Stuck in the middle

IND to DEN

DEN to IND via ORD

Occasionally, my companies policy won't allow me to fly my airline of choice. When this happens, all the special treatment that I have come accustom to disappears.  This was the case this week as I made a quick trip to Denver and back.  As I printed my boarding pass, I noticed my seat was 29 E.  Nothing good can come from a flight when your row number is close to your age, especially if you are over 30.  If sitting in the back wasn't bad enough, I was stuck in the middle. 

 A 3 hour flight with little to no personal space, Yippee!  I was lucky enough to be sitting next to a nice, elderly lady.  I watched her attempt a Sudoko game for the duration of the 3 hour flight.  She didn't get very far.  I have never played the game but after watching her, I've learned what not to do.  The other lady sitting next to me was traveling with her husband and 2 children. They were sitting across the aisle from us.  She was lodged into a book for the duration of the flight.  She hardly acknowledged me or her family.  That must have been some book.

I'm not a big guy by any means but the middle is never comfortable.  For starters, you have to share both of your arm rest.  You would think the person who has one to themselves would give a little on the co-share.  No!  I have seen people lean over and protect that thing like it was their first born child.  Hey lady, I am not excited about the situation either but C'mon man!

If having 2 people leaning towards you wasn't bad enough, the one thing that can make this worse happens.  The guy in front of me leans back. 

And not the gentle ease back either.  He pushes that button and slams back.  It's like he is claiming his territory and staking a flag in it.  If that 3 inches is the difference between you being comfortable and completely miserable, then by all means, lean back buddy.  But the slam back is a bit uncalled for.

I hope the next flight you check into to doesn't leave you in the stuck in the middle