Many unpleasant things can happen when traveling, such as flight cancellations. But what's worse are the unexpected circumstances that leave you in a sticky airplane situation; especially the allocation of the middle seat. Flying in the middle seat is never a fun experience, but that doesn't mean you can't make it more enjoyable. Check out our ways to survive the experience.
Prepare your body for the run
Travellers are advised to avoid foods that contain a lot of salt from the day before the flight if you want to avoid swelling and stay happy and healthy once you arrive at your destination. Doctors also urge you to drink plenty of water to combat dryness, and to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which will require frequent toilet visits. Don't forget to get up and walk around on long flights to improve circulation.
Place all your bags in the designated space
In the event that you have to spend the flight in the not-so-pleasant middle seat, be aware that you will inevitably be cramped no matter what. Therefore, you should free up as much space as possible at your feet. It is highly recommended that you put any items you use on the run (such as a phone or make-up) in a small bag to make the most of the space.
Pack the right gear Sleeping is probably the most fun way to survive the middle seat during a flight. So make sure you pack everything you need (the right travel pillow, comfortable outfit, headphones, earplugs, and an eye mask) so you can sleep in the most comfortable way.
Get on board as early as possible and claim the armrests
It gives you the time to easily get to your seat without having to maneuver your belongings past your fellow passengers. If you are the first to sit you can also claim the armrests. According to etiquette, you are entitled to this. Place your arms on them as soon as you sit down to claim your space.
Go to the toilet before the flight
This trick only works for a short time - a visit to the toilet is inevitable on longer flights. But there's nothing worse than sitting down and asking your neighbor to get up 10 minutes after departure so you can go to the toilet.
Get active before and after the flight
To loosen tight muscles or joints and maintain good circulation, both before and after the flight, consider doing light aerobic exercise or taking a simple walk.
It's about being active and help your body cope with the extreme lack of activity while flying. And don't forget to do some deep breathing exercises.
Focus on your breathing
When on board, it is important to focus on breathing exercises to reduce tension and discomfort. Follow these steps for best results:
– Take a deep breath until your lungs are filled.
– Hold it for 5-10 seconds, then exhale to push all that air out of your lungs.
– Repeat about 5 times an hour. This will help oxygen flow efficiently through your body.
Enter the entertainment
If you find it hard to sleep on the plane, you need something to keep you busy. It's actually a good chance to finish some tasks, read a good book or watch your favorite series on Netflix. It is recommended that you download a few movies or several episodes to your preferred device and forget about the middle seat or even the entire flight while watching. Plus, time flies!
Talk to your neighbors
Believe it or not, a little kindness can give you several good benefits while flying, especially if you find yourself in a mini-fight for the armrests or have to ask your neighbors for the 2nd or 3rd time to go to the toilet. In the end, you can have a fantastic adventure if you have an interesting conversation with your neighbor.
Stand up for yourself politely
Anyone who flies knows that it is courteous to give up the armrests for the one sitting in the middle. According to airline etiquette, the middle seat will have both armrests, so you need to address the issue with your fellow passengers and make sure you remain polite and calm.
