How to Stop the Person in Front of You from Reclining Seat on a Plane

Last Updated: March 15, 2023

You finally get comfortable in your seat, ready for a long flight, and then the passenger in front of you reclines his seat way back--so far back that now your knees are smashed by the tray table in front of you. Air travel can be annoying enough; however, having to sit in a contorted position from Dallas to L.A. because the guy in front of you wants to recline can be downright frustrating. There is a sneaky way to prevent that person from reclining into your knees (aside from just saying something). It’s somewhat passive-aggressive, but works like a charm.

Steps

1
Have a strong empty water bottle on hand. Purchase a large bottle of water or soda after you pass through security. You will use this bottle as your recline-defender once you get on the plane.
- Use the bottle with or without the liquid still inside.
2
Ready yourself for when the captain turns off the seatbelt sign or you know that passengers may start reclining in their seats. Because once the seat goes back, there’s not much you can do about it (except say something).
- Keep an eye on the illuminated signs and/or listen for cues from the flight attendants or captain.
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3
Lower your tray table. This will take up some room but should prevent the recliner from reclining.
- Make sure you have clearance to lower your tray table (during take off and landing you will need to have it locked in place).
4
Place bottle directly underneath the tray table latch. You may need to use your book or something else to hold the bottle in place between the tray and the latch.
- Gently push bottle as far back as possible, into the seat in front of you.
- When the person in front of you tries to recline, the seat won’t go back.

Community Q&A

Question

Flying is uncomfortable, annoying, irritable, and unnecessary. Why do people continue to board planes, considering all the negative factors?

Community Answer

Planes help get people where they want to go fast. Planes also require a lot less focus than driving a car does, and sometimes people need to travel internationally, where the only other option would be to take a boat, which would require several days of travel (and probably be even less pleasant than flying).