Reclining Airplane Seats | In Economy Class {Update}

Post Last Modified – February 26, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com

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Those Annoying Reclining Economy Airplane Seats

I came across a great article written in one of my favorite travel websites.
It was on …

Reclining Airplane Seats In Economy

and just how annoying they can be for so many.
In fact, it still remains a very 🥵 hot topic of discussion.

Having returned from a very long flight from the Canada to Australia, in economy class a couple of seasons ago, the article really hit home with me.

On some flights when you’re cramped in like a sardine, it can be very uncomfortable and annoying at times.
It reminded me of my previous blog post I wrote here on …

Airplane Travel Tips & Etiquette
and why this topic, really should be addressed further with the airlines.

When I travel more than 2 hours in a plane, I will always try to book an; aisle seat.
It allows for a little more open space to breathe and you’re free to stand up, and/or sit down, at your leisure.

But like most seats in economy class, even an aisle seat has its; pros and cons.

First, let’s get started by checking out this interesting video, from a famous American talk show host – Ellen DeGeneres.
Grab a cup of coffee and have a listen, as she weighs in on this;
Reclined Airplane Seat Debate.

Ellen Debating Reclining Airplane Seats – YouTube Video

Squished By Those Reclining Airplane Seats

Reclining Airplane Seats

On this particular flight and as soon as we were airborne, the person in the; seat in front of me immediately, reclined it, as far as it could go!

Because these seats on this particular airline were very cramped to begin with, I felt completely locked in my seat, with no escape possible!

If I tried to move, I actually had to recline my seat and I’m only; 5 feet 10 inches tall. It would have unfortunately, also had a domino effect on the passenger, seated behind me.

As well, it was almost impossible to try and watch a movie, on the tiny screen embedded in the reclined seat back, in front of me!

Oh, How Nice To Afford To Travel Business Or First Class!!

Comfort or Inconvenience

Cramped Airline Seat

After experiencing over 12 hours of; suffocating, cramped seating during this flight and having read this article, it made me wonder just how people really feel, about seats in economy class, that are allowed to recline.

I know from experience, as soon as I recline my seat even the slightest, the first thing people do behind me, to get in and out of their seat, is grab the; top of mine like it’s a slingshot!

As luck has it, this usually happens when I have just closed my eyes, for a cat nap and about to … nod off.

Fisticuffs At 35,000 Feet

ramped airplane seat cartoon

Believe it or not, about 8 hours into our flight, I looked over to the two rows of seats, in front of me.
Two grown adult men were having a vocal argument, over their seats.

The man in front of the other was complaining about the other man constantly …
grabbing, moving, pushing and kicking his seat, while it was reclined.

This actually happened!! 🤨

male flight attendant

The male flight attendant was called and immediately, one of the men became defensive. He even started arguing much louder. The senior flight attendant was summoned and luckily, the man that was least offensive, was moved to another seat further forward.

This altercation was all as a result of disputing over ones – Reclining Seat.

On this particular aircraft, there was little to no room left, for the passenger behind that seat, to move without bumping or touching the seat in front of him.
It was really that cramped!

Survey Conducted On Lounging Seats

Airplane Seat Cartoon

What I found most interesting about the article on this topic, was that most people traveling in economy class, do prefer seats to be; locked in their upright position.

A survey that conducted by Skyscanner (a well known European travel agency), revealed that;

Ninety percent of those surveyed would like to see a ban placed on reclining seats, or more strict rules in place for those longer flights.

Personally, I agree and would be happy to have my seat stay in the upright position, for the entire flight.

I would gladly give up a few more inches in the recline position, to have more; breathing space and comfort directly, in front of me.

Why can’t airlines put the seats in a more comfortable locked position?

It seems like it could be such an easy fix, but I haven’t seen an airline implement this, yet. The only exception I’ve seen is on exit row seats, where many are kept in the; upright locked position.

Have you

Common Sense & Courtesy

Airplane Reclining Seat Cartoon

To me, as with most issues concerning etiquette and like my post on …
Pool Chair Etiquette
on cruise ships and at those all-inclusive resorts, it just boils down to – Simple Common Courtesy.

It seems like airlines are going backwards, as far as ones comfort is concerned these days. They are now squishing you in like … Sardines

Wouldn’t it be a nice gesture, if the person in front of you actually asked, if it would be alright to recline their seat, for a short while?

Wishful thinking I guess. 🤔

Do most people really not know or even care that some seats, are so close together and by reclining it, would cause even more tight conditions

If this is the case, then yes, I think more strict rules should come into play, for economy seats on airlines. Especially the ones that are so close together, you can barely get out of them, without grabbing and holding on to the seat in front.

Premium Economy Class

Premium Economy Airplane Seats

What I have seen in recent years, is the inclusion of;
Premium Economy Class.

By adding an additional section on the aircraft, they can now have consumers; pay more to get that extra leg room and a few other luxuries.
These seats however, are on a limited basis only and quite a jump in price as well!

After years of flying in economy class, I now try to take advantage of this, whenever possible and especially when we’re taking a … long haul flight.

We also save our credit card mileage plan points, to redeem for this upgrade, or even to business class, when we have earned enough.

What a treat!

It’s nice to know that I am not the only one that gets annoyed by such things as this. In fact, even many prominent travel professionals and critics, are taking more notice these days.

They are starting to voice their opinion more openly, especially regarding increased, cramped airline seating and much more.

As years go by, airlines keep cutting back and charging more and more for everything, they possibly can.
At the same time, adding more rows of seats into their airplanes making long flights, in economy class … exhausting!