Controversy over the right of middle-seat tourists to use armrests has finally been settled thanks to Kristi Kerbel, a flight attendant with twenty years of experience. There are rare cases of conflict situations arising on this issue, turning into physical violence. She explained the unwritten rules of in-flight etiquette to the Irish Times.
The expert said that tourists should follow many unspoken rules in the airliner: do not take off your shoes, do not order a coke, and do not touch the seat pockets. But one of the most controversial topics is the armrests on the middle seat. This small detail may be insignificant, but for many travelers, it is they that become the subject of serious disagreements. Due to disputes over the right to use them on board the plane, there were even real fights.
In a three-seater row, the middle seat has two supports – and the traveler sitting in the middle can legally use two armrests at the same time. “It’s a consolation prize for being sandwiched between two people. The case is closed,” the interlocutor said.
Etiquette in the Air: There are more rules than meets the eye
The rules of etiquette on a plane turn out to be much more varied and complicated than many people think. The travel expert and founder of AirAdvisor noted that there are also unofficial recommendations when changing seats during a flight. “If you still want to swap, the consensus is that only similar or better swaps should be offered. So if you want to move from an aisle seat to another aisle seat, just to be closer to your friends, that would be fine. If you want to move from the middle seat to someone’s seat near the aisle, it can probably cause difficulties,” explained Radchenko.
He also emphasized that it is important to approach neighbors with a polite request and an explanation of your evidence. Although flight attendants sometimes help to resolve such situations, they do not have the authority to force someone to change seats. In the event of family separation on board the plane, flight attendants are usually supportive and help find a solution that suits everyone.
In addition, the expert recommended checking the availability of free seats with the flight attendants before requesting a transfer. This will make it easier to interact with other passengers. After all, following the rules of etiquette and mutual respect is a key factor in a comfortable flight for everyone.