Etiquette Question

[apj01]

So, I’m going to open up an old wound – reclining seats.

First up, I’m pro–reclining. I’m a big, tall bloke, and I like the extra bit of room.

I was on ScootPlus, and the person in front of me did the full recline—all good, as I still had enough room.

The issue was that I needed to go to the toilet, and trying to get up out of my seat and into the aisle was a logistical nightmare. I tried to do it respectfully and without disturbing them, but of course, I did disturb them. There was lots of huffing and puffing on their part, but I did my best. (The seats had those solid dividers, so I couldn’t lift the divider and slide across)

On my return from the toilet, I had the same issue, but this time, it was dirty looks, comments, etc., from their travelling companion as I sat down, but no attempt on their part to move their seat to make it easier for me and, by default, not disturb them, even though they saw me.

The question is – what is the etiquette here? Should I have tapped them on the shoulder and asked them to move the seat? I think they were asleep. Or is it a case of ‘they need to deal with it?’

 

[Denali]

Next time say to the person, "Sorry, mate. Im a big unit and as you know theres not much room. When I come back, can you put your seat up so I can get in and not bump you? I'll try to keep my getting up and down to a minimum".

Sometimes its easier to diffuse a situation before it becomes a situation.

 

[p--and--t]

So, I’m going to open up an old wound – reclining seats.

First up, I’m pro–reclining. I’m a big, tall bloke, and I like the extra bit of room.

I was on ScootPlus, and the person in front of me did the full recline—all good, as I still had enough room.

The issue was that I needed to go to the toilet, and trying to get up out of my seat and into the aisle was a logistical nightmare. I tried to do it respectfully and without disturbing them, but of course, I did disturb them. There was lots of huffing and puffing on their part, but I did my best. (The seats had those solid dividers, so I couldn’t lift the divider and slide across)

On my return from the toilet, I had the same issue, but this time, it was dirty looks, comments, etc., from their travelling companion as I sat down, but no attempt on their part to move their seat to make it easier for me and, by default, not disturb them, even though they saw me.

The question is – what is the etiquette here? Should I have tapped them on the shoulder and asked them to move the seat? I think they were asleep. Or is it a case of ‘they need to deal with it?’

Some people love to huff and puff about nothing, makes their day. After all it is their “private jet” you interloper!

Don't let them spoil your flight

 

[muppet]

So, I’m going to open up an old wound – reclining seats.

First up, I’m pro–reclining. I’m a big, tall bloke, and I like the extra bit of room.

I was on ScootPlus, and the person in front of me did the full recline—all good, as I still had enough room.

The issue was that I needed to go to the toilet, and trying to get up out of my seat and into the aisle was a logistical nightmare. I tried to do it respectfully and without disturbing them, but of course, I did disturb them. There was lots of huffing and puffing on their part, but I did my best. (The seats had those solid dividers, so I couldn’t lift the divider and slide across)

On my return from the toilet, I had the same issue, but this time, it was dirty looks, comments, etc., from their travelling companion as I sat down, but no attempt on their part to move their seat to make it easier for me and, by default, not disturb them, even though they saw me.

The question is – what is the etiquette here? Should I have tapped them on the shoulder and asked them to move the seat? I think they were asleep. Or is it a case of ‘they need to deal with it?’

They need to deal with it. Its public transport and you need to accept others will be in your space.

This is especially true if you’re fully reclined as there’s almost literally no way out without disrupting others.

However, people that yank on the front seat to get up when the front seat is fully upright - that is just plain rude. But fully reclined, cost of being fully reclined.

 

[Kerrodt]

Next time say to the person, "Sorry, mate. Im a big unit and as you know theres not much room. When I come back, can you put your seat up so I can get in and not bump you? I'll try to keep my getting up and down to a minimum".

Sometimes its easier to diffuse a situation before it becomes a situation.

This ^^

 

[bussyboy]

Depending on the overhead locker design, there's often a bit to grasp and pull up to help get in and out of the seat. I use this often and despite my 100+kg and the supposed 30kg or less carry on capacity, I've not bought the roof down yet!!

 

[Forg]

Someone told me that some seats have an armrest that collapses or folds?
Haven’t seen that myself, but it might help with sliding out into the aisle when trapped behind a Recliner.

 

[Denali]

Someone told me that some seats have an armrest that collapses or folds?
Haven’t seen that myself, but it might help with sliding out into the aisle when trapped behind a Recliner.

Ive had a seat once (Air France by memory) and the aisle seat rest lifted up and it was SO much easier getting in and out of my seat

Ive seen videos where people find the magic button under the arm rest to lift it up but I that that was my last Y flight so I havent had a chance to look for it yet

 

[Daver6]

Ive had a seat once (Air France by memory) and the aisle seat rest lifted up and it was SO much easier getting in and out of my seat

Ive seen videos where people find the magic button under the arm rest to lift it up but I that that was my last Y flight so I havent had a chance to look for it yet

Most Y aisle seats have this. Usually towards the hinge point of the armrest. Makes getting an and our of your seat with the tray table down a breeze!

 

[p--and--t]

Someone told me that some seats have an armrest that collapses or folds?
Haven’t seen that myself, but it might help with sliding out into the aisle when trapped behind a Recliner.

Ive had a seat once (Air France by memory) and the aisle seat rest lifted up and it was SO much easier getting in and out of my seat

Ive seen videos where people find the magic button under the arm rest to lift it up but I that that was my last Y flight so I havent had a chance to look for it yet

Most Y aisle seats have this. Usually towards the hinge point of the armrest. Makes getting an and our of your seat with the tray table down a breeze!

One of the reasons I no longer book PE Is armrests.

I’m 191cm, in my 70s, and not trim.

With those da.. high fixed armrests containing the foldaway tray (and making the seat narrower) I have no hope getting out of my seat if the person in front is in full recline.

So Its Y exit row for me or J.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I am also tall… 6’3. Yes, getting out to the aisle can be difficult if people in front have reclined.

The people between you and the aisle should stand up to let you out, and back.

With that happening, there shouldn’t - in theory - be a need to touch the seat in front even when fully reclined. You lean backwards on your seat and the now vacated seats.

 

[Daver6]

I am also tall… 6’3. Yes, getting out to the aisle can be difficult if people in front have reclined.

The people between you and the aisle should stand up to let you out, and back.

With that happening, there shouldn’t - in theory - be a need to touch the seat in front even when fully reclined. You lean backwards on your seat and the now vacated seats.

Or turn to face the back of your row of seats and lean on the vacated seats.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Or turn to face the back of your row of seats and lean on the vacated seats.

Yes! I was wondering how to describe that! lol

Either that, or try and secure an aisle seat.

 

[Forg]

With that happening, there shouldn’t - in theory - be a need to touch the seat in front even when fully reclined. You lean backwards on your seat and the now vacated seats.

I’m only 6’1”, and without knowing the trick of the secret button to fold the aisle-side armrest I wasn’t able to wriggle out of a Reclined Upon Qantaslink 717 seat without my knees rubbing the seat in front. There just wasn’t enough room, reclining the seat in front made it push pretty hard against said knees.