A plane has many things to offer. You can travel to your destination. You can have a bloody Mary at any time. You can now catch up with all your favorite films. This moment of peace can be ruined by one thing: sitting in the middle.
“There’s no doubt when I say this—and I’m pretty sure most people agree with me when seated in coach—the middle-seat struggle is real,” Brandon Berkson, the founder and editor-in-chief of Hotels Above ParShared with Travel + Leisure.
I understand this pain. As I write this, I’m crammed in the middle of a regional plane, with no elbow room to be seen. Don’t feel sorry for me, I have gathered some tips from experienced travelers to help make the most out of my middle seat. You can also make your middle seat feel like first class.
Purchase a neck pillow that is comfortable.
“Do yourself a favor and grab a neck pillow—the memory foam ones Berkson stated that he prefers wraparounds because they keep the head from bobbing. Steve Schwab, the CEO of CasagoAccording to, an online vacation rental company, a neck pillow should be a priority when stuck in middle seats. You can’t be sure that you will find a headrest that is adjustable in all planes. A good neck pillow will allow you to rest comfortably your head even if you’re stuck between two other people or “don’t have an airplane wall to lean on.”
Jesse Neugarten is the founder of Dollar Flight ClubNeugarten also recommends that everyone in the middle seat bring a neck pillow. He says, “Middle seats suffer from neck pain because there is no window to lean against.” Neugarten recommended that passengers look at the Trtl Travel PillowThis “helps keep your head in the right position while preventing that dreaded “head bob” mid-nap.” Bring a lightweight blanket for travel and compression socks to increase your comfort.
Pack an eye-mask.
Schwab recommended that travelers also bring an eye-mask. He said that you never know if the person next to the windows will close the window. If this is something that could bother you, it’s best to have an eye-mask.
Invest in noise cancelling headphones.
Berkson said that noise-cancelling headsets are a great investment. “They’ll block out all the noise in the background, like random engine chatter or random chatter.” “Somehow, I’m always stuck next to a screaming toddler.”
Neugarten had another specific recommendation for this as well—Sony’s WH1000XM3, which, according to him, “are lifesavers for blocking out screaming babies or chatty seatsmates, allowing mental transportation to somewhere much more enjoyable.” (Sorry crying babies, you’re loved, but we won’t be able to hear you for now.
Take control of your armrest.
The most important tip is to take control early in the flight board process if you are in the middle seat. You will want both armrests.
The middle-seat conundrum is not a good thing. Berkson explained that, in her eyes (and those of many other people, I swear), the middle-seat passenger is entitled to both armrests. I encourage you to assert your unofficial rights as a middle seat passenger, and be as polite as possible in stating that you will not share your armrests.
Keep everything in the overhead compartment.
Jo Hayes is a traveler who has been a pro at etiquette for years. EtiquetteExpert.org, said, it’s a good idea to maximize all the space you can—including at your feet.
Hayes explained that most people like to have their handbags or backpacks close by so they can easily access them. In the middle seat where space is more restricted than on either side, you should keep the area underneath the seat in front as clear as possible. She added that this will allow those who can’t “curl up like Pilates-types” to “slouch down a little lower in their seats and have their legs stretched out under the front seat.”
However, it may not be possible in all cases. If there is limited space in the overhead bins, you may have to place your smaller bags beneath the seat directly ahead of you.
Wear a waist pack.
Natalie Ballad is the founder and CEO at travel fashion brand OjalaAs she said, “I always travel with a small belt bag or fanny pack that contains the essentials I want to have on me during my flight (phone, wallet charger, headphones moisturizer book) in order to avoid the scramble of pulling out what I need from a carry-on. She said: “I travel with a small belt or fanny bag with the essentials that I want to have with me on the plane (phone, wallet charger, headphones, moisturizer) in order to avoid the scramble when pulling out the items I need from my carry-on. I think this generally makes boarding easier.”
Bring extra padding.
Tiffany Banks, a frequent business traveler and CEO of Nevada Realtors, noted there’s one more product you may want to bring along to save your behind—literally. “Knowing I would end up on the middle seat, with very little space to move around, I take my Sojoy iGelComfort 3-in-1 foldable gel seat cushion With memory foam on each flight. Banks says that she was initially hesitant to bring an extra item on board, but now believes it is worth the effort. “This will change your flying experience for anyone who feels stiff or uncomfortable,” Banks said. “I put the cushion on first, and then my puffer coat (in the winter), over it to add cushioning.”
Pack some layers.
Joe Cronin, president of Joe Cronin, offers a solution for those who are unable to pack extra pillows, either for their neck or their behind. International Citizens InsuranceThe next best thing to do is keep an extra hoodie on hand. Layers are a great option for comfort. Cronin explained that planes can be too hot or cold, and a jacket or hoodie is a must. When it gets too hot, you can roll it up to make a neck pillow or put it under your body for added support.
Bring your own entertainment
Sitting at the center of a bus can be a real drag on the enjoyment of traveling. It’s important to stay entertained in order to maintain your spirit. Dean Van Es is the founder and CEO at Fast Cover Travel Insurance. He said, “I would recommend having plenty of entertainment for you to pass the time.” If you have a tablet that you can use to surf the web, or a gaming system you can get into, or a good book you can read, these are all great distractions from what is going on around.
Drink water—and don’t be afraid to get up to use the bathroom.
Drinking water is always recommended on any flight. While it can be uncomfortable to stand up to use the toilet in the middle seat, it is important to put your own health first. Berkson said, “You must stay hydrated throughout the flight.” “A tiny cup of water provided by commercial airlines every few hours is not enough. The air in an airplane is very dry and if you are stuck in the middle of the plane, it can be a little uncomfortable. “A reusable water container (that you can refill after TSA) will be key.”
Pack snacks.
You may also find it difficult to get up and grab a snack if you’re in the middle. Berkson suggests bringing snacks with you. “Don’t forget snacks. Berkson says that she prioritizes buying snacks before her flight because of her dairy allergy. “Goldfish, which are given out onboard, don’t agree with Berkson’s digestive problems.” You might not get the best snacks, especially on shorter flights. So pack your favorites: Starbursts and Sour Patch Kids are my Hudson News guilty delights before flying.
It’s temporary.
It’s not fun to be in the middle. You’re going somewhere fun (hopefully), so this is just a temporary inconvenience.
Christian BumpousBumpous, who is now a therapist and a former Lufthansa flight-attendant, suggested that you should try to reframe this situation. “A simple 4-4-4-4 breathing exercise—inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, pause for 4—can work wonders.”
