Small In Flight Mini-Hack

Now that we travel as a family of 3, we usually get seat assignments where we take up the entire row on one side of the aisle.

Our favorite seats are 8A, 8B and 8C which is the second row in Economy. As we've mentioned in the past, we dislike sitting by the bulkhead due to (a) the lack of floor storage space and (b) the trays being in the unmovable arm rests.

So when we settle into row 8, my mother and I usually fight over who gets the window seat, with the loser having to sit by my father in the middle seat. He often takes the aisle seat so he can jump into the aisle and position himself as soon as the seatbelt lights turn off when we land.

With the tight spacing between rows, getting in and out of your seat is always tough, even when you're less than 5'6" like my parents. And it's especially difficult when the tray tables are out and someone has to use the bathroom. Oftentimes, we move the arm rests up to allow us more maneuverability.

However, ever notice that the arm rest by the aisle always seems to be locked in position? Wouldn't it be great if you were able to swivel this arm rest up as well?

Well, my father knows how! Voila! Now sliding out of your seat is that much easier, especially when your tray is down.

The trick is the small button seen here towards the base (bottom) of the arm rest. By pressing that button, the arm rest unlocks and you're able to lift it up. You're welcome.