Captain Nowhere Personal Space

How many times have you flown and felt like a sardine in can?
Probably more often than you would care to admit. Smaller
regional jets, or puddle jumpers, as they are sometimes called by
travel savvy passengers, often have limited space to begin with
and usually go out pretty full due to the smaller number of seats
they offer. It is important to remember that this is not your
personal jet and there are others onboard who deserve their
space as well. Your personal space is restricted to the area within
the armrests and behind the chair in front of you. Even if it is
small, that is all you get. Other passengers don’t want you leaning
all over them or your elbow digging into them. Keep within your
own personal space.

The shared armrest can be a source of contention among those
who fly often. A simple rule of thumb to follow is this: the first
arm down gets it. It doesn’t matter if you are larger, meaner, or
better looking. The first arm to claim the arm rest wins . . . no
whining. If you are the lucky winner then don’t cross the armrest
into the other passengers space. You already have more than they
do, don’t further rob them.

If you need more space airlines will let you purchase an additional
seat that can guarantee a little extra space. If you are not a high
spender a little kindness can go a long way. While in the gate area
wait for the gate agent to have a moment with no one else around
and politely ask if there are any seats available by themselves or
with an open one next to it. If you ask nicely and get a nice agent
you may just luck out. This doesn’t guarantee that another
passenger won’t come switch seats and take your open seat but is
better than being assigned that way to start off.

If you want more spacious seating try for an exit row, bulkhead, or
aisle seat. Bear in mind that if you stretch out into the aisle that
other passengers need to use the aisle as well as the flight
attendant. Be courteous and remember that you don’t own the
aisle. Hopefully, these tips help you out with your next flight.

Travel Safe, Travel Smart . . . Get Somewhere!