Relaxing on the plane as you jet off on holiday can put you in the right mood for all your travelling adventures ahead, but not if you get seated next to somebody inconsiderate. One of the most frustrating in-flight faux pas has to be when a middle seat passenger takes both armrests, spreading both their legs out in a way that takes up an enormous amount of space.
It's tricky to know what to do in such situations, especially if you don't want to make things awkward for the next four hours without anywhere to escape to. Luckily, a flight attendant has come forward with some sage wisdom about how to deal with potential space hoggers while up in the air.
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As previously reported by The New York Times, one exasperated passenger recently sought advice as to what they should do if a "rude" middle seat passenger were to take both armrests, while simultaneously spreading their legs. In response to this query, Kristie Koerbel told the publication that it was an "unwritten rule" that middle seat passengers get both of the armrests.
Kristie, who has worked as a flight attendant for 20 years, continued: "To handle someone invading your space, ask them nicely. Often, the person doesn’t even realize they are being rude.
"Try a joke, like, 'they keep making these seats smaller and smaller'. That acknowledges your problem is with the seat, not the person, and that you are both in this together."
"If the person is quite tall and is completely folded in their seat with nowhere to go, you could offer to trade seats. We all hate the middle, but it might be more comfortable for both of you over the flight."
However, Kristie went on to caution that you should only take this course of action if you feel safe and comfortable doing so. If not, then she advises calling a member of the cabin crew over to try and deal with the situation.
Do you have any holiday tips to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
