The Weird One

So, I managed to spend a few days with my nephews this week. They are growing up to be fine young men under the watchful parenting of my sister. Anyway, this post ain't about them, it's about me.

Growing up in an extended family, you always knew that one person (uncle) amongst your distant relatives that is labelled - weird. Every family used to have them (back in the days). They were weird mainly because they did something that was not considered normal, had an unusual lifestyle and sort of stood out from what the "khandaan" (family) valued.

They were the prodigal sons in Bollywood movies that would "Hamare puure khandaan ka naam tune mitti main mila diya" (You hurt our family name in the society!). And it just dawned on me, that I am the one in our extended khandaan that seems to be the one. The weird uncle.

I grew up being normal, but some how in the last decade I chose to drift. Now I am the weird one. Not that I am complaining or repenting (yet), I am just realizing!

The flight seat secret

As you guys have already guessed by now, I travel a lot for work. But unlike the typical "Business traveller", I don't get to travel "Business Class" and good airlines. I typically go cheapest, fastest, shittiest airline that I can find on the route I am going. What that means essentially is that I need to strategize and fight to get whatever little creature comforts that I can get.

Now there are 2 types of passengers - The Aisle sitters and The Window sitters.
If you are a window sitter, this blog post is not for you. However, if you are an aisle sitter - I have discovered what I believe is an important life-hack for you. Before I share this, please note that this is my little secret. If everyone in the world found out about this, it can no longer be a secret and everyone will start using it. Now, I know that you (my dear reader) is good at keeping secrets, so here it goes:

In aircrafts that have a middle row (2-3-2, 3-4-3, 2-4-2 seating plan etc.) the middle row aisle seats are a good seat for the "single" business traveler. Whenever possible - I recommend that you should chose one. Let me explain why:

Centre row Aisle Seat

Typically seats in an aircraft fill such that the window and aisle seats near the window are taken up first. Subsequently people start occupying the middle row aisle seats. The last set of seats that are taken are typically the middle row center seats. Now, while you are booking if you take the middle row aisle seat in a row that has the other side aisle seat already taken there is a very high chance that the center seat will not be taken. So you end up in a situation where you are sitting on an aisle and the seat next to you is empty! (More space to keep your stuff and stretch your legs!).

Centre row Aisle seat where the other seat is already taken

Now, if the flight you are taking is a full-flight, there is a very high chance that the middle row center seat is taken by 1 person from a couple. In that case, the other aisle seat is obliged to get up everytime their partner wishes to go stretch their legs or go to the toliet. This means - though you have a neighbor in the center, you never ever have to get up for them! So you get an aisle, and you are never disturbed! Isn't it awesome?

Now be a good friend and keep this secret to yourself.