Does the Person Flying in the Middle Seat Get Both Armrests?

When it comes to airline seating, the concept of armrest claiming can often lead to friendly debates and occasional conflicts. The common etiquette is that the middle seat passenger should get both armrests. However, there are instances where passengers might not adhere to this courtesy, leading to some interesting scenarios.

Common Situations and Thumb Wars

The middle seat occupant sometimes has to engage in what can be termed as a 'thumb war' with their neighbors. Whoever manages to secure the armrests ends up winning the round. These conflicts, while humorous, highlight the need for a more formalized system.

Airlines and Armrest Etiquette

Airlines do not have specific rules about armrests. Therefore, common sense and empathy should guide the allocation of armrests. The middle seat passenger, who is essentially "trapped" in the middle, should have the right to use both armrests. This common courtesy reflects the idea of accommodation and mutual respect among travelers.

The Middle Seat Passenger's Perspective

The middle seat passenger is often seen as the least fortunate in terms of seating comfort. With nowhere else to lean, they should be given the choice to use both armrests. Aviation etiquettes suggest that the middle seat passenger has a legitimate claim to both armrests, as they are the ones who are sandwiched between two passengers and cannot lean comfortably on either side.

Arguments for and Against

Some argue that the middle seat passenger should not get both armrests, citing reasons such as the window seat passenger's lack of access to the window and the aisle seat passenger's more spacious position. However, most people believe that if the middle seat passenger can secure both armrests, it is perfectly acceptable and even advisable.

Official Positions and Common Sense

In practice, airlines hands are relatively clean on matters like this. It is up to common sense and personal courtesy to decide who uses which armrest. The middle seat passenger should be given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to use both armrests, as they are the ones who need the additional comfort most.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate about armrest allocation highlights the importance of airline etiquette. Whether you are the window, aisle, or middle seat passenger, it is crucial to practice courtesy and respect. This not only makes the flight more enjoyable for everyone involved but also reflects positively on the traveler and the airline community as a whole.

While it may seem trivial, the right to armrests in the middle seat is a small reflection of the broader principles of shared comfort and mutual respect that are essential in any space shared by diverse individuals.