If you’re travelling with a partner, the instinct is usually to book seats side-by-side, but the savvy traveller knows there is a much better way to play the system. Instead of settling for a cramped pair, try booking the window and the aisle in a row of three, intentionally leaving the middle seat empty. Because middle seats are the very last to be assigned by airline algorithms, you stand a fantastic chance of the seat remaining vacant if the flight isn’t at 100% capacity. This simple trick can effectively turn a standard row into a private retreat, giving you that extra bit of elbow room to stretch out and enjoy the journey without a stranger in your personal space.
Of course, there’s always a slight risk that a solo passenger might be assigned that middle spot at the final hour. However, even if that happens, you’ve lost nothing; a middle-seat passenger will almost always be delighted to swap their awkward position for either the window or the aisle so you can sit together. It’s a win-win scenario that requires zero extra cost – just a bit of tactical thinking during the check-in process. By mastering these small “games”, you can enjoy a level of comfort that would usually require a CEO’s budget, all while keeping your travel plans flexible and your personal space protected.
