One of the #1 goals for airlines is to put as many butts into seats as possible. However, that doesn’t always work out. Even with all their paid passengers, and non-revs and standbys, there are sometimes empty seats on the plane. And, of course, among aisle, middle and window seats, the ones that tend to have the least amount of “butts in seats” are middle seats. Because really, if given a choice, besides these people, who wants a middle seat?
Of course, one of the greatest and rarest unexpected joys of flying, especially in economy, is if you wind up with a row to yourself.
The second best unexpected joy in economy is having an empty middle seat between you and the other person in your row.
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to win the plane lottery and get an empty middle seat next to you, there are a few rules of etiquette you should keep in mind:
Enjoy the extra space — but don’t sprawl like a starfish
So, you wound up with an empty middle seat? Whoop whoop — you’ve just hit the economy-class jackpot. But before you spread out like you’re in your living room, remember: it’s still shared space. Stretching a little? Totally fine. Using BOTH of your armrests? Have at it and enjoy.
But lifting the armrests and fully draping yourself across the empty seat? Not so fast. Remember that other person in your row – ask first. Or think of it this way – having a middle seat next to you is sort of like having 1-1/2 seats, not a full flat-bed upgrade.
And since it apparently needs to be said: don’t you DARE put your feet up on the seat. It’s unsanitary, it’s rude, and yes, everyone around you is silently judging you.
Share the space under the middle seat
Just like the seat itself, the space under the middle seat is also a shared space.
Even if, let’s say, you got onto the plane earlier than your row mate and sat down first, it doesn’t mean the space under the middle seat is automatically 100% yours. That little patch of floor is prime real estate, and everyone in the row has equal rights to it. We all know that overhead bins fill up fast, so chances are you (and probably the person next to you) have a backpack, tote or purse that needs a home.
Don’t be a hog about it, though. Instead of silently claiming the whole thing like a territorial squirrel, talk to your row mate. Maybe both bags fit. Maybe you split it half-and-half. Maybe one of you uses it for the first part of the flight, and the other gets to use it later. And if you don’t need it at all? Be a mensch and offer it up. Just don’t assume it belongs to you because you slid into the row before everyone else.
And about that empty seat tray
Once you’ve hit cruising altitude and seat trays can come down, the one for the middle seat can be fair game for drinks, as well as a temporary place to stash trash until the flight attendants come through to collect it. But it is not your personal garbage bin, laptop desk, or overflow storage unit. Basically: treat it like shared space… because it is.
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