Even after decades of flying, I’m still surprised by how many little airplane features most passengers don’t know about. One of my favorites is hiding right underneath the aisle seat armrest.
My family and I were flying from Fiji to Australia on a Fiji Airways Airbus A350 when I needed to use the lavatory. The problem was that my tray table was down and I had food on it. Instead of clearing everything away, folding up the tray table and then getting out of my seat, I reached underneath the aisle armrest, released it and lifted the whole thing out of the way.
With the armrest raised, I was able to simply slide sideways into the aisle.
My wife Natalie was sitting across the aisle from me and immediately asked how I had done that. She had tried lifting her armrest but thought it was fixed in place.
I showed her the small release underneath the armrest near the hinge and, sure enough, hers lifted too.
We were flying economy class on a Fiji Airways A350. You can read my full review of our Fiji Airways flight from Nadi to Sydney.
Here’s a quick video showing exactly where the release is and how it works:
Why do airplane aisle armrests lift up?
I used the movable armrest because it made getting out of my seat much easier, but convenience isn’t actually the main reason this feature exists. Movable aisle armrests are an important accessibility feature for passengers with mobility disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Transportation defines a movable aisle armrest as an armrest that can move up or down. Airlines are required to provide a seat with one to a passenger who uses an aisle chair to board the aircraft and cannot readily transfer over a fixed aisle armrest.
In fact, U.S. regulations generally require aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats to have movable armrests on at least half of the eligible aisle seats. There are exceptions, including seats in rows where passengers with mobility impairments aren’t permitted to sit under applicable safety regulations.
That means this isn’t some strange feature limited to a handful of old airplanes, which is something I previously misunderstood. You can find movable aisle armrests on plenty of newer aircraft too, including the Airbus A350 we were flying.
How do you lift an airplane aisle armrest?
If your aisle armrest doesn’t lift when you pull on it, don’t force it.
Instead, feel underneath the armrest near the hinge. Depending on the seat, there may be a small button, lever or release mechanism. Press or move the release while gently lifting the armrest.
Keep in mind that not every aisle armrest will move, even on the same airplane. The exact location and mechanism also vary depending on the airline and the seats installed.
That’s an important distinction: It’s not necessarily the aircraft type that determines whether your armrest moves. It’s the particular seat and cabin configuration.
So just because you found a movable armrest on one airline’s Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 doesn’t mean you’ll find one in the exact same location on another airline’s version of that aircraft.
Why flight attendants may ask you to put it back down
This isn’t a feature passengers should use to leave the armrest raised throughout the flight.
The FAA has specifically addressed protruding passenger seat armrests because an armrest left in the upright or stowed position can potentially become an obstruction during an emergency evacuation.
Before takeoff and landing, flight attendants may therefore make sure armrests are returned to their normal position. As always, follow the crew’s instructions.
This little-known feature can be surprisingly useful
Obviously, the most important purpose of movable aisle armrests is accessibility. But when permitted during the flight, knowing how they work can also make getting in and out of an aisle seat much easier.
In my case, it meant I didn’t have to disturb my food or fold up my tray table just to make a quick trip to the lavatory.
And judging by Natalie’s reaction, I’m guessing a lot of travelers have been sitting next to one of these movable armrests for years without realizing it.
The next time you’re sitting in an aisle seat, take a look underneath the armrest. You might discover a feature you never knew your airplane seat had.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated with additional information.
KEEP READING
–How to save money with a secret third carry-on
–How to use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies
–10 airport security hacks every traveler should know
–How to get the best coach seat on the plane
–The sleep hack every traveler needs to know
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
Every Boeing 787 (Dreamliner) I’ve flown on has an aisle armrest that lifts, with the same basic mechanism as other planes
on an America Airlines newer 737 and no luck with the aisle armrest. alas. I have larger thighs and always hope for this feature.
I always look for it. definitely have used it on 737’s.
I’m a larger framed man who always picks the aisle seat. I typically fly on American & SouthWest and flight attendants there always let me keep the armrests up during the cruise portion of flights. They require the armrests down during takeoff & landings. Very helpful article ! I’m surprised how often I see larger people sitting in aisle seats with the aisle armrest down.