The debate over who is entitled to the two middle armrests in rows with three seats on airplanes continues to rage on, with a United Airlines flight attendant recently attempting to clarify the issue by announcing that each person should use the armrest on their right, leaving the aisle armrest clear for carts and passengers walking down the plane. Experts have long been divided on this matter, with opinions ranging from giving the middle seat passenger control over the armrests to advocating for a more assertive approach in requesting or sharing the armrest.
According to life etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell, the middle seat passenger is in the most uncomfortable position and should be given priority in making decisions about the armrests. Fellow etiquette expert Thomas Farley agrees, stating that the middle seat is essentially torture and recommending that the middle passenger ask for both armrests or at least share them with their seatmates. However, not everyone is so willing to comply with these suggestions, leading to potential discomfort and resentment for the middle seat passenger.
Travel expert Chris Elliott takes a different approach, arguing that there is no sense of ownership over any space on an airplane and that it is a shared environment where negotiation is key. He believes that even the space within your own seat is subject to negotiation, especially if seated next to a larger passenger. Airlines are often unsympathetic to these issues, making it difficult to claim ownership over any specific area of the plane. In his view, passengers must navigate the mile-high jungle and adapt to the realities of air travel.
While the recent announcement by the United Airlines flight attendant attempted to address the armrest debate, it may not have provided a definitive solution to the ongoing issue. The division among experts and passengers on who should have access to the middle armrests highlights the complexity of navigating personal space and comfort in a shared environment like an airplane. Ultimately, finding a compromise or an approach that respects the needs and comfort of all passengers may be the most effective way to handle the armrest dilemma.
In conclusion, the debate over armrest etiquette on airplanes continues to be a contentious issue that garners strong opinions from both experts and passengers. While some advocate for giving the middle seat passenger priority in using the armrests, others believe that negotiation and adaptation are essential in the shared space of an airplane. Finding a solution that balances the needs and comfort of all passengers may be the key to resolving this long-standing debate. As air travel evolves and changes, discussions around personal space and etiquette are likely to remain an important aspect of the flying experience.
