Former airline pilot here - no, I would not RF my child if it would prevent the person in front of me from reclining. The physics of airplane crashes is way different than the physics of cars. The main thing you want to protect against on an airplane is turbulence. As long as DC is strapped in to anything, facing any which-a-way, they will be safe. RFing on commercial airline flights for kids over the age of 1 in a FF capable seat is unnecessary.
mommy to DS who is 9
DD who is 6
and my girl in heaven