Amtrak seat recline etiquette

IAmNotATrain · Jan 23, 2025

Is there any sort of unofficial code of conduct regarding reclining one’s seat on the train? I am on train #67 (so Amfleet 1) and the lady behind me asked me to keep my seat up. I did so, but am unsure if it was the right call.

AmtrakBlue · Jan 23, 2025

IAmNotATrain said:
Is there any sort of unofficial code of conduct regarding reclining one’s seat on the train? I am on train #67 (so Amfleet 1) and the lady behind me asked me to keep my seat up. I did so, but am unsure if it was the right call.

If the seats recline and you'd be more comfortable reclining, then go ahead. If it was me, I'd just recline a little bit, but hey, Amtrak made reclining seats so we can recline.

zephyr17 · Jan 23, 2025

No. Recline away. It's not an airline and seat pitch is ample.

If someone has a problem with seat recline they can take it up with the conductor. Who very likely will not be sympathetic.

Eric in East County · Jan 23, 2025

If you recline your seat and then are away from it for any length of time, it might be a little more polite to put it back into its upright position until you return.

Septa9739 · Jan 23, 2025

IAmNotATrain said:
Is there any sort of unofficial code of conduct regarding reclining one’s seat on the train? I am on train #67 (so Amfleet 1) and the lady behind me asked me to keep my seat up. I did so, but am unsure if it was the right call.

No. You paid for a seat with a recline. The pitch is more than generous. Recline away. It’s none of her business

IAmNotATrain · Jan 23, 2025

Thank you for the replies. Her and her friend are getting off at Bridgeport, so I’ll recline once they get off. I tend to avoid conflict, which is why I didn’t say no or throw it to the conductor.

PVD · Jan 23, 2025

It is much less of an issue on Amtrak than on most planes, because even on an AM-1 the room is generally adequate for almost anyone.

zephyr17 · Friday at 12:16 AM

IAmNotATrain said:
Thank you for the replies. Her and her friend are getting off at Bridgeport, so I’ll recline once they get off. I tend to avoid conflict, which is why I didn’t say no or throw it to the conductor.

I'd say no and let the one who's complaining throw it to the conductor if they feel that strongly about it. If I were constantly harassed by them, I might elect to involve the conductor.

BCL · Friday at 2:38 PM

Depends on the configuration. If it's Superliner equipment, the seats are so far apart that the seattrays have a sliding mechanism in order to reach the passenger. Even with the seat reclined all the way back, it doesn't affect anything.

I'm looking at Amfleet I seating, and I could see how it could be an issue. And I do remember the Pacific Surfliner California Cars had reclining seats with fairly small seat pitch.

I'd think all the way up would be too much to ask.

Asher · Friday at 5:34 PM

That request requires more than a yes ma’am, depending on the length of the trip may determine how quick I’m willing to settle into the decision.

Literalman · Friday at 5:49 PM

And 67 is an overnight train, right? The Night Owl that I have ridden quite a few times? In the daytime, if a seat reclines enough to inconvenience the person behind you, that's one thing. Trying to sleep at night is something else again.

Amtrak seat recline etiquette

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