Ah, reclining! Is there any issue that causes more angst in the world of travelling than reclining?
Unless it's an overnight flight, when everyone reclines, or there's no-one sitting behind me, I wouldn't consider reclining on a flight of fewer than four hours (ie. the flights that BA is dumping reclining seats for). It's one of those delicate issues where our right to recline is balanced by our desire to be kind and considerate to our fellow-passengers. The problem is that everyone has different -- and probably equally valid -- opinions on when it's OK to recline, and when it's not...
I can't say I blame BA for their decision -- it probably makes the aeroplanes somewhat lighter (with hopefully some of the savings passed on to customers), and of course, as you point out, those who don't like it have the option to travel with another airline or by train.
"Seats will all be set at a “gentle recline” and will stay that way. The airline's version of "gentle" has not yet been clearly defined."
From memory, ANZ's 787's have the same "gentle recline" as standard. You can of course still recline beyond that. They also said this helped people stay comfortable and stopped a lot of people needing to recline further.
Like anything, wait and see the result. On flights to or from Perth(the same length as the BA flights in question), I like to recline the smallest amount as it is more comfortable. If the seats come standard with a small recline, I think most people won't need to recline further.
Madhatter49
Madhatter49
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 11 Dec 2016
Total posts 86
Surprised that a national carrier is pushing themselves down to budget ranks this far. They're getting worse and worse.
Only now going to use them if it's a regional area.
Probably just get the train which goes just about anywhere that BA fly to now.
Sibelius
Sibelius
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 06 Aug 2017
Total posts 181
Ah, reclining! Is there any issue that causes more angst in the world of travelling than reclining?
Grannular
Grannular
Member since 31 Mar 2014
Total posts 284
"Seats will all be set at a “gentle recline” and will stay that way. The airline's version of "gentle" has not yet been clearly defined."
sgb
sgb
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
Member since 30 Nov 2015
Total posts 419
BA beggars belief.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Who knows, this might help BA win or retain patronage amongst the anti-recline population?
Knowing ahead of time the person in front of you can’t recline is only upside for those with no intention to do so themselves.
Doubleplatinum Banned
Doubleplatinum Banned
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
Member since 07 Feb 2013
Total posts 431
Surprised that a national carrier is pushing themselves down to budget ranks this far. They're getting worse and worse.
Only now going to use them if it's a regional area.
Probably just get the train which goes just about anywhere that BA fly to now.
You recline your seat on short haul flights? Hope I never get stuck behind you, if I do you will feel my knee in the small of your back (6'4) ;)
mannej
mannej
QF
Member since 21 May 2014
Total posts 176
Surprised that a national carrier is pushing themselves down to budget ranks this far. They're getting worse and worse.
Only now going to use them if it's a regional area.
Probably just get the train which goes just about anywhere that BA fly to now.
That's a tad aggressive is it not?
John Phelan
John Phelan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Oct 2011
Total posts 262
Great idea and other airlines should follow suit. There is no need for reclining seats on short haul flights, an they only aggravate other passengers.