After COVID-19, travel enthusiasts have flocked to airports, holiday destinations, hotels, and places accessible by air. Airlines and airports continue to break records. However, those eager to travel often face a variety of challenges.
Beyond the usual in-flight issues, there are many lesser-known problems that rarely come to mind, one of which is related to seat choice and the passengers seated next to you. Being “stuck in the middle” isn’t just about sitting in the middle seat. Even if you sit by the window, you can still feel trapped. Sometimes, the aisle seat feels just like the middle seat.
Even if you aren’t physically cramped, other frustrations can arise. These affect your overall flight experience, making you feel like you’re in the middle seat even if you didn’t choose it.
This week, let’s look at the problems that passengers caught in the middle often face. Once you read through them, you’ll probably think, “This happened to me on a flight too.”
Constant Contact
When boarding a narrow-body aircraft, you might have chosen an aisle seat. If the passengers on either side of you know each other, it can create continuous discomfort. Being caught between two familiar passengers often means constant, unavoidable contact. For example, if the window seat passenger is talking to their friend, you may repeatedly feel bumped or brushed against.
Noise Overload
Airplanes are noisy environments for many reasons, but this is particularly noticeable when you’re in the middle or aisle seat. It’s even worse if traveling near passengers with babies. Being wedged between two acquaintances can be especially frustrating when they talk loudly or laugh throughout the flight.
Offering Food and Drinks
Traveling between two familiar passengers doesn’t change whether you’re in business or economy class. In countries like ours, where hospitality is deeply rooted, passengers often continue the tradition of offering snacks and drinks on board. You’ll witness passengers sharing the food and beverages they brought, and you may also be asked, “Would you like some of the homemade snack I brought?” at which point you clearly understand the dynamic.
Constant Requests
If you’re friendly and energetic, being stuck in the middle can be exhausting. The passengers on either side may have boarded before you and will wait to see how you interact with them. Your initial behavior sets the tone for the rest of the flight. If you greet them politely and behave sympathetically, you’ll likely continue sitting in the middle comfortably.
However, if you set boundaries from the start, your personal comfort remains more intact. Once you establish rapport with the passengers around you, you often find yourself acting as a bridge between them. Your demeanor is crucial to avoid being asked repeatedly, “Could you pass that?”
Safe flights!