When Can You Recline Your Airplane Seat? Here’s What Experts Say

So, you’ve gotten through security, waited patiently at your gate, finally boarded the plane, and now are settling in for the long journey to come. You go to click that button on the armrest that will recline your seat just a few inches to help get you as comfortable as possible. But wait, is it still socially acceptable to recline on a plane when seats and legroom have become smaller than ever? According to etiquette experts, yes, but with some caveats. 

“It’s acceptable for three reasons. One, it’s a widely accepted practice, and most passengers expect some degree of seat recline during a flight. Two, seats are designed to recline. If you have to ‘turn right’ on an airplane, space is tight, and reclining adds an extra bit of comfort to your personal space. Three, for long-distance flights, reclining enhances added comfort for rest or sleep,” Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert and author of “A Traveler’s Passport to Etiquette,” shared with Travel + Leisure. 

Jo Hayes, an etiquette expert, consultant, and founder of EtiquetteExpert.Org, added, “It’s more than OK to recline in one’s plane seat. The aircraft wouldn’t have the option to recline if it wasn’t acceptable. While only a slight adjustment in angle, it can make a huge difference, comfort-wise.” 

However, both Grotts and Hayes agree there’s a time and a place to recline, as well as a way to do it that’s still respectful to the passengers behind you. 

“Deciding when to recline your seat on a plane involves self-awareness, social awareness, and situational awareness,” said Grotts. “Further, consideration during mealtime is crucial. Even then, make it gradual, turn around, and attempt eye contact.”

Hayes echoed this statement, saying, “One should not be reclined during meal service. This is a standard airline rule.” She added, “When returning the seat to an upright position, do so as gently as possible. A rough snap back to upright can disrupt the person’s tray table behind.” 

Frequent travelers also agree with these etiquette experts, calling on everyone to understand there’s a time and place to recline. 

“I have often seen, and personally experienced, requests to return seats to the upright position during mealtimes as a courtesy to those seated behind,” LaDell Carter, founder and lead travel designer at Royal Expression Travels, told T+L. “There’s no safety issue if one passenger is reclining while another is eating; it’s more about mutual respect and comfort. Flight attendants typically will not enforce seat adjustments during noncritical times unless it pertains to safety, including during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.” 

Even full-time travelers like Ilse Gutierrez, the voice behind Ilse on the Go, say it’s OK to recline sometimes, while other times, it’s worth staying upright. “Reclining your plane seat is allowed and expected on overnight flights, where getting comfortable is essential. I wouldn’t typically recline on a short flight of one to four hours, but for anything longer, sitting straight up becomes too uncomfortable and unnatural.” 

For the most part, experts agree it’s OK to recline, so long as it’s done respectfully. Of course, if you do recline, be prepared for those who may feel like you’re invading their space.

That includes Sebastian Garrido, digital marketing manager at Vibe Adventures, who noted that the choice to recline depends on which type of plane you’re on and what class you’re flying in. According to him, passengers in economy with minimum legroom should rethink reclining. If you do choose to push back, just remember there are a pair of knees right behind you.