Below you'll find 12 expert-recommended suggestions for turning your middle seat experience into something more enjoyable.
Being on an airplane offers many enjoyable aspects. It carries you directly to your holiday spot. Drinking a Bloody Mary anytime during the day becomes perfectly fine here. Additionally, it gives you the perfect opportunity to watch all those movies you've been wanting to see. However, one significant factor has the potential to completely disrupt this peaceful experience: finding yourself seated in the center position.
"There’s no question about this—I believe most individuals concur when they’re sitting in coach—that dealing with the middle seat is genuinely challenging," said Brandon Berkson, who founded and serves as the editor-in-chief. Hotels Above Par , shared with Travel + Leisure .
I'm quite familiar with this discomfort. Actually, I’m typing this from the cramped center seat on a regional flight where finding even an inch of space seems impossible. However, don’t feel too sorry for me because I’ve gathered some tips from seasoned travelers on turning those unpleasant moments into something more enjoyable. Below are ways to transform your middle-seat ordeal into what feels almost like sitting in first class.
Obtain a quality neck pillow.
"Give yourself a break and get a neck pillow—the memory foam ones "That style is my preference because it prevents your head from moving unpredictably," Berkson observed. Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago , a vacation rental site, concurs, stating, "In my view, a travel pillow is essential for someone seated in the center position. Since not every aircraft comes equipped with adjustable headrests, you can't always ensure comfort from them alone." They further mentioned that an excellent neck pillow enables proper support, allowing you to relax your head effortlessly even when sandwiched between passengers without having access to the plane’s sidewall for additional backing."
Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club Additionally, he encourages all those seated in the center to bring their own pillows, noting, “Travelers in the middle seats frequently experience neck discomfort because they don’t have a window to rest against.” Thus, Neugarten particularly recommended considering this suggestion. Trtl Travel Pillow , which aids in maintaining correct alignment and prevents the annoying 'head nod' during naps. Extra credit for packing a light travel blanket and compression socks to enhance your comfort level.
Pack an eye mask.
Schwab recommended bringing along an eye mask for additional preparation. He explained, "You can’t predict whether the passenger seated at the window might open or close the window, so having an eye mask ensures you won’t be disturbed by any potential brightness."
Invest in noise-cancelling headphones.
Noise-canceling headphones are essential," Berkson said. "They'll block out all that unwanted noise like random chatter and engine sounds in the background. It seems I often end up sitting beside a crying toddler.
Neugarten also had another particular suggestion regarding this matter—as Sony’s WH1000XM3 , as he mentioned "they are invaluable for tuning out crying infants or noisy neighbors, enabling you to mentally escape to a much more pleasant place." (Apologies, crying infants, we cherish you, but we’ll tune you out momentarily.)
Grab hold of the armrest.
This is perhaps the most important tip of all: If you're in the middle seat, you must take charge early on in the flight boarding process to stake your claim on both armrests.
The dilemma of the middle seat armrest is quite unpleasant. As far as I'm concerned—and many people agree with this unwritten rule—it seems like the person in the middle seat should have access to both armrests when traveling in economy class," Berkson stated. "I advise you to assert your unofficial privilege as a middle-seat occupant and clearly communicate, in a courteous manner, that those armrests are off-limits for shared use."
Keep all your items in the overhead bin.
You might want to stow your carry-on under the seat in front of you, yet according to Jo Hayes, an etiquette expert and frequent traveler, this isn’t ideal. EtiquetteExpert.org , mentioned that it's wise to utilize every bit of available space, including what you have at your feet.
Hayes noted that during both short and long haul flights, many people prefer keeping their handbags or backpacks nearby for convenient access to their belongings. However, in the middle seat—where space is particularly constrained compared to aisle and window seats—it's advisable to maintain an unobstructed area beneath the seat ahead. She further mentioned that this practice allows individuals who aren't able to comfortably recline like seasoned Pilates practitioners to lean back slightly more and extend their legs underneath the row in front of them.
Certainly, this might not always be feasible. During a fully booked flight where overhead compartments are at a premium, you'll need to stow your smaller luggage beneath the seat ahead of you.
Wear a fanny pack.
If you genuinely require keeping numerous small items readily accessible, Natalie Ballad, who founded and leads the travel fashion label, Ojala , recommends using the least bulky bag near you at all times. She mentioned, "I consistently travel with a compact waistpack or crossbody pouch containing only the items I absolutely need during the flight (such as my phone, wallet, charging cable, earphones, lip balm, and book). This way, I can easily access everything without having to rummage through a larger carry-on suitcase, making the boarding procedure smoother overall."
Bring some extra padding.
Tiffany Banks, who often travels for work as the CEO of Nevada Realtors, pointed out another essential item you might consider carrying to protect yourself—quite literally. She mentioned, “Given that I usually find myself in the center seat with minimal space to move around, I always pack this particular accessory.” Sojoy iGelComfort 3-in-1 collapsible gel seat cushion On each trip, I've used memory foam. At first, I hesitated about bringing another item with me, but believe me; this will revolutionize your travel experience, particularly if you often feel rigid or uneasy during flights,” Banks stated. “Initially, I place the cushion, followed by placing my puffer jacket (during colder months) atop it for extra padding.”
Pack a few layers.
If carrying an additional pillow for your neck or back isn’t up your alley, consider this: Joe Cronin, who served as the president, International Citizens Insurance Cronin mentioned that having an additional hoodie readily available is the next best option. He stated, “Wearing layers is key to staying comfortable because airplane temperatures tend to be either excessively chilly or overly warm, making a hoodie or lightweight jacket indispensable.” If things heat up, you can bunch your hoodie together to create a mini neck pillow or use it as added cushioning beneath you.
Bring your own entertainment.
Being seated in the center seat can definitely dampen the excitement of traveling. It's essential to stay amused so as not to let your mood dip. As Dean Van Es, the founder and CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance, advised, “It’s crucial to make certain you’ve got ample distractions lined up.” He suggests having access to various forms of entertainment such as browsing online with a tablet, engaging in games through a portable console, or simply losing yourself in a great novel—all of which help divert attention away from the environment surrounding you.
Stay hydrated by drinking water—don’t hesitate to stand up and head to the restroom when needed.
It’s usually best practice to keep drinking water during any flight. Sitting in the center seat might make it uncomfortable to frequently stand up and head to the bathroom, yet you should overcome these concerns for your well-being. As Berkson advised, “Thoroughly hydrate yourself.” Relying solely on the small glasses provided by most airlines every few hours isn’t sufficient. The cabin atmosphere is quite arid, and being hemmed in at the midpoint adds to this discomfort. Carrying a refillable water bottle—a container you can top off post-security—is essential.
Pack snacks.
Sitting in the center seats means limited convenience when accessing the galley, which can make grabbing snacks during the flight somewhat difficult. For this reason, Berkson suggests packing some snacks along. She advises, “Make sure to bring your own snacks. Before boarding, I ensure they align with my dietary needs because airplane crackers like Goldfish aren’t suitable for me due to lactose intolerance.” Additionally, she notes that onboard meal choices may be less than ideal, particularly on shorter trips. Therefore, it’s wise to carry a selection of preferred treats such as Sour Patch Kids and Starbursts—my go-to indulgences from Hudson News prior to takeoff.
Remember, it's only temporary.
Certainly, finding yourself in the midst isn’t enjoyable. However, keep in mind that you have the opportunity to visit an exciting place, and this situation is merely a short-lived setback.
Christian Bumpous , a previous flight attendant for Lufthanza who is currently working as a therapist, suggested reframing the experience: “Rather than fearing the middle seat, view it as a chance to cultivate patience, flexibility, or mindfulness,” Bumpous noted. “Trying a straightforward 4-4-4-4 breath technique—inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four, exhaling for four, then pausing for another four—can be incredibly beneficial.”
Read the initial article on Travel & Leisure