More than 77 percent now call a full recline rude, but the resentment tracks the shrinking seat, not a collapse in manners. The person in front of you did not take your legroom; the airline sold the same four inches twice, cutting economy pitch from about 35 inches before 1978 to 31 today, as little as 28 on budget carriers.
Reclining is a function the airline sold you, and the etiquette is small:
- Glance behind you, ease the seat, do not fling it
- Sit up while trays are down
- Recline freely on a red-eye; on a short daytime hop, perhaps tough it out
- Resist the knee-drumming, which is how cabin fights earn FAA fines in the tens of thousands
Keep the courtesy. Bin the guilt. Aim your annoyance at the carrier that took the four inches.
