When you fly there’s a few unspoken but readily understood rules.

The person in the middle seat gets both armrests, you only spray deodorant or perfume sparingly (and only in the toilet) and feet don’t belong on seats.

But, there seems to be some etiquette that falls, for some people at least, in a greyer area.

The thing we’ve noticed lately is differing views around when it is and isn’t ok to recline your airline seat.

For us, we thought it was cut and dried.

Domestically, unless you’re flying long haul to somewhere like Perth, there is no need to recline your seat at all during the flight. Apparently though, not everyone feels the same.

On recent shorter flights we’ve encountered some people who are inclined to recline, and we want to know what you think? Is this behaviour ok or, like us, do you think it’s a bit rude.

The first person we will call The Gun Slinger.

This is someone who reclines at lightening pace with no warning. Apart from the fact that it scares the hell out of you, it can also result in whatever is on your tray ending up all over you.

Next is The Flying Foodie.

That person who gets to enjoy their meal or snack while they remain reclined, while cutting your space in half. Flights attendants do a pretty good job of dealing with these people, but if someone slips through the cracks, do you just put up with it or politely tap them on the shoulder and ask them to sit up?

Lastly, we have encountered The Premature Recliner.

We honestly find this the weirdest of all people. This is the guy who finds his seat, packs his hand luggage away, sits down and immediately reclines, while we’re still on the ground, maybe just to get the most of his recline time. Has anyone else met this person?

If you are inclined to recline, we think it’s still pretty easy to be a good seat neighbour, just by checking behind you, reclining slowly, never recline for food service and never recline on the ground.

Now, let’s all have a relaxing flight.

For more lifestyle stories:

• Russ Eats… The unfiltered voice of Newcastle’s food scene
• Newcastle’s Easter eggs for every budget
• What’s open in Newcastle over Easter

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.