If there’s one truth about flying in the modern era, it’s this: The space is never enough. That’s especially true if you’re stuck in the dreaded middle seat. There's a sneaky little trick that just might come to your rescue when you find yourself in the middle seat: a secret button buried beneath the armrests that can magically lift them out of the way. Even seasoned travelers often fly without knowing it exists. Just slide your finger underneath and press or pull to release the lock. Once you engage it, the armrest lifts and stays flush with the seat, which in turn frees up valuable space. It’s one of those small details that, when you find it, makes a big difference on a cramped flight. However, just because you can lift the armrest doesn’t mean you always should. Aisle armrests need to be down for takeoff and landing, and when they’re up, it allows the aisle passenger to spill into the aisle even more during service, which can cause elbows, knees, and feet to get knocked by the cart. So while the trick can make your ride more comfortable, it’s best reserved for cruising altitude — and it’s best executed with a healthy dose of awareness and common sense.
