Most travelers try to avoid the middle seat at all costs, but someone has to sit there too. If you’re unlucky enough to be that person, these five tips will help you survive the dreadful middle seat.
Get There Early
Board the flight as early as possible because you’ll have enough time to maneuver your bags, coat, and other belongings and get yourself comfortable in your seat before your seatmates are there.
Claim Your Territory
All travelers know that flying in the middle seat is a nightmare, so it’s pretty much the etiquette that the person sitting here gets armrests so make sure to claim them as soon as you sit down.
Extra Legroom
You should also make sure to limit your carry-on and store everything you have in the overhead bin so you can have more extra legroom and stretch out during the flight.
Keep Yourself Entertained
It’s easier to survive a flight in the middle seat when you have something keeping you entertained, so consider watching a movie, reading a book, or listening to some music.
Look For Free Seats
Once all the passengers board, look around for any available free seats or ask a flight attendant if you can switch, if you’d like. Make sure to act quickly because other passengers in the middle seat might have the same idea.