CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE
Flight attendant reveals the real rules on empty middle seats including who gets to use the tray table
Scroll for flight attendants' least favourite types of passenger
A FLIGHT attendant has revealed the real rules on empty middle seats - including who gets to use the tray table.
A spare middle seat is any flyer's dream, not just because of the extra elbow space - but also legroom, under-seat storage, on-seat storage, additional tray, and spare seat pocket.
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Passengers can often come to blows over this prime real estate - with flight attendants forced to step in.
And while the unclaimed middle seat may seem like a free-for-all, John, who works for Delta Air Lines, said this was far from the case.
Speaking to Travel and Leisure, he first dispelled the idea that flight attendants adhere to a "first come, first served" logic when it comes to allocating the space.
Instead, he said cabin crew are more likely to consider safety factors, like what each person is proposing to place on the seat.
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For example, while it's reasonable to place light items like an unused blanket or pillow on the middle seat, bulky items like bags are not allowed.
John said: "Sometimes, people will place a heavy backpack on the seat and put a seatbelt on it — that doesn’t work either.
";If you hit turbulence, that bag will fly in the air and potentially hit somebody."
Given it's a shared space, John also advised passengers to avoid leaning too much into the middle seat, adding: "I wouldn't move into it physically in any significant way."
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While it allows for the luxury of a little extra leg and elbow room, encroaching any further could end in an argument.
Overall, communication and a sense of humility is essential when it comes to avoiding on-board confrontation, John added.
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This means, for example, simply asking politely if you can use the under-seat space or put a light item on the seat.
When it comes to the middle seat's tray, John similarly advised coming to a verbal agreement about what would be mutually beneficial - rather than assuming your neighbour doesn't mind what you are doing.
The handy tips come after a former flight attendant revealed the crucial travel accessories she never flies without - including a neck pillow, charger and snacks.
And, another travel expert revealed why Coca-Cola doesn't taste as nice on a plane - whereas ginger ale is even nicer than usual.
Writing for Popsci, Amanda Reed explained that while sweet flavours are dulled in the low-pressure, dry atmosphere of a cabin, sour and umami flavours are enhanced.
Worst passengers to have to deal with
A flight attendant has revealed the worst passengers to deal with on flights, here's what she said:
Drunk passengers
"People who make the most of the booze on board are really irritating. We have a lot to think about on our flights as it is, without looking after people who have drunk themselves into a stupor.
"My advice for passengers is to enjoy the included booze, in moderation.
"If there's an emergency and you're hammered, you're going to be no use to anybody, least of all yourself. So it's best to stay alert."
Vapers
"Vaping on board is becoming more popular and it's ridiculous that people think they can get away with it.
"The big plume of fruity smoke is always a bit of a giveaway.
"But it can also cause panic in the rest of the cabin as well - imagine seeing a big smokey cloud in a plane? It's definitely not something you're expecting, so will definitely leave people feeling a little frightened."
Listening to music without headphones
"There's few things worse than tinny phone music blaring out through the plane cabin, or an episode of Breaking Bad being broadcast from one passenger to the people around them.
"The thing I always tell people to remember is that there are other people on board the plane and they aren't all travelling for the same reason.
"So keep your music and TV to yourself and just think long and hard about whether the other people on board want to listen to your awful dance music."
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