This Flight Attendant-Approved Airplane Hack Can Make Your Trip More Comfortable

There's an age-old debate when it comes to air travel. Almost everyone has a strong opinion, and after working as a flight attendant for more than 10 years, I can confirm that it has travelers divided. Of course, I'm talking about the classic dilemma of whether the aisle or the window seat is best.

The pros for an aisle seat include the ability to stand up without bothering your neighbors, should you need to stretch you legs or visit the lavatory. Some people even try to use it as extra legroom by sticking their legs into the aisle — although I beg you not to do this, as it presents a potential tripping hazard for everyone else. Those who opt for a window seat may want the ability to admire the view, but it usually has more to do with wanting to lean against the wall to sleep. For those who prefer the best of both worlds, this hack may do the trick.

Unless you're a frequent flier, you may not realize that, while the armrests on the aisle seat appear to be set in a fixed position, there is a sneaky way to lift them. This is an accessibility feature designed to help disabled customers get in and out of their seat. As demonstrated in a TikTok video by flight attendant Charlie Silver, there is typically a button or a small lever underneath, near the hinge of the armrest, that allows you to raise it. Once you've found it, release the hinge and lift the armrest. This could be a good place to rest a travel pillow, which would give the aisle seat the same benefits as the window seat in terms of comfort. But there are a few things you should know about this hack before you give it a try. 

If you're an experienced flier, you likely have a basic understanding of airplane etiquette. For example, there are some unspoken rules to follow if the middle seat is empty on your flight. You probably also know better than to excessively ring the flight attendant call button, or to play your music from your speakers instead of headphones, a rule that could get you banned from this US airline if you break it.

That being said, there are also more serious safety policies, typically issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to be aware of when you fly. For one, it is necessary to keep the aisle armrest in the down and locked position during takeoff, landing, and any other time the seatbelt sign is turned on. At this time, seatbelts must also be fastened, tray tables secured, seat-backs raised, and all carry-ons stowed. This means there will be large portion of the flight where it will not be possible to raise the aisle armrest. Unless you're taking a long-haul flight, during which the seatbelt sign is turned off for longer periods of time, you should probably prepare to have your nap interrupted.

There are a few things to take into consideration when booking your next plane ticket if your goal is to get a little shut-eye. The first thing I would do is pull up your airline's seat map and take note of the type of plane your flight is scheduled on. Then, perform a quick internet search — chances are, you'll find tips from professional travelers on websites like FlyBetter about the ins and outs of that plane and where the best seats are located.

If stretching your legs is a priority, try booking a bulkhead seat, or the first row of a section, which often has more legroom without the cost of an upgrade. The same can be said for exit row seats, which are often a bit wider for rapid egress in the event of an emergency. If a bumpy ride isn't your thing, pick a seat in the middle of the cabin, over the wings, where turbulence is usually less noticeable.

For those who want to lie down without the cost of a first-class ticket, buying an entire row of seats can be less expensive than a true upgrade. I've come across passengers who habitually use this strategy for lengthy flights, and airlines are taking note. United Airlines will soon offer a convertible seat option to relax on long-haul flights based on the same concept of utilizing an entire row as a lay-down seat. No matter which option you choose, a little knowledge and planning will go a long way towards ensuring maximum comfort on your next flight.