Mom’s viral airplane seating hack stirs debate; solo flyers ‘can’t stand’ it.
Jess Darrington, an inventive family travel blogger from Idaho, has garnered significant attention with her creative approach to securing more space on flights, particularly for those traveling with little ones. Her TikTok video, under the handle @where.is.briggs, showcases a seating strategy that has racked up over 8.1 million views, igniting conversations among both families and solo travelers.
Jess suggests a method that involves booking an aisle and a window seat while intentionally leaving the middle seat vacant, in hopes that it won’t be assigned to another passenger. Yet, she candidly notes that “sometimes” this tactic works, implying it’s not a foolproof plan.
In her heartfelt video, Darrington recounts a memorable experience when her family booked four seats across two rows for an 11-hour journey from Amsterdam to Salt Lake City. Fortuitously, the middle seat remained empty, allowing them to enjoy the entire row—an idyllic scenario for a traveling family. Over the years, she has embraced this hack with mixed outcomes, illustrating the unpredictable nature of air travel.
“The first time we tried it was with just one child, a lap infant at that,” she recalls. “The flight was nearly empty, and I thought, ‘What if we take a gamble and leave that middle seat open?’” Her calculations paid off, at least that time. Darrington, ever thoughtful, emphasizes that families must accept that luck isn’t guaranteed, and if the middle seat is filled, courtesy should prevail in offering kindness to fellow passengers.
Darrington reflects upon the unease many passengers feel about the middle seat. It is often regarded as the least desirable, yet she proposes a solution: “Offer one of your seats to the person in the middle. It’s a simple gesture and can truly uplift their experience.” The humor in her approach can soften the sting that comes from the frustration of cramming into tight quarters.
“It’s so important to be considerate on travel days.”
However, not all share Darrington’s enthusiasm for the hack. Solo travelers are vocal about their displeasure when assigned to the middle seat, often expressing annoyance at families attempting this trick. One user lamented, “I honestly can’t stand when people do this and then expect me to move or switch seats.” This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves unwittingly part of someone else’s travel strategy.
This clash of experiences, between families seeking solace in the open seat and solo travelers grappling with their unexpectedly cramped circumstances, highlights the complex nature of modern air travel. Darrington’s experience emphasizes the need for empathy. “If you choose to gamble on this hack,” she advises, “be ready to give space to the stranger sitting near you.” It invites reflection about how our choices can reverberate in the lives of others.
Rosalinda Randall, an etiquette expert from California, calls attention to the need for commonsense courtesies, reminding everyone of the importance of maintaining respect amid minor inconveniences. She reflects on how a small act of kindness can brighten a passenger’s day, turning a potential conflict into a moment of connection. As air travel becomes increasingly stressful, maintaining a level of humanity and understanding seems crucial.
In thoughtful consideration of Darrington’s approach, both she and Randall suggest that those wishing to employ this seating strategy might want to choose flights during less hectic travel periods. “Look for less popular routes,” Darrington recommends, as this can improve the chances of achieving that coveted empty seat.
In the end, Darrington’s viral seating hack has sparked an ongoing dialogue in the skies above us—a reminder of the varied experiences of air travel and the shared humanity that can bridge the gap between families and solo travelers. It’s a delicate dance of need, respect, and the unpredictable nature of flying, all wrapped up in the pursuit of comfort during an otherwise hectic journey.
