The following travel tip is provided by Karin Jones from the Flight Centre UK.

If you can’t afford to fly business class, then this has probably happened to you - or maybe you have inflicted it on someone else. A little common courtesy can go a long way when confined in a small space with hundreds of other people for several hours, but here are a few things to keep in-flight relations from deteriorating into a scuffle over seating.

In economy class, when you put your seat back the person behind you can forget working on a laptop, reading a paper, or even eating comfortably. It is an unspoken rule that at mealtimes seats are put forward, but unfortunately this is often forgotten about when the drinks are flowing and people are roused from sleep to have a snack.

Reclining at other times is fine - just make sure you take a look before you lay back (you don’t want to be responsible for crushing a child), and only use as much space as you need, rather than going back the whole way for the sake of it. If you are taking a red eye flight it’s almost mandatory to get that seat back.

If you are the victim of an indiscriminate recliner, its better to avoid the in-flight brawl (airline security don’t take kindly to fighting), and try passing a polite comment, or even reaching over and nudging their seat up when they head to the toilet. Even a well-placed knee may do the trick, but be aware of constantly giving those in front of you regular, unwarranted nudges, as this can be very trying on the patience. This goes for the armrest hogger as well.

If you are a frequent loo visitor, request an aisle seat so your fellow passengers aren’t playing yoyo, and this also goes for those planning on having more than a couple of drinks (although this is never recommended on long haul as your body may not take it too well).

Finally, it’s important to remember to never, ever mention explosives. While this may seem the most obvious thing in the world, airports and airlines are still regularly dealing with those who think bomb jokes are the height of hilarity.

Tip supplied by Karin Jones, Flight Centre UK (T: 0870 499 0042 www.flightcentre.co.uk)