Travelers Agree These Passengers' Quirky Airplane Seating Arrangement Was The Right Move

As simple as it might seem, choosing the "perfect" airplane seat is a tough thing for travelers. Should you go for the window or the aisle? Front of the plane or the back? If only there was a trick that could help you book the best seats on your next flight! For this reason, airplane seating is a common point of discussion among regular travelers. More specifically, a post on Reddit's r/Delta community regarding a married couple who deliberately chose not to sit together during their flight. Each of the lovebirds went for their preferred spots — one of them was positioned in the window seat, and the other snagged the aisle, leaving the middle open for a stranger. The original poster shared their surprise, admitting, "I took a last minute flight and got put in a middle seat. No one's favorite. But a few minutes after boarding it becomes clear the people I'm between are a married couple." 

According to this Redditor, they attempted to let them sit beside each other, only to realize that the couple was intentional about their seats. However, despite feeling bothered by this at first, the traveler who got tucked between two seemingly quirky lovers acknowledged feeling some admiration for the couple's ability to be "comfortable enough in their relationship to recognize [that] the middle seat sucks." Other travelers in the thread agreed with the decision to leave the middle seat vacant, with many of them noting that it likely made the trip smoother and more comfortable for everybody.

Given what several different travelers on the r/Delta thread shared, comfort and personal space are more important than being closely seated with one's partner. And, when you think about it, sacrificing a few hours apart could be the best way to ensure each partner enjoys their individual preferences — more like respecting and fulfilling each other's choice while still traveling together. As one Redditor explained, "I sit aisle. He sits window. We don't share stuff or chat. Its a flight not a bonding experience." Comments from other users revealed just how common this practice has become. As one confirmed, "We usually do too. When we fly to the Caribbean I like the window to watch as we approach the blue water. He always wants the aisle. If we have anyone between us we don't talk over them though — that's rude." 

While some couples often leave a seat between them, certain travelers worried that this may inconvenience whoever sits in the middle, especially if they keep talking or exchanging items throughout the flight (and depending on how long it is). To avoid this, others prefer sitting at opposite aisles for more convenient chatting, in addition to the ease of access to the toilet. One Redditor pointed out, when he and his wife use this option, "We can talk to each other if we want, but no one in the way (besides the flight attendant during drink/snack service)." Another user expressed their repulsion for the middle, reiterating that it isn't an option.

Couples flying together don't have to sit directly beside each other. And, no, it's not about avoiding your partner; it's more about being smart and creative, at a time when airlines continue to shrink legroom at the expense of passengers' comfort. You can make the most of the limited space, and give yourself more legroom on the plane too. Plus, each person gets to fulfill their specific preferences. On less crowded flights, if you're in luck, grabbing the aisle and window seats could mean ending up with an empty seat in the middle too. This gives you more comfort and enough room between you both to use as you wish. 

However, if someone sits there, it's important to always be courteous. Avoid inconsiderate or rude actions like passing things across or talking over them. As an alternative to separate seating, couples may also sit aisle to aisle, giving each partner a better chance to enjoy more space, and less chance of disturbing anyone. The good thing in all of this — for other travelers, at least — is that couples sitting apart reduces the need for awkward seat swaps, which is an airplane etiquette blunder social media users have long debated. 

Since they've already decided to book their ideal seats away from each other, there'll be no need to pressure strangers for a shuffle. That said, it's always essential to book as early as possible if you want to get your choice of seat. Since most travelers instinctively go for the aisle or the window seat, stalling would definitely do you no good.