Airplane Hacks: 11 Clever Tips to Survive the Dreaded Middle Seat

April 25, 2025 | 05:46 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For most travelers, an airplane's middle seat is the bane of air travel. It is cramped, awkward, and often a test of endurance. Sandwiched between strangers, with less legroom than window or aisle seats, the middle seat is rarely anyone's preference.

With smart strategies, however, the middle seat can become bearable, even pleasant. Here are 11 expert-backed tips to master the middle seat, drawn from seasoned flyers and travel professionals.

1. Pack a Neck Pillow. Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, a vacation rental platform, champions a quality neck pillow. "It's essential for middle-seat survival," he told Travel + Leisure. Many planes lack adjustable headrests, making a reliable pillow a lifesaver.

2. Bring an Eye Mask. Schwab also recommends an eye mask to block out light from a window-seat neighbor who might not close the shade. It's a small but mighty tool for catching some sleep.

3. Noise-Canceling Headphones. Some airlines provide headphone, but they are often very basic, if not flimsy and unreliable. Noise-canceling headphones can drown out chatty passengers, crying babies, or engine hum, allowing focus on in-flight entertainment or peace.

4. Claim the Armrests. There's an unspoken rule in economy class: the middle seat gets both armrests. "Politely assert your unofficial right," says Brandon Berkson, founder and editor-in-chief of Hotels Above Par. 

5. Stow Bags Overhead. Travel etiquette expert Jo Hayes suggests keeping the under-seat area clear for legroom. Store bags in the overhead bin, but if the flight's full and space is tight, keep a small bag below.

6. Wear a Fanny Pack. For essentials like passport, phone, or snacks, a fanny pack—or waist bag—or a small pouch keeps things accessible without cluttering space.

7. Bring Extra Cushion. Tiffany Banks, a frequent flyer and CEO of Nevada Realtors, recommends a foldable gel seat cushion topped with a jacket for extra comfort. "It's a game-changer for long flights," she says.

8. Wear a Hoodie. Another option, according to Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, is to wear a hoodie. It doubles as a neck pillow or extra padding and keeps us warm when the cabin gets chilly.

9. Prepare Entertainment. Download movies, games, or ebooks to stay engaged. If there is no in-flight entertainment (IFE), having a tablet or smartphone loaded with entertainment can make hours fly by.

10. Stay Hydrated, Snack Smart. Middle-seat travelers should avoid frequent bathroom trips, but don't skimp on water. Berkson suggests a reusable bottle filled post-security and a few favorite snacks to stay fueled.

11. Practice Patience. Former Lufthansa flight attendant Christian Bumpous, now a therapist, views the middle seat as a chance to build resilience. He suggested trying the 4-4-4-4 breathing exercise—inhale, hold, exhale, and pause for four counts each—to stay calm.

With these tips, the middle seat doesn't have to be a nightmare. A little preparation and a positive mindset can turn a cramped flight into a manageable, even pleasant, journey.

Editor’s Choice: Fly Smart: 5 Foods and Drinks Experts Say You Should Avoid Before a Flight 

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