Fuck asking.
Just recline it, thats why the function exists.
I always do it, the only time I bring it back up is when food is served.
Then once they go around collecting the trash after grub, ill recline again.
Only problem ive ever had was January24 when I came back from central and south American cruise.
Flew back from Jamaica and after seat belt signs went off I reclined.
The bloke behind me kicked right off "oi mate" he said "put your seat forward"
I said " no mate, I got a bad back"
He said "I aint got enough room"
I said "well recline yours then"
He kicked right off "stop being a prick"
I said "who you calling a prick"
(This was also the only time I didnt upgrade to premium economy, but had row 1 of the normal economy so had all the leg room in the world)
So he tried pushing my seat upright, and kept pushing my seat.
I pressed the service button, trolley dolley came and I said "have a word with him please love he keeps pushing my seat and telling me I cant recline"
She had a right pop at him, and he started arguing back with her and she told him her words final.
So I made a point of every hour or so of standing up, stretching my arms and exercising in the aisle and being an annoying twat on purpose.
Dont fuck with the nug