It's only dead space if you are not using it. I like to open my laptop and place it on the tray. When the person in front reclines, I am forced to sit still for the duration of the flight. I usually fly from Europe to Asia, so 10-12 hours.

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asdff 43 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

I'd be baffled if that actually stops you from using a laptop. The seat hardly moves. And the tray slides forward a bit too.

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camgunz 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

What if you also recline?

	▲	billforsternz 2 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		(Not the person you're asking, but...) I don't want to adversely affect the person behind me, but I also accept the right of the person in front of me to recline if they want to. It's not easy being me.
	▲	neonstatic 3 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		This only works if you are okay with developing neck issues