Reclining seats !!!!
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Interesting conundrum. TightSlot, what is the accepted procedure for dealing with such stubborn passengers?
Reminds me of a flight a few years ago. It turned out my seat recline mechanism had broken, so my seat was gradually reclining itself as I sat there. The imbecile of a man behind me immediately started kicking the back of my seat and using quite unnecessary language. Instead of politely pointing out what was going on (I had not noticed the movement as it was so slow), he just started reminding me that he was a denizen of the shallow end of the gene pool.
Reminds me of a flight a few years ago. It turned out my seat recline mechanism had broken, so my seat was gradually reclining itself as I sat there. The imbecile of a man behind me immediately started kicking the back of my seat and using quite unnecessary language. Instead of politely pointing out what was going on (I had not noticed the movement as it was so slow), he just started reminding me that he was a denizen of the shallow end of the gene pool.
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I can't pretend to have an answer Gonzo - every instance is different thanks to the significant variables (i.e. people) involved. However, there is one constant in every situation. If those involved talk to each other, and to crew members, with some elementary tolerance and courtesy, and an ability to consider compromise, then the chances of success rise incrementally. I believe this is known as normal adult behaviour, to me at least.
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I have a very simple resolution with such passengers. I always explain to them that we provide different levels of class onboard which provide different degrees of space and always suggest to the tall "stubborn" passenger that he/she can infact today purchase an upgrade to say Premium Economy if they so wish. If they then become all arsy about it then its simple....I move the person in front of them into the empty premium seat for free!!!! Usually works! 
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I am 6' 5" tall. So, if I "prevent" someone from reclining their seat, I have to pay extra for another class?
What lovely people you lot aren't.
(P.S. I didn't ask to be tall "it just happened.")
For apaddyinuk;
What lovely people you lot aren't.
(P.S. I didn't ask to be tall "it just happened.")
For apaddyinuk;
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If you are 6'5" tall, is it really sensible for you to buy a seat with a 31" pitch?
I am shortsighted and it costs me quite a lot of money to buy contact lenses and spectacles, compared to others, but that's just a fact of life for me.
I can see some advantages to being 6'5" tall, sadly cheap air travel is not one of them
If you are 6'5" tall, is it really sensible for you to buy a seat with a 31" pitch?
I am shortsighted and it costs me quite a lot of money to buy contact lenses and spectacles, compared to others, but that's just a fact of life for me.
I can see some advantages to being 6'5" tall, sadly cheap air travel is not one of them
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For those who won't pay for the extra room, perhaps we can have segregated zones for economy passengers over 6ft tall? I assume that those who dislike 'being reclined into' don't even dream about reclining their own seat, for the discomfort that would cause their fellow travellers. So you have all the tall passengers together, sat bolt upright, and that leaves the rest of us to relax and recline in comfort.
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Eal...Im 6ft...ok its not as tall as yourself but even my own airlines Y class seats are a bit of a crunch for me...but do I complain when Im sitting in them? NO! Have I upgraded in the past to give myself a bit of extra room and pampering? YES!
And yes, I am a nice person especially when I am working, but I dont suffer moaning fools who are having a go at other passengers just because they want to recline their seat! Just a few weeks ago I had a 65 year old man start hitting a 28 year old lady with special needs just because she reclined her seat. He could not understand why I was so shocked by his behaviour!
And yes, I am a nice person especially when I am working, but I dont suffer moaning fools who are having a go at other passengers just because they want to recline their seat! Just a few weeks ago I had a 65 year old man start hitting a 28 year old lady with special needs just because she reclined her seat. He could not understand why I was so shocked by his behaviour!
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This thread has been dealt with before. I'm 6'4" and a half and its always a problem when some inconsiderate sod just bangs his seat back without thinking what the consequence is for the person behind.
I think sometimes the seat incliner may be a first time or infrequent flyer and not be aware of the problem, but if I'm in the middle of 3 seats and the front seat comes banging on my knees, it is just impossible to turn my knees to either side without cramping up after a while. If the seat is not then put up even a little then I have little choice but to have my knees in the back of the seat. Sorry Tightslot, I'm not being thuggish but us big bods always have a problem.
I think sometimes the seat incliner may be a first time or infrequent flyer and not be aware of the problem, but if I'm in the middle of 3 seats and the front seat comes banging on my knees, it is just impossible to turn my knees to either side without cramping up after a while. If the seat is not then put up even a little then I have little choice but to have my knees in the back of the seat. Sorry Tightslot, I'm not being thuggish but us big bods always have a problem.
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GANNET - Wouldn't dream of calling you a thug! 
I understand and empathise with the problem, and when I see it happen in the cabin, and often when I suspect that it might, I try and re-seat and help out as best I can - My issue is not with tall people but with people whose immediate response to the situation is both selfish and aggressive, and therefore likely to escalate into conflict. Conflict in a sealed metal tube at speed and altitude is rarely productive.
I understand and empathise with the problem, and when I see it happen in the cabin, and often when I suspect that it might, I try and re-seat and help out as best I can - My issue is not with tall people but with people whose immediate response to the situation is both selfish and aggressive, and therefore likely to escalate into conflict. Conflict in a sealed metal tube at speed and altitude is rarely productive.
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Gonzo, if I can avoid it then of course I will but it aint always possible. For short haul I can usually put up with it but you must agree that its bloody annoying when the person in front is plain inconsiderate. It borders on the "stuff you Jack, I'm all right" which seems to be a growing feature of UK life!
Tight slot
No wonder I've got high blood pressure when one has to curb the thug like feelings to whack the bloke in front!
Tight slot
No wonder I've got high blood pressure when one has to curb the thug like feelings to whack the bloke in front!
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GANNET
Although I usually sit in C/J/F, where this is not often a problem, I believe that lack of consideration also applies to tall people who seek to deny the person in front the recline that makes them more comfortable, so I think that you are only looking from one perspective.
Although I usually sit in C/J/F, where this is not often a problem, I believe that lack of consideration also applies to tall people who seek to deny the person in front the recline that makes them more comfortable, so I think that you are only looking from one perspective.
Lancelot37,
Quote:
"Sorry mate if your in front of me your seat won't recline. My knees will stop it as they are wedged against your backrest. It has worked on the last 20 trips to and from Australia. I can't help my long legs. I never recline my seat as I find it a most uncomfortable position to be in. "
I cannot believe the arrogant attitude of passengers such as Lancelot. You purchase, at your own choice, economy tickets on the flight of your choice with every opportunity to establish aproximately the seat pitch before purchase and clearly in the knowledge that all the seats can be reclined. If it does not suit you to comply with the conditions of the flight, upgrade or don't fly. You have no moral justification to inflict your selfish & narrow minded ways on other passengers that have paid for the privelidge of using the seat as it was sold to them.
What a sad life your type must lead but then again you are probably to insular to notice the trail of hurt you leave behind.
Of course every-one should be mindfull of those arround them and leaving your seat upright during meals etc is only common courtesy.
Quote:
"Sorry mate if your in front of me your seat won't recline. My knees will stop it as they are wedged against your backrest. It has worked on the last 20 trips to and from Australia. I can't help my long legs. I never recline my seat as I find it a most uncomfortable position to be in. "
I cannot believe the arrogant attitude of passengers such as Lancelot. You purchase, at your own choice, economy tickets on the flight of your choice with every opportunity to establish aproximately the seat pitch before purchase and clearly in the knowledge that all the seats can be reclined. If it does not suit you to comply with the conditions of the flight, upgrade or don't fly. You have no moral justification to inflict your selfish & narrow minded ways on other passengers that have paid for the privelidge of using the seat as it was sold to them.
What a sad life your type must lead but then again you are probably to insular to notice the trail of hurt you leave behind.
Of course every-one should be mindfull of those arround them and leaving your seat upright during meals etc is only common courtesy.
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GF,
Sorry, I don't agree with you at all. I've never been annoyed with the person in front of me reclining. In fact I expect it. What is inconsiderate about them reclining?
you must agree that its bloody annoying when the person in front is plain inconsiderate. It borders on the "stuff you Jack, I'm all right" which seems to be a growing feature of UK life!
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If you want more space then buy a premium seat ticket.
If not, then live with the fact that the person in front of you has the right to recline. The fact you have a tiny space is down to
a) people like you not wanting to pay the actual cost of a seat
b) the airlines putting more seats in to get some money back.
no one makes you fly in that cabin, either don't fly or pay more
If not, then live with the fact that the person in front of you has the right to recline. The fact you have a tiny space is down to
a) people like you not wanting to pay the actual cost of a seat
b) the airlines putting more seats in to get some money back.
no one makes you fly in that cabin, either don't fly or pay more
At 6'6" I don't particularly like it when people recline but they have paid for that button so I can't truely expect them not to use it!
If someone shoves their seat back quickly onto my knees then I can't help it when they can't recline fully but normally I'll ask them if they mind putting their seats forward for 10 seconds so that I can get into a more comfortable position (normally sticking my knees into my wife's leg space or the aisle).
The thing that annoys me the most is people keeping their seats reclined during meal times (as I have paid for my meal and can't eat it when their seats are back as the tray table won't go flat).
This is closely followed by people who get up to have a walk around / use the loo and keep their seats reclined.
Personally I try not to recline my seat; mainly because doing so is uncomfortable on most flights (as my knees go further forward) but also because I know how uncomfortable it is for the person sitting behind!
If someone shoves their seat back quickly onto my knees then I can't help it when they can't recline fully but normally I'll ask them if they mind putting their seats forward for 10 seconds so that I can get into a more comfortable position (normally sticking my knees into my wife's leg space or the aisle).
The thing that annoys me the most is people keeping their seats reclined during meal times (as I have paid for my meal and can't eat it when their seats are back as the tray table won't go flat).
This is closely followed by people who get up to have a walk around / use the loo and keep their seats reclined.
Personally I try not to recline my seat; mainly because doing so is uncomfortable on most flights (as my knees go further forward) but also because I know how uncomfortable it is for the person sitting behind!
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You have no moral justification to inflict your selfish & narrow minded ways on other passengers that have paid for the privelidge of using the seat as it was sold to them.
And you call others selfish? LOL!!!!!!!!
Oh and I don't recline my seat either, unless the seat behind is empty. I don't actually view it as a right.
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I know how uncomfortable it is for the person sitting behind!
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I believe that lack of consideration also applies to tall people who seek to deny the person in front the recline that makes them more comfortable
Am I correct in assuming that you are telling me that I am being inconsiderate by growing to 6' 5"? It is how I read that! Forgive me if I have misinterpreted.
Answer me this.
I am flying this weekend. I shall be with my wife and my 15 month old daughter, the latter will ensure that the extra leg-room rows will be denied to me as they are exit rows. How do I avoid being inconsiderate to the person in front if they want to recline their seat? Bearing in mind that the only outcome of a different row for me is likely to be divorce! Also bear in mind that the trip costs £800+ and we cannot afford business. Doesn't mean we are hard up, just means we have chosen the option best for us!
(Oh and before the "children should not be permitted on aircraft" brigade crawl from under their stones, the are visiting my wife's parents, there is only one decent way to get to Siberia when you only have two weeks and both of us will be working our @rses off to keep the little one quiet/occupied/sleeping etc. So, you can ram that
)