1 week Ago
Dear Annie: On a recent cross-country flight, I had an uncomfortable experience that left me wondering about basic airplane etiquette. I was seated in coach, where space is already tight, when the person in front of me reclined their seat all the way back -- immediately after takeoff, without a word. Suddenly, my tray table was inches from my chest, my laptop was nearly unusable, and I could barely move.
I understand that seats are designed to recline, and technically people have the right to use that feature. But in such cramped quarters, it feels inconsiderate not to at least glance back or give a quick heads-up. It wasn’t mealtime, and the cabin lights were still on, so it wasn’t like they were trying to sleep; they just stayed reclined for most of the flight.
I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to start a conflict, but I was frustrated the whole time. Is it rude to fully recline your seat without warning? And what’s the polite way to handle it if you’re the one feeling squished behind them? -- Feeling Crushed in 23B Dear Feeling Crushed: Ah yes -- the dreaded “coach class recline,” where one person’s comfort becomes another’s claustrophobia. Just because the seat can lean back doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to turn it into a La-Z-Boy without warning.
Common courtesy should still apply at 30,000 feet. A quick glance or a polite, “Mind if I recline a bit?” isn’t hard -- unless, of course, someone checked their manners with their luggage. If you’re behind them, it’s OK to speak up -- kindly.
A calm, “Hey there, I’m a bit cramped back here. Any chance you could ease up just a little?” might do the trick. Read other recent Dear Annie columns Dear Annie: My spouse’s personality change had a surprising cause Dear Annie: I’m tired of my friend’s constant excuses for her chronic lateness Dear Annie: He doesn’t get the hint that I don’t want to talk to him Dear Annie: Longtime friend has no time for me now that she has a boyfriend Dear Annie: While I don’t have a problem my boyfriend has a female friend, I do have a problem that he excludes me when with her View prior ‘Dear Annie’ columns “How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book.
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