Struggle for armrest space is a common frustration for many plane passengers – but one flight attendant has revealed a clever strategy for those stuck in the middle and caught between two armrest-hogging neighbours.
Nearly a third of passengers flying with UK airlines found armrest hogging to be one of the most annoying habits onboard, survey revealed.
Mary, a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline, recently shared her tip for reclaiming the coveted armrest space, especially when she finds herself on a work transfer, seated between two passengers with no seat choice.
A flight attendant has shared the ‘elbow rest’ strategy that passengers need to know when flying – particularly for those caught in the middle seat
Speaking to BBC News, Mary explained how she often gets placed in the middle seat between two passengers – typically men – who take up both armrests.
She admitted she has had to ‘tussle with elbows’ in a bid to secure an armrest – but she revealed her own personal strategy to reclaim the space.
Mary’s solution? Patience and a well-timed move, as she revealed: ‘I wait until they reach for a drink and take the armrest.
‘One [guy] kept trying to push my arm, and I just had to given him a look: “We’re not doing that today.”‘
To resolve any tension, William Hanson, an etiquette coach and author, also suggested a mentality to adopt while on board.
The expert says people should adjust to the idea of having ‘elbow rests’ rather than armrests – and share them equally.
Meanwhile, a flight attendant has shared three ways that customers can sneak themselves a free upgrade into the first class cabin.
Mary, a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline, revealed she waits for fellow aisle passengers to reach for their drink, before she closes in to place her elbow on the armrest
Cierra Mist, who posts videos on TikTok about her life as an air stewardess, gave some handy advice for viewers on how they might be able to pull off an upgrade.
Sharing her first tip, she advised that the simple gesture of being nice to your gate agent or flight attendant could get you a golden ticket to a more lavish part of the aircraft.
She said: ‘We can work miracles if given some Starbucks or a bag of chocolate when we haven’t even had time to stop for food from working on back-to-back flights’.
Moving on to her second tip, Cierra shared one that could be somewhat out of your control, but may still be achievable.
Cierra said: ‘Another common way we that we move people all the way up to the front of the plane if the flight isn’t full to make sure the aeroplane is balanced’.
This means that if you sit at the back of the plane in an area that is heavily booked-out, you might get lucky and be asked to move all the way up front to first class.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk