Raising the aisle side arm rest
May 26, 2015, 8:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 622
Raising the aisle side arm rest
Am I one of the very few who does it? Or are there more than I think? I am a big tall guy. When I am in economy, I usually choose the aisle seat. And if the plane is full, I like to raise the aisle side arm rests to varying degrees. Sometimes, I will let the arm rest be raised partially so it rests on top of my right leg in way that I can still rest my arm on it but I have that little extra room to move my legs. . Other times, I will just raise it all the way so I have full freedom to shift my body around.
However, I noticed no one else does this. Not even the very big people.
However, I noticed no one else does this. Not even the very big people.
May 26, 2015, 8:26 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: United, American, Southwest, USAirways, Delta
Posts: 1,874
If its moveable, I will sometimes lift the aisle armrest. I think most people don't know or don't bother to search for the hidden switch to lift the aisle armrest.
Be careful of random service carts hitting you in the knee or hip.
Be careful of random service carts hitting you in the knee or hip.
May 27, 2015, 10:06 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2013
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May 27, 2015, 10:36 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: New Zealand/ UK
Programs: NZ, EK, QF, SQ.
Posts: 776
I raised the aisle side armrest on both configurations of Emirates' A-380s last week. I think I was the only person who did it.
The "secret" button is recessed in a hole, towards the hinge end of the armrest.
The "secret" button is recessed in a hole, towards the hinge end of the armrest.
May 27, 2015, 11:07 am
#10
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Location: Pittsburgh
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I almost always do the same, for the same reason. The release is located at various points on the underside or near the hinge, so I suspect few people are inquisitive enough to bother finding it.
May 27, 2015, 11:35 am
#11
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
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I don't bother most of the time, but if I have a large seatmate, I'll raise the armrest and slide over a bit. It's also a useful trick for sliding out without closing the tray table, which may be cluttered with beverages and/or my laptop.
May 27, 2015, 3:17 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose, CA U.S.A.
Posts: 103
I learned of this capability only recently thanks to FT. I raised the arm of my aisle seat each flight. I am careful of the carts coming through. I liked it when I needed to get out and didn't hit my hip on the arm rest. I don't think I saw anyone else on my recent flights that did this so I am thinking that many are unaware or don't need this feature (I do since I am a large hipped woman).
May 27, 2015, 3:29 pm
#13
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I often raise the arm rest on planes, trains, and buses to make it easier to get out of the seat, with clothing less likely to get caught and tear. Howeever, during travel, I would worry about being bumped by carts or other passengers in the aisle.
May 27, 2015, 4:25 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
This is one of my favorite tricks. Last WN flight I was on I put it up to facilitate getting out of my row. A lady sitting across and ahead of me saw and tried to do the same thing without even trying to find the button. She just kept yanking up on it harder and harder. I was close to telling her how to do it to just to keep her from ripping it off but then the line got to her and she just walked off. Crisis averted.
However, I had no idea you could raise the window armrest. I'm going to have to look into that one.
However, I had no idea you could raise the window armrest. I'm going to have to look into that one.