What happens when you’re in a cozy center seat, sandwiched between two strangers, and both the man on your left and the woman on your right are each using two armrests? Are they particularly large people? No. Are they simply oblivious to your discomfort? Most likely, yes. It falls to you to point out the error of your seat companions’ ways.
1. First, choose which seatmate to confront: the aisle sitter, who has to deal with people going up and down the aisle, bumping into him? Or the window sitter, who has as little leg room as you do? It’s a tough choice, but you should address the person who seems the most pleasant and approachable.
2. Once you’ve chosen, emit an audibly heartfelt sigh to get your seatmate’s attention.
3. When she looks your way, engage her in small talk. Here are some starters: Where are you from? Are you traveling for business or pleasure? Do you know if we get a meal on this flight?
4. Attempt to create a bond with her by lamenting the inhumane conditions-including the dismal grub-of economy class.
5. Once she begins to exhibit empathy (nods of the head, sympathetic touches of your arm), gently state, “You probably didn’t even realize it, but you’re using two armrests. Would you mind if I used this one?”
6. Gaze at her dolefully. You may even want to briefly demonstrate for her how exceedingly difficult it is to spread your book out on your lap without the use of a single armrest
7. Once she surrenders the armrest, thank her for her kindness and be sure to accommodate any of her wishes-within reason-during the rest of the flight.
