The middle seat is already a tough place to spend a flight. You’re squeezed between two strangers, trying to claim a little armrest space while hoping nobody falls asleep on your shoulder.

But one traveler recently started a debate online after describing an even more uncomfortable middle-seat situation: being stuck between a couple who had booked the window and aisle seats and then continued talking back and forth across the passenger between them.

The passenger said the situation happened on a short flight from SFO to RDM. The couple had apparently booked the window and aisle, likely hoping nobody would choose the middle. Since the traveler booked at the last minute, they ended up taking that middle seat.

There was nothing unusual about the couple choosing those seats. Plenty of people use that trick when traveling together and hope the middle stays empty. The awkward part came after someone actually took the seat.

Instead of keeping their conversation between themselves, the couple continued talking across the passenger in the middle for much of the flight.

airplane seats — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Many Travelers Thought the Couple Should Have Offered a Switch

A number of commenters felt there was an easy solution: offer the middle-seat passenger either the window or aisle seat.

One person shared a similar experience involving a father and son. The pair kept talking over the passenger between them, so the traveler eventually asked if either one wanted to switch seats. The father declined, and the passenger responded by asking them to keep the conversation to a minimum.

Another traveler said they use the same window-and-aisle booking trick with their spouse. If someone ends up in the middle, they offer that person one of their seats so they can sit together.

That seemed to be the courtesy many travelers agreed on. There’s nothing wrong with hoping the middle seat stays empty. But if someone does take it, the situation changes.

At that point, the middle passenger shouldn’t have to sit there while two people carry on a conversation over them for the entire flight.

Some Couples Use the Same Trick Without Creating a Problem

Not everyone thought booking the window and aisle was inconsiderate.

Several travelers said they do the same thing when flying with a partner. The difference is that they make an effort to leave the middle passenger alone if the seat gets booked.

One traveler explained that their spouse prefers the window while they prefer the aisle. If another passenger takes the middle, they simply put on their headphones and spend the flight doing their own thing.

That seems to be the part that makes the seat strategy work. If the middle stays empty, the couple gets the seats they wanted. If someone takes it, everyone still gets to have a reasonably comfortable flight.

The Real Problem Is Courtesy

Most of the criticism wasn’t aimed at couples who book the window and aisle seats. It was about what they do after someone takes the middle.

A couple can hope that nobody chooses the seat between them, but they can’t expect the person who does to spend the flight acting like a divider.

Constant conversation across the middle passenger can be uncomfortable, especially on a longer flight. The same goes for passing food, drinks, phones, or other items over someone’s lap.

There are plenty of easy alternatives. The couple can offer to switch seats, send messages to each other, or save the conversation until they land.

For the person sitting in the middle, a little courtesy can make a surprisingly big difference. The seat is already cramped enough without feeling like you’re sitting in the middle of someone else’s private conversation.