Every traveler even flight attendants have these seats that they consider poor seating options for a flight, especially a long one. But according to experts polled by British newspaper The Telegraph, it’s your favorite corner of the plane that can reveal more about your personality as a traveller.
Mark Vanhoenacker, British Airways pilot and author of the book “How to Land a Plane” commented on the publication that this discovery process is relatively easy.
“When I ask friends what kind of travelers they are, they often respond with a certainty that suggests they understood that when they first boarded a plane.”
While it’s easy to discern and stick to your preferences from the first ride, not every passenger is used to interpreting what their choices might mean for neighbors in the next seat and even the flight attendant team.
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However, as The Telegraph reported, there is more at stake than just the characteristics of each seat and what they may mean in terms of comfort. Cash:
If you prefer to sit by the window…
This is the place for “asocials,” slammed The Telegraph.
“Passengers who prefer window seats like to be in control, tend to have an ‘everyone’ attitude to life and are often more irritable. They like to nest and live in their own bubble,” he told Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Private Therapy Clinic in Harley Street, UK.
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“Proponents of window seats tend to be more selfish and less anxious. They’re more experienced travelers who are more comfortable harassing others,” says behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings. She refers to those who pass the neighbor in the middle and walk down the hallway to go to the toilet.
If you prefer the middle seat…
One of the most hated seats on any plane less than 1% of travelers prefer a seat between the aisle and the window, according to Virgin Australia research the middle seat is chosen by the more openminded and confident travellers.
Nathalie Nahai, behavioral psychologist and author of Business Unusual, told the Telegraph that those who choose this location don’t mind having less legroom and having to bother someone to go to the bathroom.
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“People who choose the middle spot may be more outgoing or tolerant and empathetic than their peers. It’s also possible that some travelers may feel there because they are disorganized or, if traveling in a group, because they have less authority or choice within their group.”
That is, they are people who follow others, not those who lead. “It’s the only place on an airplane where you have two shoulders to cry on,” observed psychologist Jane Gregory. Another professional from the field, Giulia Bianchi, sees things differently. “These passengers are the friendliest and may prefer this position to converse with others. They are humble and not at all smug.”
If you prefer to sit in the aisle…
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For Becky Spelman, those who like the aisle seat are likely to be more reserved, less irritable, and more concerned about others. They can also be claustrophobic or have to get up a lot to go to the bathroom.
Jo Hemmings, on the other hand, disagrees that they are more withdrawn than other passengers a trait she emphasizes applies even to those who prefer the window. “Floor travelers are often more sociable and definitely more receptive than humans. They are also likely to be more restless passengers and less able to sleep well on planes.”