I usually spend my time complaining about overpriced lawn mowers or why your plumber is overcharging you for a simple P-trap fix. But last week I had to fly for a family wedding and I felt like a sardine in a tin can. My knees were jammed against the seat in front of me and the aisle armrest was digging into my ribs.
I called a travel pro friend of mine to complain. He laughed and told me I was sitting on the solution the whole time. It turns out that most of us are making our lives harder because we don’t look under the equipment we use every day.
How do I raise the aisle armrest on a plane?
You can get more room on an airplane by pressing a hidden button located underneath the aisle armrest near the hinge. This latch allows the armrest to flip up flush with the seat back. It gives you extra hip space and makes it easier to exit the row.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, these armrests must be moveable on most aircraft to assist passengers with mobility issues. The airlines don’t advertise this because they want the aisle clear for the drink cart, but you are allowed to use it.
Where To Find The “Secret” Latch
Stop fumbling around the top of the armrest like everyone else. The button is not on the side or the front where the recline button lives. It is hidden on the underside.
If you slide your hand along the bottom of the armrest toward the back hinge, you will feel a small recessed button or a flat lever. When you press this, the lock clicks open. You can then pull the armrest all the way up.
I tried this on my flight back and it was a game changer. The smell of stale pretzels and cabin air didn’t change, but my legs finally had somewhere to go. Just be careful not to keep it up when the flight attendants are trying to squeeze through with the cart. You don’t want to be the person who gets hit by a flying soda can.
| Feature | Standard “Locked” Seat | Seat With Armrest Raised |
| Available Hip Room | Fixed width | +2 to 3 inches of “overflow” |
| Leg Maneuverability | Restricted by metal bar | Full swivel into the aisle |
| Exit Speed | Slow shimmy | Fast step-out |
Why The Airlines Hide It
The airline industry is a lot like the home improvement industry. They want to keep things “standard” so they can control the flow of people. If every aisle armrest was up, the cabin would look messy and people would be sticking their legs into the path of the crew.
But if you are a tall person or just someone who hates feeling trapped, this is a tool you need to use. I’ve seen people pay $50 for “preferred” seating when they could have just found this button for free. It’s the same logic we use when we tell you how to fix a leaky faucet for pennies instead of buying a whole new sink.
Hidden Button Locations by Aircraft Type
| Aircraft Model | Button Location | Mechanism Type |
| Boeing 737 | Underneath near the back hinge | Recessed Button |
| Airbus A320 | Inside the hinge crease | Small Lever |
| Embraer Jets | Bottom center of the rail | Push Latch |
Don’t Forget The Exit Row Rules
Before you go trying this on every seat, remember that exit rows have different rules. Sometimes those armrests are solid pieces of plastic because they hold the tray tables. In that case, you are out of luck.
If you want more tips on how to handle the “hidden” problems in your life, check out our latest news on home gadgets that actually work. We don’t do fluff here. We just give you the facts so you can stop being uncomfortable.
I’ve spent forty years telling people to read the manual. Airplane seats don’t come with a manual in the seatback pocket, but now you know the secret anyway. Keep your elbows in and your money in your pocket.
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