Let’s face it; the middle seat on airplanes is generally the least desirable choice.
Sitting in the middle seat means missing out on the perks of the window view or the aisle space to stretch your legs. Additionally, there’s the awkwardness of needing the neighboring passengers to cooperate for bathroom breaks or moving around.
Despite these drawbacks, there’s an unspoken etiquette regarding the middle seat, particularly concerning the armrests. The use of armrests can be a sensitive issue, as it could lead to uncomfortable elbow encounters with fellow passengers.
Over time, flight attendants have offered guidance, indicating that there are informal conventions on armrest allocation, especially for those unfortunate enough to end up in the middle seat.
If you have the window seat, you are entitled to the armrest next to the window, which seems only fair.
For the middle seat occupant, both middle armrests are considered compensation for enduring the least comfortable seat option.
As for the aisle seat, the armrest adjacent to the aisle is rightfully theirs.
Recently, a flight attendant sparked a debate online by suggesting that passengers should only utilize the armrest on their right side, leaving the aisle armrest mostly unused to ensure clear passage when the drink cart is being wheeled through or when passengers are moving about the aircraft. However, this proposal received mixed reactions from travelers who preferred their own armrest usage rules.
While there are no official regulations on armrest entitlement, passengers are encouraged to consider surrendering the armrest if they have the window or aisle seat, amidst other common flight inconveniences, to enhance everyone’s comfort during the journey.
In addition to armrest debates, the issue of seat reclining has long been a source of contention among passengers on flights. Situations arise where individuals recline their seats to the maximum extent, causing discomfort to those seated behind them for the entire flight duration.
A flight attendant disclosed a common occurrence where she had to intervene in disputes between passengers regarding seat reclining. She clarified in a TikTok video that if a seat has a reclining function, passengers are within their rights to use it.
Nevertheless, it is generally considered courteous to keep seats upright during meal service to allow the smooth use of tray tables for dining. In such instances, it is deemed acceptable to request a fellow passenger not to recline their seat.
Should there be official guidelines on armrests and seat reclining on airplanes? Share your thoughts with us via email at webtravel@reachplc.com
