Flying Together? This Simple Hack Is the Best Way To Avoid Middle Seats

When I travel with my partner, there’s never any debate over seat preferences. I love the aisle seat, and he’s more than happy with the window — it’s the perfect setup.

That’s why our “hack” used to be that we would each book a window and aisle seat, in the same row, leaving the middle seat open and hoping that it wouldn’t get picked up. Often, though, the flight would be full, and we would end up having someone sit in the middle. In that case, our seat neighbor would always be grateful that one of us sacrificed the window or aisle so we could sit together.

However, there’s an often-overlooked seating arrangement that I find even more ideal when booking flights for my partner and me. Here’s why we switched to this tactic, and how I make sure we secure these seats every time we fly.

Booking 2 Aisle Seats

I know that main cabin tickets are typically a big step-up in cost from basic economy, but for me, that extra expense is always worth it. I’ve had too many experiences where last-minute changes to a basic economy flight resulted in fees that often exceeded the ticket price. Not to mention, I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with choosing my seat in advance and boarding early to secure space in the overhead bin for my carry-on bag.

When I travel with my partner, we used to snag an empty middle seat using the strategy mentioned earlier. However, this approach has become less effective over time. We don’t travel as frequently as we used to, and when we do, it’s often during peak holiday seasons. As a result, flights are usually packed, and even the dreaded middle seats are almost always taken.

To avoid the hassle of sitting in a middle seat, we’ve adopted a new strategy: booking 2 aisle seats in the same row, which we can do without additional fees when flying on a main cabin ticket. This way, we’re still technically next to each other (well, just a foot and a half apart) while enjoying the freedom to move around without disturbing anyone. We both much prefer this setup over having one of us stuck in the middle, and that’s especially the case on longer flights.

How I Guarantee My Preferred Seat on Every Flight

As discussed earlier, you’ll likely need to book a main-cabin fare in order to get access to “free” seat assignments. If securing your preferred seat on every flight is a priority, basic economy won’t cut it.

Unless I’m booking a flight at the very last minute, I always plan far enough ahead to choose my preferred seats during the reservation process. Instead of aiming for an empty row, my partner and I scout out for 2 aisle seats side-by-side.

The real advantage comes with having airline elite status. Even at the entry levels, elite status often provides perks like complimentary seat selection toward the front of the economy cabin. For example, American Airlines AAdvantage Gold members can book “Preferred Seats” for free at the time of booking. Then, within 24 hours of departure, they can upgrade to Main Cabin Extra Seats with extra legroom if they’re available.

When you’re traveling as an elite member, these benefits typically extend to at least one companion on the same itinerary. (Not to mention, you’ll also both be eligible for space-available complimentary upgrades.) For couples who travel frequently, having one person with elite status can make a big difference in securing seats with extra legroom.

If the seat map looks full, I make it a habit to check periodically — sometimes daily — to see if anything opens up. Since elite flyers often have the flexibility to modify their tickets for free, especially on the same day, seat availability can change significantly. For example, if I’m initially booked in Row 23, I keep an eye out for opportunities to move closer to the front as seats become available.

Final Thoughts

The timeless debate of “aisle or window” will continue on indefinitely — and middle seats are naturally left out of the discussion. When traveling as a couple, I’ve found a clever seating strategy that ensures I almost never have to endure a middle seat.

Thankfully, my elite status perks make it even easier to secure my favorite seats every time I book — but the strategy can work even without elite status!