Why people pleasers sit in aisle seats, according to science.

Window, aisle or middle?

Etiquette of armrests and reclining seats aside, the one thing that defines you as an airplane passenger can be your choice of seat. No, really: a guy with a PhD has said so.

Me, I’m an aisle person (although I steadfastly refuse to actually choose a seat because I’m highly superstitious and if that baby is going down, I refuse to be the one who decided my fate. But I digress…).

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Why do I prefer the aisle? Well, it saves me awkwardly excusing myself when I need to go to the loo (which I inevitably do at least once on a flight). It also means that, theoretically, I will be able to exit the plane faster.

But psychologist and University of Washington professor Jonathan Bricker, PhD, says people have a very firm preferences about where they sit – and that says a lot about them.

By combining Professor Bricker’s insight with some office crowdsourcing, we’ve come to the following conclusions:

If you prefer the aisle seat …

You’re a people pleaser.

One MWN staffer said: ‘My children want the window seat and when flying I will do whatever it takes to keep them happy and quiet. Not only that, I hate to bother people when I know I’ll be going to the loo at least once during my trip.’

You like your freedom.

“Choosing an aisle seat is an expression of freedom. You know you have the ability to get up and walk around without having to ask anyone or climb over your seat mate,” says Prof Bricker.

You’re an introvert.

When stuck in a large group of people, as you can be on a plane (and often for hours), introverts feel physically uncomfortable and tend to want to stay out of view, have an easy escape route, and don’t like to be surrounded by people or objects on all sides.

You’re all business.

As it's pretty much impossible to rest your head and have a nap in this seat, it's a sure bet you'll either work on your laptop or read a book. No gazing out the window and getting wanderlust for YOU.

You're power hungry. 

You’re the first one to talk to the flight attendant when she asks what you want to drink. You control your seat mates in a sense – middle and window people need to ask you to go the bathroom – and you can set the tone for the interaction by either being nice or grumpy about it. You’ve basically in control of your own fascist regime.

You are, more than likely, a little claustrophobic.

As sitting on the wing isn't an option, the aisle seat is the least claustrophobic and is the best place for you.

If you prefer the window seat...

You like privacy.

When you choose the window seat, there’s a wall on one side, so for the most part, you’re sufficiently insulated from other peoples' behaviour, says Prof Bricker.

You’re a nester.

“You can create your own little own space by the window,” says Prof Bricker. The spot feels cosier, and you can rest a pillow against the wall for more comfy naps. “You can create a little bit of a home,” he says.

This isn't as crazy as it sounds. One Debrief Daily staffer says: "I get my own little space, I can set my things up 'just so' without anyone walking all over it."

You’re a dreamer.

Nothing makes you happier than looking out the window, spotting tiny towns and villages and imaging a world and life playing out within. This also helps you imagine visiting new destinations in the future.

You’re open to new experiences.

According to Brian Little, PhD, psychologist and author of Me, Myself and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being, the window allows you to watch Uluru sail past – which in your world is so much better than watching an in-flight movie about Uluru, is a very telling trait.

If you’re cool with the middle seat ...

You’re an extrovert.

“Outgoing people like social contact,” explains Little, so they don't dread sitting between two strangers as much as others might. Basically you're either really fun to be around, or you're really annoying. Either way, being surrounded by strangers is your idea of good times.

You’re highly evolved.

“Being okay with the middle seat, especially on a long flight, is an exercise in acceptance and willingness to allow what it be what is,” says Prof Bricker. “If you’re able to give up your privacy and your autonomy, and realise it’s just a moment in time that will pass, you’re probably the most enlightened passenger on the plane.”

You’re considerate.

Often, when someone chooses the aisle seat, it’s because they’re with a friend or partner, and they’re doing it as a gift to the travelling companion, explains psychologist, Pauline Wallin, PhD.

You’re disorganised.

People who repeatedly end up with the middle seat may very well be there because they failed to sufficiently plan ahead. Come on man, get your shit together.

How about you? What seat do you prefer if given the choice?

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