Neither (a) or (b) is true, flying between Europe and Asia we pretty much get all the new planes from FinnAir A350s, to completely refurbed 777 (with brand new

Neither (a) or (b) is true, flying between Europe and Asia we pretty much get all the new planes from FinnAir A350s, to completely refurbed 777 (with brand new slimline seats as part of the 10 across densitification rollouts), to dreamliner 787s on Qatar, Oman and Norweigan (some are a few years old but many recently delivered), plus new smelling A321neos regionally. Occasionally we see an old A380 after a refurb too. All seats have the recline button. Never heard the hurt your neighbor argument - but I can't imagine them allowing you to fly if it going be mandated seat in front is upright to prevent medical injury - that would be a flight risk in the event of evacuation. You should take these arguments to FAA and airline though if you're serious rather than some unwritten code of conduct you expect the guy in front to follow when the person in front of him probably won't. I had one incident though where the guy sat next to me was huge and naturally overflowing into my seat, I was moved to an exit seat prior to take over, I still submitted a complaint as he should been assign two seats (weather that's free if medical or covered by the airline or his pocket I don't care - not my problem). I worry that scenario happening again, but I won't be worrying about recline, speak to the airline about your specific requirements as they not going to embraced by the travelling public - upright for several hours - no thanks. Note to very tall people: KLM and FinnAir have economy comfort, this isn't premium economy, same poor seat width, but 3" more legroom. Emirates are also looking at dividing their economy class in multiple classes presumably some with more legroom. Extra legroom seats can be booked on SingaporeAir, Malaysia, Emirates, and Oman air^. You don't need Y+ if you just want more legroom. These seats are generally only $50-$100 more per segment. ^ Not exhaustive