When it comes to air travel, everyone has their own set of preferences and pet peeves. From the battle over the armrest to the reclining seat dilemma, flying can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield of social etiquette. However, a recent online debate has taken the conversation to new heights, focusing on the rights and wrongs of catching some shut-eye in the aisle seat.


The controversy began when a Reddit user boldly stated that passengers seated in the aisle should stay awake during flights, especially those under seven hours. The rationale? To ensure that fellow passengers in the middle and window seats have unobstructed access to the lavatory, can receive service from flight attendants, and can evacuate promptly if an emergency arises.


'A person sitting in an aisle seat on a plane should not be allowed to sleep,' the Redditor declared. 'But anything shorter than that, you should not be sleeping. What if the middle or window passenger needs the bathroom, or if the flight attendant needs to hand them something – You'll be in the way.'


The post struck a nerve, igniting a fiery debate among social media users. Some agreed with the sentiment, arguing that aisle seat passengers have an unspoken duty to remain vigilant. Others, however, pushed back, suggesting that a gentle nudge is all it takes to wake them for any necessary interruptions.

'Nah, just poke me and wake me up if you need me to get up or do something,' one user retorted. 'I'm well aware that I'm in the way, believe me. I'm certainly not there because I wanted to be in the aisle seat.'

Another user chimed in, 'If you sleep in an aisle seat, you deal with people getting up. That's the unwritten rule.'


The debate didn't stop there. Some commenters added humour to the mix, with one joking about their broad shoulders being a favour to others by choosing the aisle seat. Meanwhile, others offered their own set of 'flight rules,' such as the middle seat getting both armrests and the window seat controlling the shade during critical moments of the flight.

As the discussion raged on, it became evident that opinions on in-flight etiquette were as varied as the passengers themselves. But what do the experts say? And what are the unspoken rules of flying that we should all be aware of?

For starters, it's generally accepted that the middle seat passenger gets dibs on the armrests, given their limited space. The window seat passenger, on the other hand, has control over the window shade but should be considerate during takeoff and landing to allow others to see outside.


When it comes to sleeping in the aisle seat, there's no official rule that prohibits it. However, it's courteous to remain mindful of your neighbours' needs. If you're prone to dozing off, perhaps alert your seatmates before takeoff so that they feel free to wake you if they need to get by.

Interestingly, a survey by Upgraded Points revealed the most coveted seats on a plane, with 1A taking the top spot for its extra legroom and quick exit access. Seat 7F, 7A, 1F, and 7C were also favourites, highlighting that preferences often revolve around space and convenience.

Ultimately, the key to a peaceful flight may lie in communication and mutual respect. Whether you're an aisle sleeper or a window watcher, being considerate of those around you can make all the difference in the skies.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what's your take on this airborne controversy? Do you have a set of personal flight etiquette rules you live by? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we'd love to hear how you navigate the friendly (or not-so-friendly) skies!