Surviving the Middle Seat on Airplanes

We found this article at YahooTravel.

On a typical commercial flight
within the United States, about 50 unfortunate souls will be relegated to the
dreaded middle seat. What can you do if one of those tortured passengers is
you? Here are nine tips to make it to your destination with your sanity—and
your comfort—fully intact.

 

Take a
Tray-Table Nap

Aside
from occasionally holding a drink or a meal, the tray table doesn't have much
to do during a typical flight. Make use of it by taking an in-flight nap. No need
to invest in an embarrassing Ostrich Pillow, however. Roll your jacket into a
makeshift pillow, fold forward at the waistline, and snooze away. Whatever you
do, though, don't place your face directly on that petri dish of bacteria (a.k.a.
the tray table), or at least disinfect it first.

Sleep Upright

If a tray-table nap isn't your speed, sleeping upright is also a
possibility—even in the middle seat. It starts by picking the perfect travel
pillow for your body, whether that's a standard neck pillow a shoulder-wrapping
Travelrest Pillow or even a jacket that converts into a pillow Though they may
not be as cuddly as their foam-filled counterparts, consider blow-up travel
pillows for their space-saving qualities.

Invest in Noise-Canceling Headphones

For just a few hours, a pair of good headphones can be a middle-seat
passenger's best friend. The right set tuned to a good movie or music can take
your mind off the otherwise muscle-contorting rigors of the middle seat.

Claim Your Territory

Even if you’re sandwiched between fellow passengers, your personal space
needn’t be too limited. Board quickly at your first opportunity so as to make
it to your seat before your seatmates, and then mark the armrests as your own.
Don’t feel too guilty: It’s widely accepted that the middle passenger gets both
armrests. But it's important to claim them early, lest you find yourself next
to a passenger who doesn't buy into common courtesy.

Make the Most of Your Knee Space

Speaking of claiming space, do so for your knees as well. In such close
quarters, every little inch counts. Especially worthwhile for tall travelers,
consider using the Knee Defender (a pocket-sized plastic device that locks onto your tray table and prevents the seat in front of you from reclining. It won't win you any friends, but it is approved by the FAA for use.) to keep the passenger in front of you from
leaning his or her seat backward. Alternatively, politely ask your neighbor to
refrain from leaning back if it really bothers you.

Keep Busy

Ever notice how time seems to fly by when you're busy? Watch a movie, read,
or play a game. Whatever your time-kill, just keep yourself entertained and
before you know it the "fasten seatbelt" sign will go off and the
pilot will announce your arrival.

Bring an In-Flight ‘Survival Kit’

Regardless of which seat you occupy—but especially if it's the middle
seat—keep the following items handy for in-flight sanity (or make up your own
in-flight packing list): an eye mask, electronics (a tablet, laptop, or
handheld game console), headphones, non-electronic reading material or a puzzle
book, a sweater or jacket, and snacks

Ask to Be Reseated

Just because you were assigned a middle seat doesn’t necessarily mean you
have to be stuck with it. Inquire with the gate staff about any remaining,
available window or aisle seats. They may seat you in a more preferable
location if one is open.






If you missed your opportunity at the gate, you have yet another shot at a
better seat location by asking the flight attendant. Once everyone’s boarded
and the plane’s cruising at a high altitude (but before the drink trolley comes
out), politely ask the flight attendant if a window or aisle seat is open.
Chances are, the empty seat will move you to the rear of the plane, but at
least you won’t be the meat section in a seat sandwich.

Do Better Next Time

The best way to survive the middle seat, of course, is to avoid it
altogether. Book early and, if you can, select your seat during the booking
process. For airlines that don’t allow advanced seat selection (like
Southwest), check in for your flight as soon as you can (in Southwest’s case,
as early as 24 hours in advance). Because Southwest assigns boarding groups
based on when you check in for the flight, the earlier you check in, the more
likely you are to score your favorite seat.




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