Empty Middle Seat

We would never pay for an empty middle seat, but this year we haven't had to.

I wouldn’t pay extra for an empty middle seat!

I would have to know how much "pay extra" is.

Can you lift the armrests of the middle seat, or is that what supports the table?

Can you lift the armrests of the middle seat, or is that what supports the table?

Not when the table is in place however they are removable in order to increase or decrease the number of business class seats as a result of the route flown. London to Geneva for example has a lot of business class seats whereas a route that is primarily a holiday destination will have fewer. Once the table is removed then the seat is no different to the rest of the aircraft which means that you can lift the armrests. It also means that you're not gaining any extra legroom by sitting in business.

If there's no extra legroom, I would not pay extra for an empty middle seat unless the cost was minimal -- say, $25 or less.

They need to configure it so that the armrest or table can be removed so that larger people who need more room could buy these seats.

Obviously it depends on the price. I would strongly consider it - the psychological relief of not having someone right next to me is definitely worth something to me

I saw a report that it would be economy plus rows that would have the middle seat blocked. People pay for economy plus seating (often several hundred dollars) so I expect they would pay for these seats.

I might consider one of these on a transatlantic flight depending on the price. Limited legroom doesn’t bother me as much as being crammed next to someone. I find the tight width of the seats far more uncomfortable on a full flight when you are bumping elbows with the person next to you.

If this is for a short haul, I don’t see the point but then I rarely fly by myself so I’m not wedged between two people I don’t know. That could make the difference.