I've noticed that on my last two MAN-LHR (and LHR- MAN) that they haven't applied the middle seat block.

I normally try and get 2A or 3A. The front of the aircraft always seems to be packed now yet quite a lot of empty seats towards the rear (passengers probably desperate for some catering on the short flight!).

This week I looked at the seating plan and it was still showing the middle seat as available... once boarded the middle seat was occupied and as I mention before, the front of the plane appeared packed as if no-one had the middle seat blocked for them.

On the LHR to GLA tonight so interested to see if the blocking is applied.

My understanding was that BD*G seat block was applied unless the flight was almost full but that doesn't appear to be the case.