First off, nobody is using a laptop in economy regardless of recline. The keyboard is too close to use well. Tablets work fine, laptops are more business or first class conveniences.<p>Secondly: If the person behind you has long legs it damn right hurts when the person in front reclines. As in &quot;popping painkillers&quot; level of pain. When you recline, their knees have nowhere to go, so they end up being compressed between the back of your seat and the cushion of their seat. Oh and every time you move your seat bounces up and down, straight onto their knees pressed firmly against your seat back.<p>So to be entirely clear we&#x27;re talking about &quot;genuine pain, not moderate inconveniences&quot; for the person behind you. I take extra strong painkillers onto flights so that the 5&#x27; person in front of me can feel mildly more comfortable.