The Specific Row Of Plane Seats To Avoid If You're Hoping To Recline

There's so much to look forward to when it comes to travel, although the actual journey can sometimes be a little unsettling. The turbulence, limited leg room, and being stuck on the plane can really take its toll on people. Especially with the whole "to recline or not to recline" question when it comes to flights. After seeing many videos online causing issues when it comes to reclined seats, flight attendants have even had to intervene in the debate. However, there are certain ways to be considerate, such as not reclining during meals or if the passenger behind you is using a laptop. 

But what if your seat doesn't recline? What do you do then? So, before you get on your next flight and end up in a seat where reclining is forbidden, it's best to know that the row of seats directly in front of an exit seat is not reclinable. That is usually to prevent obstruction and have more space in case of any emergencies occurring, allowing passengers to use the exits faster and more easily.

Many people prefer exit seats on airplanes as they offer more legroom, but they do come with quite a few restrictions. The main reason behind the spacious legroom is to provide more access for passengers in case of emergencies. That being said, the rows in front of the exit rows usually have restricted reclining.

Before booking your flight, you should also know that some flights have other seats with restricted reclining, such as rows near bulkheads. When there are partitions or something blocking the back of the seats, the seats no longer have the option to recline. And, of course, let's not forget the very last row on the plane, which usually has its back to a separator, restricting its ability to recline.

Instead of risking being randomly assigned to one of these seats, many airlines offer seat selections for a fee, with exit rows being the most expensive option. Some airlines can offer seat selection for as low as $20, making it an expense worth taking, especially if you have long legs, back issues, or simply cannot stand the idea of flying without a reclining seat option.

Instead of letting reclining seat restrictions ruin your trip (or paying extra to avoid it), there are many ways travelers can try to find comfort without pushing their seats back. For starters, a neck pillow can offer support and add extra cushioning to help you rest your neck against your seat more comfortably. Other options include lumber support cushions or footrests that can provide extra comfort in non-reclining seats. On many flights, passengers can request pillows and blankets from flight attendants, but they're usually limited. So, if you end up in a non-reclining seat, be sure to request a pillow or blanket early on to help you get cozy and comfortable.

Your choice of attire can also heavily impact your comfort on a flight. Be sure to dress in comfortable clothes, layer well to have options whether the plane is too cold or too hot, and wear compression socks to help with the bloating air pressure. That way, you're already as comfortable as can be and don't have to worry about other issues that could have been prevented to help you relax.