BY NAOMI BARR
KELLYANNELONGPORTNJ2
CATHERINECROWLEY96
AKWILLIAMS918
LAUNICAFINITA
DEBIJENKINS
PEACEDOG2020
Unanimously, yes. It’s your right to recline your seat! Just “don’t be a jerk about it,” says Henry Harteveldt, an airline and travel industry analyst. “Airplanes are shared spaces,” he adds, explaining that we need to be considerate of our fellow passengers. Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert and the founder of the Swann School of Protocol (and a former flight attendant), agrees. Her advice: “Before you lean your seat back, check if your neighbor behind you has a drink or laptop there.” If they do, to keep the peace, give them a heads-up that you’re about to recline. Then do it slowly, Swann says, so they’re not shocked by a sudden lurch. “And definitely move that seat forward during the meal service.” And maybe only lean back as much as it takes to feel comfy.
If you’re looking for the most space possible, upgrading to a seat with extra leg room may be worth it. Or book early to get an exit-row seat, if you’re up for it. You could also follow this insider tip, which we got from a flight attendant at a major airline who asked to go only by Emmanuel: Choose a seat as close to the front of the plane as you can. “On many aircrafts, like some 737s, as you move toward the back of the plane–say, from the wings on—the plane becomes skinnier, so those seats tend to be tighter,” which can translate to less lateral leg room, he says. “It’s a slight difference, but that’s usually where negotiations between customers have to happen.”
So to maximize space between you and the seat in front of you, and to hopefully avoid conflict, book early, and book up front!
Illustration by Greg Clarke