Trapped in the Middle
Let's face it: when you're seated in economy, nowhere on a plane is all that better than another seat. But the middle spot will always get the most gripe—and for good reason. But what if we told you that there are some benefits to the dreaded seat? Here are 10 hidden perks of the middle seat on a flight and 10 obvious downsides.
1. New Friends
The middle seat puts you smack in the middle of two (sometimes three) people, which gives you ample opportunities to make friends if you're up for making conversation. If you're all flying to the same destination, you might even be able to make plans to tour around the city together.
2. Networking Opportunities
More than just making friends, the middle seat is great for networking, too. If you're seated next to people in suits, they might be on a business trip, and you can subtly ask for more details and see if they have any positions open.
3. Double Armrests
Well, you'd probably have to negotiate for this one, but if you're stealthy enough, you just might be able to wiggle your elbow and claim both armrests. Plus, you have a good argument if anyone else tries to disagree—you're in the middle seat after all.
4. "Wilma" Boarding Method
Some airlines might adopt a WILMA method, which stands for Window, Middle, and Aisle, and allows window-seaters to board first, followed by those seated in the middle, then aisle last. This means if you picked the middle spot, you might be able to board earlier.
5. More Storage Space
Following up on the previous point, those seated in the middle might have more opportunities to snag overhead space because they get to board earlier. So, if you're carrying lots of personal items, you may be able to shelve them all away before other passengers arrive.
6. Window View
Well, you're technically not in the window seat, but when your seatmate isn't obstructing the view, you get to peek outside, too. That is, unless they pull down the shade. Still, you might get treated to some breathtaking scenes and have opportunities to capture them on your phone.
7. Less Responsibility
Window-seaters need to pull the shade down when instructed, and those seated next to the aisle might have to lend the flight attendants a hand when passing out meal trays. The middle seat? You get to sit back and relax without needing to stress out about anything else.
8. Sandwiched Warmth
Do you run cold? Being seated in the middle might actually offer an advantage: since you're sandwiched on both sides, you get double the body heat. We know, it may sound gross in theory, but at least you won't need an airplane blanket, which could be more unhygienic than you think.
9. Won't Get Bumped
Window-seaters get thrown around when turbulence hits and they're resting against the wall, while those seated next to the aisle get their elbows and knees knocked into when the cart comes by. The middle seat doesn't need to worry about either of those things.
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10. Possible Row to Yourself
If you're checking in on a flight and see that it's relatively empty, choosing a middle seat might actually further increase your chances of getting the row to yourself. The logic is that no one wants to sit on either side of someone seated in the middle, so your pick will ward off others.
Surprised about these hidden perks of the middle seat? As advantageous as it could be, don't be convinced just yet—let's jump into the 10 obvious downsides of being trapped in the middle.
1. Trapped on Both Sides
Let's face it: choosing the middle seat means you're trapped on both sides. Even if you're not claustrophobic, this seating arrangement (and a long-haul flight) will definitely make you one. Good luck having to deal with not one, but two or three strangers next to you.
2. Limited Space
Not only are you trapped on both sides, you also have limited elbow space and leg room. Sure, your neighbors might understand the armrest rule, but it's not as comfortable if you can't easily stretch your legs out, too.
3. Ask Permission to Use the Bathroom
When nature calls, you can't just get up and go—you have to ask for permission. If you're seated in the middle seat of the middle row of an airplane that has three columns, you can at least bother two different strangers instead of always pestering the same neighbor, but it's a pain either way.
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4. Harder to Sleep
If you didn't bring a travel pillow with you, good luck having a peaceful sleep. Lean too much on one side, and you'll probably get elbowed by an annoyed seatmate. Plus, if your neighbors take up more room when they nap, that's bad news for you, too.
5. Not Great for Introverts
The middle seat might be great for extroverts who like meeting new people and befriending strangers, but introverts? The middle seat is like being dragged to a party you didn't even want to go to, and now you can't even leave or move for at least a couple of hours. It can be a draining experience.
6. Elbow Bumping
Even if you get dibs on both armrests, that doesn't guarantee you won't be accidentally elbowed by your neighbors when they're shuffling around or sleeping. That's the disadvantage of being trapped in the middle: you're exposed to all kinds of unpleasant situations you didn't even ask for.
7. Window-Seaters Need Your Permission to Use the Bathroom
Window-seaters might have it worse when it comes to using the bathroom, and that's because they don't just need to go through the person sitting next to the aisle; they also have to ask you. But this is another downside—if you're sleeping peacefully, you'll be woken up at least twice: once when the person seated at the window needs to get up, and again when they come back.
8. No Privacy
Whether you're watching a movie, reading a book, or listening to music, you don't get any privacy when you're seated in the middle. Window-seaters can turn to the wall and those seated in the aisle can face outwards, but the middle seat? No matter what direction you turn, there's another neighbor.
9. Can't Easily Access Overhead Bins
Forgot something in your bag overhead? Too bad, now you're trapped in the middle and won't be able to get to it—unless, of course, you pester your neighbor to let you out. But if you're introverted, let's face it: you're probably just going to stay silent and do without the thing you needed.
10. Frequently Disturbed
Whether it's someone elbowing you, sticking their foot in your leg room, shaking you awake to use the restroom, or accidentally bumping into you to turn on the overhead light, you'll constantly be disturbed in the middle seat. No wonder it's the most unpopular spot on an airplane.
