10 Easy Ways to Feel Less Crowded on a Plane

Have you ever been on a plane and felt like you were packed in like a can of sardines? Your knees are hitting the seat in front of you, and you’re in a constant battle for the armrest with the person next to you. It’s a common problem.

Airlines often try to fit as many people as possible onto each flight, which can make flying feel super cramped, especially in economy class.

But don’t worry, your next flight doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable squeeze. There are some simple tricks you can use to carve out a little more personal space for yourself, making the journey way more enjoyable.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money on a fancy business-class ticket to get some extra room. Here are ten easy ways to feel less crowded and make your flight a more relaxing experience.

Blocked Middle Seats

Imagine having a whole row to yourself, or at least not having to share your armrest. Some airlines are making this happen. They’ve introduced an option where you can pay a little extra to make sure the middle seat next to you stays empty.

It’s a cool idea that started in Europe and is now available on more flights.

This is a simple way to get more elbow room without having to buy a super expensive ticket. Think of it as your personal space bubble for the flight. You get more room to stretch out, put your stuff, and just feel less squished.

It’s a great trick for making a long flight feel much more comfortable.

Extra Legroom Seats

If you’re tall, you know the struggle of trying to fit your legs into a tiny space. Luckily, many airlines have seats with more legroom that you can book. These are often in exit rows or special sections of the plane.

For a small fee, you can score one of these seats and avoid having your knees jammed against the seat in front of you.

This is a game-changer for long flights, giving you the freedom to stretch out. It makes the trip much more comfortable and is way cheaper than buying a first-class ticket.

Just remember, if you sit in an exit row, you might have to help in an emergency. Check the airline’s website when you book to see what’s available.

Bidding for Upgrades

Want to feel like a high-roller without the high-roller price tag? Some airlines have a cool auction system where you can bid for a seat upgrade.

Before your flight, you can put in an offer for a spot in a premium cabin, like premium economy or even business class, if there are empty seats. It’s like a game where the highest bidder gets a major comfort boost.

This is a fun, low-risk way to try and get a much better seat. If your bid is accepted, you get to fly in style with tons more room. If not, you just keep your original seat and don’t lose any money.

It’s always worth checking if your airline has this option—you might get lucky and score a sweet deal for a more spacious ride.

Paying for an Empty Seat

Here’s a straightforward trick: just buy the seat next to you. If you really want to guarantee you won’t have a neighbor, some airlines let you purchase an extra seat.

Depending on the flight’s cost, this can sometimes be a cheaper option than moving up to a premium economy seat, and it gives you all that personal space.

Certain airlines even make this super easy to do right from their app when you’re booking your flight.

By doing this, you’re basically creating your own wider seat. You get double the armrests and a place to put your bag, jacket, or snacks without bothering anyone.

It’s a sure way to make sure you have plenty of room to spread out and feel less boxed in during your trip. It’s a simple solution for anyone who values their personal bubble on a flight.