Recline or not???
 

How do Fodorites view the issue of your right to recline.
On Trans Atlantic flights, I don't like to read, eat, chat to my neighbors or watch the movies; I like to sleep and for comfort reasons, I recline my seat to the fullest extent.
Other than for a cursery check behind to make sure I don't recline, as my back door neighbor is searching for something at their feet, do I have any moral or ethical obligation to ensure their comfort by not reclining, any more so than they have to turn off their reading light or to speak in whispered tones while I try to catch some z's. Isn't passenger comfort and safety the responsibility of the airlines, not the individual passenger, specifically when the airlines provides one with the ability to recline?
Just a thought...

Hi KW,

This question has been pretty much beaten to death.

Final result: Some people think it is OK to recline, Some people think it is rude to recline, Some people don't care.

Not only "done to death", this question is a notorious "fight-starter". I, too, support your right to recline from the end of the plane's ascent to the beginning of its decline towards landing (particularly since this discussion is about overnight, east-bound trans-atlantic flights).

But a little industry exists to oppose the reclining seat. Search here for "knee defenders" and you will see the divide in viewpoint in all its resplendent ugliness.

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks for the insight Rex.
I would never have thought to search under the term "knee defenders". After a brief scan of the responses, I have changed my foolish preconception that the only devisive issue in the country related to which side of a political agruement one choose to defend. This issue beats the crap out that theory.
'Nuff said - I will continue to recline until I decline.

The area your seatback occupies in a reclined position is yours. Recline at will.

You've paid for a service, the seat is designed to recline so recline it. People are selfish, so if someone in front of you is reclined, don't be the martyr and sit with the seat fully upright.

You're never going to see these people again (usually) so don't worry.

Sure, trans-atlantic? Why not? Of course, I intentionally choose an airline who has left enough room for my knees after the person in front of me reclines.