Seven ways to avoid the dreaded middle seat on a plane without paying extra (including when to board and how to make a special request)

We've all experienced it. That awful moment when you check in online, choose not to pay for a specific seat, and are then assigned the dreaded middle seat. Or, even worse, you sit in your unrequested middle seat and wait nervously for the last passenger to board the plane to sit in the window seat – crushing your dream of sliding forward as soon as the doors close.

But there are a handful of tips and tricks that can almost guarantee you a window or aisle seat — and won't cost you a dime. Here's our guide to avoiding the middle seat – and what to do if you're stuck in the middle.

LEAVE IT LEAVE

Low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air will assign you a 'random seat' at check-in unless you pay a fee – usually between £4 and £52 per flight. Those who do not routinely pay this fee will automatically be assigned a middle seat. To avoid this, check in no later than three hours before the flight when all middle seats have already been assigned to passengers who have checked in and not paid for a specific seat. This way you will still be assigned a 'random seat', but chances are it will be an aisle or window seat.

IF YOU DON'T ASK…

Never be afraid to ask the staff at the check-in gate if there are any window and aisle seats available. They can easily reassign your seat and print a new boarding pass for you. If you are between two taller passengers, you can also politely and discreetly ask a cabin crew member if aisle or window seats are available. They will understand why you are asking and agree to whether there is space and time before leaving.

CHECK THE AIRCRAFT MODEL

On long-haul flights, check the aircraft model. If you can, opt for a Boeing 767, an aircraft that has a 2-3-2 layout, meaning there is only one middle seat in each seven-passenger row, or an Airbus A330 (one of the most popular widebody aircraft). in the world) which has a 2-4-2 configuration. On two-deck aircraft such as the A380, select seats on the upper deck as they are almost always in a 2-4-2 configuration.

CHOOSE SMALLER AIRCRAFT

If you're flying domestically, choose an airline with a fleet of smaller aircraft. In the UK these airlines include Aurigny, Loganair and Eastern. They usually have four rows of seats with a 2-2 configuration, meaning you're guaranteed an aisle or window.

PLATE LAST

When boarding, wait until the line at the gate starts to clear and join the queue. This way you get first choice of the remaining seats.

GO FOR GOLD

Join the British Airways Executive Club and become a Gold Member by spending and earning points towards a BA Amex. The airline will then block the seat next to you in economy, giving you room to stretch out. They only release the seat when the flight is completely full.

BAG A WHOLE ROW

If you are traveling as a couple on a long-haul flight and the cabin is not full at check-in, choose an aisle and window seat in the same row. Most long-haul airlines allow passengers to choose a seat for free, so it's very unlikely that anyone will choose to sit in the middle, which means you'll have to have the entire row to yourself, compromising your comfort and the chance of getting some shut-eye. If someone does sit in the middle, they will likely be happy to move to the aisle or window seat so you can sit with your traveling partner.

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE

• Etiquette says you get both armrests, so claim them early. The window passengers can lean against the wall of the aircraft, while the aisle passenger can lean out into the aisle. If this is in doubt, explain it calmly and seek help from the cabin crew if things become unpleasant.

• Use the restroom near the gate to avoid having to interrupt your neighbor or nap in the middle of the movie.

• Say hello to your neighbors as they sit down to break the ice and build some goodwill.

• Board as early as possible. This gives you time to sort yourself and your belongings without bumping into your neighbors

• Bring a good neck pillow that will support your head and prevent you from snoring on a stranger's shoulder. Trtl has a good offer (trtltravel.com).