Flying With Kids? Here's How to Boost Your Chances of an Empty Row and Keeping the Middle Seat Free

Summary

Want a row of three seats all to yourself when flying with your little one? This wildly unknown but effective hack will maximise your comfort when flying with kids. The secret is to book the window + aisle seats and leave the middle empty, especially in the back of the plane, where it’s least appealing. Most travellers avoid the middle seat, which is why this strategy works. People often ask about the best way to keep the middle seat free. If someone does take it, a polite, friendly ask usually works. Let’s dive into what makes this trick tick, with data you can trust, and find out how this and other hacks can improve your travel experience.

Why Does It Matter when Flying with Kids?

Flying with kids can feel like a big adventure and sometimes a big challenge. One of the best ways to make the journey smoother is by paying close attention to seat selection. The right seats can mean the difference between a cramped, stressful flight and a comfortable, enjoyable experience for both you and your children. When you’re travelling as a family, it’s worth studying the seat map and looking for the best seat options, like window seats for curious little ones or aisle seats for easy access to the aisle. Some airlines even offer special seating arrangements for families, providing extra space and making the flight more comfortable. By carefully selecting your seats, considering the plane's layout, and thinking about what will work best for your family, you can set yourself up for a more relaxed and enjoyable time in the air. Remember, a little planning goes a long way regarding comfort and making the most of your flying experience.

Straight to the Point: The Seat-Savvy Mum’s Strategy

1. Book window + aisle: You and your child get prime spots, and the dreaded middle looks about as tempting as soggy toast.
2. Sit as far back as possible: Front rows fill first, while the tail of the plane often stays emptier, perfect for keeping that middle free.
3. Watch the seat map: If your airline allows free changes, check the day before and move to a quiet, back row with an open middle.
4. If someone ends up in the middle: Flash your kindest mum smile and ask, “Would you fancy the window or aisle?” A polite request to other passengers usually works, and most people will easily agree to swap out of the middle seat. It's almost impossible to find someone who prefers the middle.

If the strategy works, you and your child can enjoy the extra space without inconveniencing other passengers.

Understanding the Seat Map

Before you even step onto the plane, the seat map is your best friend for finding the most comfortable spot for your family. A seat map shows exactly where each seat is located, including window seats, aisle seats, and those coveted spots with extra legroom. By exploring the seat map, you can spot the best seats for your needs, whether you want more room to stretch out, a window for your child to gaze out of, or an aisle seat for quick trips to the bathroom. The seat map also helps you avoid less desirable areas, like seats right next to the lavatories or galleys, which can be noisy and offer less space. Many airlines now provide interactive seat maps online, making it easy to see which seats are available and the possibility of scoring an empty seat next to you for even more space. Taking a few minutes to review the seat map during booking can provide a more comfortable, enjoyable flight experience for you and your kids, and increase your chances of finding that perfect spot with extra room.

Why This Works (Backed by Data)

• Middle seats are universally unpopular: A Virgin Australia social media poll found less than 1% of people would choose the middle seat as their first preference.
• Strong edge-seat preference: Nearly 67% of Velocity Frequent Flyer members say “aisle is best,” 34–35% choose window, and just 0.6% favour the middle. On a full flight, keeping the middle seat free is much harder, as all seats are likely to be filled.
• The global perspective aligns: A study showed that 66.6% of global travellers prefer a window, 31.7% aisle, and only 1.7% go middle.
• Real discomfort, real avoidance: One survey reported that 80% of flyers try to avoid the middle, even joking that some would stay overnight just to skip it. Certain airlines reserve or hold specific seats for elite or frequent flyers, and these reserved seats may only be released close to departure.
• Seat preference matters most: A 2025 seating etiquette survey reported that 57.7% of people favour window seats (for views and leaning on the wall), while just 28.3% preferred the middle, and 12.4% the aisle. Most people try to avoid the middle seat whenever possible, whether in economy or business class.
• Airlines know it’s a sore point: Virgin Australia’s “Middle Seat Lottery” campaign was a playful nod to how deeply passengers hate middles, but it also highlights how rare they are chosen. Many people are willing to pay extra or pay to avoid the middle seat, which happens many times across different planes.

 For the average person, avoiding the middle seat is a top priority.

Why Parents Love This Hack

More Space = More Calm

With toddlers, those extra inches matter. The armrest at the end of the row can provide extra comfort or make it easier to get in and out. An empty middle means space for toys, snacks, a colouring book, and more of your sanity.

Bathroom Runs Made Easier

Aisle = quick toilet breaks. Window seat = offers your little one a cozy spot to rest, enjoy the view, and have extra privacy. And back rows? They are often close to toilets, but with fewer people passing through, it's a win-win.

Kindness Works

Middle seat-sitters are usually just hoping someone else will take their place. When making the request, consider other people's feelings and preferences and their comfort and boundaries. Your gentle ask often gets them moving because, honestly, nobody really likes the middle.

Quick-Glance Cheat Sheet

Situation	What to Do	Why It Works
Booking for you + child	Book window + aisle, as far back as possible	Middle is the least popular, back is less desired
Flight ~50–70% full	Middle almost always stays empty	Most solo flyers avoid it unless they must
Flight 80–90% full, back rows	Still decent chance (~15–30%) middle is free	Back-of-plane seats fill more slowly
Someone occupies the middle	Ask politely if they’d prefer window/aisle	Most will gladly swap out of that seat

This aeroplane booking hack often sparks comments and lively discussions among travellers online, with many people sharing their own experiences and opinions in the comments.

Final Mum Thoughts

Flying with kids is full of tiny challenges and tiny victories. The aisle + window hack, especially in a back row, is one of those clever wins that actually works more often than not. Backed by real data showing how painfully unwanted middle seats are, it's a strategy worth trying every flight. 

FAQs

Is it rude to book aisle + window and leave the middle empty?
Not at all. Plenty of families, couples, and savvy travellers do it. You're still paying for the seats, you’re just using them smartly.

Why is the back of the plane better?
Most people hate being last to exit. The back tends to have more leftover seats, which increases the chance your middle stays undisturbed.

What if the airline reassigns us?
It can happen, especially close to departure. Keep an eye on your booking, and politely check at the gate if you've been split.

Does the trick always work?
Nothing is guaranteed, especially during peak holiday travel. But on flights under 90% full, especially in the back, your odds are in your favour.