Probably all passengers do their best to avoid it; we’re talking about the middle seat, the most hated one on any plane.
Actually, in this article, we are going to look at that seat from a different point of view. Are we sure it’s the worst of the three?
After talking with travel experts and flight attendants, we found several positive aspects of the middle seat that you should definitely consider.
Might Be the Least Annoying Spot
The first thing to consider is that during short flights, the passenger sitting in the middle may be the least bothered.
If you sit by the window, you might often have the sun shining right in your eyes, forcing you to open and close the shade repeatedly. And what if you need to use the bathroom? You’ll have to climb over two people.
Similarly, aisle seat passengers get bumped by every passenger and, even worse, by the passing drink cart. I once got hit in the knee while I was sleeping, and I assure you that it is not a pleasant thing.
Meanwhile, middle-seat occupants usually sit untouched, unbothered, and surprisingly comfortable.
The Armrest Rule
Another interesting thing is that middle-seat passengers have unspoken dibs on both armrests.
It’s the unwritten rule of air travel that flight attendants privately endorse. While window seats get the view and aisle seats get the freedom, middle-seat passengers get those precious inches of padded space.
Flight Attendant Service Priority
Flight attendants often pay special attention to middle-seat passengers, knowing that they are generally considered to be the unlucky ones.
This means faster drink service, extra snacks, and sometimes even complimentary upgrades when available.
It’s not official policy, but it’s an open secret among cabin crew who understand the perceived disadvantage of the seat assignment. Usually, if there are other empty seats, they also allow those sitting in the middle to move to other rows.
Networking in the Sky
I know not everyone loves it, but the middle seat is perfect if you wanna chat a bit, make friends, or even find some good business deals.
Some of you may not believe it, but on a recent business trip, I was sitting next to a marketing manager of a brand I was interested in. We talked for a while and then exchanged phone numbers to get in touch further.
I know it’s kind of random, but I assure you it happens a lot, especially on certain routes and times when business people use them.
Alternatively, it is still a good choice if you are traveling alone and looking for a traveling companion or just someone to share experiences with.
Temperature Control
Ever noticed how window seats can be freezing cold or burning hot depending on the sun’s position?
The middle seat usually maintains the most consistent temperature throughout the flight, protected by the buffer zones on either side.
However, it might be a bit difficult to adjust the overhead air vents to direct airflow. Middle-seat passengers usually have to rely on the settings chosen by their seatmates.
Productivity Zone
Incredible but true, without the distracting window view or constant aisle interruptions, middle-seat passengers often report higher productivity during flights.
It’s like having a focused workspace where you’re less likely to be disturbed by external factors. Plus, the slightly wider seat design on newer aircraft provides a more stable surface for laptops.
If you think about it, it’s actually true! How many times have you found yourself staring at the horizon from the window seat or feeling the urge to rest your head against the window for a nap?
It doesn’t happen with the middle seat. Perhaps the lack of a place to lay your head makes you stay more productive.
Wider Seats
A thing that almost no one knows is that a few airlines have reportedly designed their middle seats to be a bit wider than the window or aisle seats to compensate for the lack of space on the sides.
In addition, on old airplanes, the seats in the middle are usually less worn, and the padding is in better condition, so they are more comfortable compared to the other ones.
More Rewarding
Even airlines know that middle seats are not well-liked by passengers, so they try to balance the benefits.
For example, Virgin Australia had a fully dedicated Middle Seat Lottery that gave passengers the opportunity to win weekly prizes (flights or experiences).
In a similar way, a few years ago, Spirit was giving extra miles to passengers sitting in the middle, a nice move that definitely made these seats more attractive.
