Mom's viral airplane seating hack stirs debate; solo flyers 'can't stand' it

Jess Darrington, a mother from Idaho, shared a seating hack on TikTok that has gained significant attention, amassing over 8.1 million views. The hack involves booking an aisle and a window seat in the same row while leaving the middle seat open, with the hope that no one else will book it. Darrington successfully used this strategy while traveling to Europe with her husband and infant, enjoying extra space when the middle seat remained unoccupied. However, this approach has sparked controversy, particularly among solo travelers who often find themselves in the middle seat. Critics argue that this tactic can lead to uncomfortable situations, as they may be expected to switch seats or feel awkward in a crowded space. One solo traveler recounted a negative experience where they were stuck between a couple who were engaged in conversation, making the flight unpleasant. Darrington acknowledges the gamble involved in her hack, emphasizing that if the middle seat is filled, passengers should remain respectful and accept the situation. She suggests that families should offer to switch seats with the middle passenger to enhance everyone's comfort. This advice highlights the importance of courtesy in shared spaces like airplanes. The debate surrounding this seating strategy reflects broader issues of etiquette and consideration among travelers. While some families may benefit from the extra space, solo flyers often feel inconvenienced, leading to a divide in opinions about the appropriateness of such hacks.