A flight attendant finally settles the long-standing debate on which passenger is allocated which armrest on a plane as passengers attempt to make themselves comfortable on-board flights
There’s nothing more unpleasant than hopping on a flight only to have to fight for an armrest. However, apparently, there’s a specific way to allocate which seat gets which armrest, and it’s dividing opinions online.
Seats on planes are undoubtedly uncomfortable. They are small, restrictive, and you’re lucky if you can even comfortably extend your legs. While raising your armrest for extra space may seem like a simple solution to gaining more room, many are not convinced.
Nevertheless, a flight attendant has recently revealed which armrest is allocated to which seat. Ultimately, settling a long-standing debate, leaving many passengers shocked.
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A recent Reddit post shared this newfound information, which recounts a passenger’s encounter after a flight attendant explained the etiquette for using armrests. In the Reddit thread, the passenger shared their experience.
The user explained: “This was a first for me on my current flight. The FA (flight attendant) made an announcement right after boarding to clarify who gets to use which armrest on the flight.”
The user went on to explain that no passenger is entitled to two armrests. Regardless of whether they’re in the middle seat, emphasising that the correct etiquette is to occupy the armrest to your right.
Noting: “The flight explained every person is supposed to use the armrest on their right (and the left for the other side) and keep the armrest on the aisle clear for carts and people walking down the plane.”
The Reddit thread attracted over 100 users eager to share their thoughts on the newly discovered information. However, not everyone agreed with this protocol.
One user said: “That’s a ‘no’ for me. I’m an aisle seater, and that aisle armrest is mine. The middle seat gets his/her two, I get mine on the aisle.” With another adding: “Yeah, that’s some made-up BS by a flight attendant who is tired of bumping people’s arms with his cart.”
On the contrary, another user remarked: “I actually agree with that. It’s always so annoying brushing past people who are leaning out into the aisle.” Finally, one person settled the debate: “Common courtesy is middle gets 2. Aisle gets aisle side, window gets window side.”
According to a survey, almost a third of passengers flying with UK airlines consider armrest hogging one of the most frustrating behaviours. So next time you travel by plane, follow the right-hand rule to avoid any unpleasant encounters.
