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Nov 01, 2023

Pilot settles heated debate over who can use the middle armrest on flights

Passengers on the early morning American Airlines flight out of New York City were welcomed aboard by the unusual speech from the captain warning them not to be 'selfish and rude' An American Airlines

Passengers on the early morning American Airlines flight out of New York City were welcomed aboard by the unusual speech from the captain warning them not to be 'selfish and rude'

An American Airlines pilot laid down the law on his flight settling a battle that has gone on for as long as they have been passenger planes - who gets the armrest.

A video of the captain's pre-flight announcement went viral after telling passengers not to be "selfish and rude." Amid his stern but humorous speech, he gave a “gift” to all the people stuck in the middle seats of the rows. He finished up by saying: "Middle seaters, I know it stinks to be in the middle . . .You own both armrests. That is my gift to you. Welcome on board our flight.”

The unnamed captain also went through everything from how to treat cabin staff to making sure people use headphones when watching things on their phones. One of the passengers, comedy writer Anna Leah Maltezos, filmed the funny yet stern speech and shared it on Instagram where it racked up over 4.6 million views.

Firstly the captain reminded everyone to treat the cabin crew well saying: “Remember, the flight attendants are here for your safety. After that, they’re here to make your flight more enjoyable. They’re going to take care of you guys but you will listen to what they have to say because they represent my will in the cabin, and my will is what matters."

The passengers can be heard blaspheming with surprise at the unorthodox speech. The pilot continued: "Be nice to each other. Be respectful to each other. I shouldn’t have to say that. You people should treat people the way you want to be treated. But I have to say it every single flight because people don’t. And they’re selfish and rude and we won’t have it."

Random bags scattering the walkways were among the things slammed by the pilot. He said: "Put your junk where it belongs. Everybody paid for a space. Don’t lean on other people. Don’t fall asleep on other people. Don’t drool on them unless you’ve talked about it and they have a weather-resistant jacket."

So as not to disturb other passengers he also reminded people to use headphones when watching or listening to anything. He said: "The social experiment of listening to videos on speaker mode and talking on a cell phone in speaker mode, that is over. Over and done in this country. Nobody wants to hear your video. I know you think it’s super sweet. It probably is, but it’s your business, right? So keep it to yourself. Use your AirPods, use your headphones, whatever it is. That’s your business, okay? It’s just part of being in a respectful society."

Describing the incident, Ms Maltezos told PEOPLE: "I didn't notice any negative vibes or reactions on the plane, just a chuckle here and there. As the moment's documentarian, my reaction would have ruined the cinema verite.

"But had I been just another passenger on the plane, I probably would have clapped as is custom after a rousing speech. It did seem oddly quiet afterward though...maybe everyone was just so awed by the gift of double armrests they were left speechless."

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