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Picking *This* Seat on the Plane Means You're More Selfish, Says Science

airplane seats on flight

We all have our in-flight travel habits (ours include a glass of wine after takeoff, popping on a sheet mask and munching on our own snacks). But hands down, the most important factor that can make or break your trip is where you sit.

The window seat offers great views and a place to lean (because falling onto your neighbor is not OK), but the aisle seat means easy access to the bathroom and more opportunity to stretch. According to two psychologists from the U.K., choosing a window seat or aisle seat isn’t just a matter of comfort—it could reveal something about your personality.

In an interview with The Telegraph, the scientists revealed that passengers who prefer the window seat may be more selfish, while those who prefer the aisle may be more reserved.

Dr. Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at the Private Therapy Clinic in London, said, “Passengers who favor the window seat like to be in control, tend to take an ‘every man for themselves’ attitude towards life and are often more easily irritable. They also like to ‘nest’ and prefer to exist in their own bubble.”

Yikes.

Behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings agreed, adding, “Aisle passengers are often more sociable and definitely more amenable as people; they are also more likely to be restless fliers and less adept at sleeping on planes.”

There’s no word on the personality traits of those passengers who prefer the middle seat, possibly because no one would actually choose that nightmare. 

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Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor focusing primarily on family, wellness and travel
  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK