To recline or not to recline
 

My family and I, (wife and two kids), recently got back from a visit to see family in the UK. We have not been back for about seven years so was good to see everyone. Sort of made me wonder why we left in the first place, but then two weeks vacation in the UK is a bit different to living there again.

Anyhow, on the flight back, the two guys sat in front of my wife and I reclined their seats, and they seemed to be the only ones around us doing so. Personally I don't recline as, the seats don't recline that much anyway and I think it adds more discomfort to the person behind than it benefits me. When my youngest asked to how to recline his seat I suggested he didn't as it wasn't fair to the lady behind him which he agreed. Incidentally, most people around us were British, the two recliners were Canadian, which I found interesting. Although I am not suggesting their country of origin reflects on their consideration of others, but I found it interesting.

So what's the general opinion on reclining? Okay, or not Okay?

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Yes for sleeping, otherwise not.

One imagines not an issue in Business or whatever.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

They were watching a movie, if only it was business class, but those tickets are outrageous.

I remember flying as a kid with my parents, always seemed so much fun, now it's more of a 'how am I going to get through the next seven hours'. A few bottles of red wine helped!

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Definitely NOT an issue in Business.

1996, I had snapped my Achilles playing badminton and was in plaster foot to knee. I had gotten bored hobbling into the office, so rigged a business trip to the US - Long Island - for a week. Flew Club with Swissair as they then were, and there were tons of empty seats, so the cabin crew got me nicely settled.

On the return journey, Club was full! Rats. The cabin crew said "we'll get dinner over, then sort something for you".

They put up a hammock in the galley, and plied me with enough brandy to sink a battleship.

Waking up the next morning, the crew were literally creeping around me very quietly whilst preparing breakfast. I apologised for being in their way and got back "It's no problem at all. Would you like breakfast in bed?" ;)

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Can't complain at that service!! I felt a bit like when you see cattle trucks on the highway transporting cattle to market!! Its not too bad when there is a pool and all inclusive hotel on the other end, but when its your parents with a blow up bed in the dining room, its not quite the same!

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Back to the original question...

No, I don't recline, I find it doesn't help me that much, and is likely to cause more grief to the folk behind me.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Other than crossing the North Sea, feeling seasick inside but cold on deck, trying to sleep standing up in a corner to shelter from the wind, my most uncomfortable night ever was on one of those inflatable mattresses.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Sometimes recline, sometimes half-recline, sometimes not at all. It depends on how comfortable I am and what I think of the person behind me. If the person in front does a full recline, I quite enjoy the fact that I can see the video screen without having to stretch (or wear glasses).

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

I'm a frequent flier, sadly in economy rather than at the front end. I do recline but do it thoughtfully. (or try to). In other words, I don't recline during the meal service or, if I see the person behind me trying to use a laptop say. I will recline on an overnight flight (such as from St John's to London) but frankly everyone else is doing the same things so its OK.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

So you basically just replied to that to be condescending?

It was just an irreverent post, this is the Maple Leaf right? Don't take things so seriously.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

It's a valid point though. Why mention their nationality if it's not relevant?

As for reclining, I pay for a recliner on a flight. If it makes me comfortable I recline. Obviously not during meal service, but otherwise yes. BTW I'm Canadian - not that it's relevant.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Well I also pay for a recliner and I don't recline. Guess we are all different.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

For sleeping (which I always try to do on a long haul flight) recline is the only way to go.

Re: To recline or not to recline
 

Ah, that will have been the Brits then. :eek:

Not sure that I could do long haul in economy any more these days... :confused: