Jess Darrington, an Idaho-based family travel blogger, has sparked a heated online debate after sharing a controversial airplane seating hack on TikTok.
Jess Darrington’s seating strategy of booking aisle and window seats to secure extra space has garnered both support and criticism from the online community, New York Post reported.
Darrington, known for her family travel blog "Where is Briggs?", uploaded a video on TikTok explaining how families might book the aisle and window seats in hopes that no one will book the middle seat, leaving it vacant for extra room. This trick, according to the blogger, is not foolproof but can be especially beneficial during off-peak seasons or on less popular routes.
The idea was first tried by Darrington and her husband during a trip to Europe with their lap infant. With 50 seats still available close to the departure, they decided to implement their seating strategy. Darrington admits this method hinges on the chance of the middle seat remaining empty, similar to "tossing a coin in a fountain," as described by Rosalinda Randall, a California-based etiquette expert.
After their strategy succeeded during their 11-hour flight from Amsterdam to Salt Lake City, where the family enjoyed four seats between two rows, Darrington shared her experience online. The video rapidly gained traction, amassing more than 8 million views, as viewers chimed in with their opinions.
Some supported Darrington, appreciating the clever use of booking tricks to enhance comfort on long flights. Others, however, expressed frustration, particularly solo travelers who frequently find themselves assigned to these middle seats. A TikTok user expressed discontent, stating, "I honestly can’t stand when people do this and then expect me to move or switch seats."
Rosalinda Randall noted that while minor inconveniences are common during flights, it's essential to consider one’s own needs within a confined space. She also pointed to the increasing instances of "airplane passenger rage" stemming from such annoyances.
Travel creator Meredith Pierce highlighted the plight of solo travelers who find themselves sandwiched between couples or families. This sentiment was echoed by another travel TikTok user who shared an experience of being seated in a middle seat booked by a family, facing their annoyance upon his arrival.
Darrington herself acknowledges the gamble involved. "Sometimes this works," she said in her video, emphasizing that while the extra space is a boon, it's not a certainty. "Families need to understand this is not a guarantee. If you want a for-sure seat for your baby on the flight, you’ve got to purchase them one," she advised.
The blogger also remarked on the general disdain for middle seats, particularly on long international flights. "Most people would say they do not enjoy sitting in the middle seat on a flight, let alone an international flight stuck between two strangers,” Darrington added. Despite the potential for extra room, she recognized the importance of courtesy if someone else books the middle seat.
The strategy, while offering potential benefits, requires a degree of consideration and respect for others, which Darrington stressed. “I also think, like, as a traveling family, you also can’t be mad or annoyed if that middle seat gets filled because that’s just what can happen," she concluded.
This online discussion highlights a larger debate about travel etiquette and the lengths to which passengers will go to secure comfort on increasingly packed flights. The story serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in shared travel spaces and the importance of mutual respect among all passengers.
