My most popular post of 2017 shared a travel tip which could make flying a bit more comfortable. As 2018 comes to a close, I felt it would be a good idea to share it again this year.
Check out my post: Do You Know About The Secret Button On Your Airplane Seat?
Many of you might prefer to fly in premium cabins to get a bigger airplane seat but the reality is that most of us do fly in coach.
Flying in coach might not be the most comfortable way to travel and space can be pretty tight but there’s a way that some of you can gain a little more room by using a secret button.
This secret button will only be available to those of you who sit in the aisle seat. While the window seat does have its benefits (views, leaning on the side while you sleep), I’m an aisle kind of guy. I like to be able to stretch my legs and get up without bothering or inconveniencing others.
One big problem which restricts movement in an airplane seat is the armrest. While the middle armrest can move up to create more space, you’re out of luck with the outer armrest (aisle side).
Or are you?
With the push of one secret button, you can move the armrest up while in the aisle seat.
On the Southwest seat above, the button was more like a small lever. On other airlines, the button is more like a small circular space cut out. When you pushed inside the space, it releases the armrest, allowing for it to go up.
Moving the armrest up on the aisle airplane seat has a couple of benefits.
- More space! Stretch your legs without restricted access or move your arm without feeling like your trapped in your seat’s space. (Just watch out for the service trolley!)
- When you land, it’s much easier to get out of your seat when the armrest is raised. Don’t take my word for it. Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean.
Did you know about the secret button on your airplane seat? If so, do you use it?
(Just an FYI- not all airlines have the secret button on their seat’s armrests. From what I recall, on a recent JetBlue flight there was no button to be found.)
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DaninMCI- For sure! On some armrests, you can’t push the button to raise the armrest. I wonder if they use a special tool etc.
David- Good point!
JohnJ- 🙂
Definitely on some of JetBlue’s Airbus A320 (twin-jet) planes.
You do have to leave it down however during takeoff and landing
I use this all the time but some airlines have the button but it doesn’t always work as well.