Before you relax, check behind you for hot drinks or computers. If there is something that might constitute a threat. Turn around and tell them you're going to recline your seat.