Here are a few tips to help get you through your next five-plus hour flight in a middle seat:
Travel Neck Pillow
Neck pillows help align the spine correctly so whether you’re asleep or awake, you won’t end up with a stiff neck. When your head and neck are properly supported, you fall asleep faster and get more restful sleep. If you don’t like hauling a pillow with you every time you travel, opt for an inflatable one, or ask a flight attendant for an extra blanket to coil tightly and wrap around your neck.
Recline Your Seat
Some people think reclining your seat is rude; there are ways to get more comfortable without annoying the person behind you. Don’t recline your seat too quickly and it’s a good idea to look back to see if the person behind you is leaning forward or has their tray down. It’s also not a good idea to recline your seat during a meal or beverage service.
Use Both Armrests
Check with your neighbors first, but chances are they won’t mind if you use both armrests, it’s a small price to pay for the advantages of the window and aisle seats.
Stay Up
When the person in the window seat needs to get up for the restroom or to check the overhead bin, instead of immediately returning to your seat, stand up and stretch, take a bathroom break yourself. That way, you don’t have to get out of your seat as many times.
