Yawn_boring

To say someone is "within their rights" to recline the seat is completely missing the point.

There are a lot of things someone can do that aren't technically prohibited -- let me just mention elbows, getting up repeatedly, being drunk, gas, burping, snoring to give you the idea -- but still are very bad manners.

Reclining one's seat all the way is in the same category.

bigdog50

Scubatv / Jon -- you said it all and said it well. I am 6' 3" with bad knees. I have over 1 million actual miles on one airline and lots more on many otehrs. I wish the person in front would not recline, but all I ask is the courtesy of a "look back" type warning and don't "slam" it. Fortunately, these days I get upgraded almost all the time. You have to view it this way -- all the seats (except some by exits) are designed to recline a couple of inches to allow the true minimum of comfort. That reclined space is a given -- and it only has an "upright" position because the FAA requires it for exit in emergencies. If someone is nice enough or comfortable enough sitting upright -- bless em but dont demand it -- thats the rude part. And sticking a device in the mechanism to prevent it???

I also agree with Jon's comments about the general courtesies I try to extend during the flight -- things I don't want other idiots doing -- like slamming the OH mid flight while others are sleeping, banging seat backs while getting in and out or walking by, etc And BTW -- the flight attendants are the worse for doing all these things and not giving a flip about the quiet or comfort of the passengers. When they are not jarring you awake, you can usually find them sitting down reading mags (that they stole out of the passenger rack before take-off) while you are dying of thirst, OR if I am upgraded to first class on an Int'l Flight -- they will be up in the FC Galley eating the leftovers and chatting up a storm so you can't sleep. But I digress............

SalB

You can request a seat at the bulkhead. There is no one in front of you to recline. 8^ )

John71cove

When courtesy fails, try directing the overhead air nozzle toward the recliner. Then negotiate.
John

Nikki

Thank you AAFrequent Flyer for your correction about the planes which are being fitted with extra seats. That's good to know.

Meanwhile, I would love it if I could get bulkhead seats simply by requesting them, but I haven't found the technique that works yet.

scubatv

At 5 feet 9 inches tall, the bulkhead seats cram my legs up against the wall.

For me, the extra space under the seat in front is more important than the reclining seat.