A SAVVY flight attendant has shared a smart tactic for people who are sandwiched between two armrest-hogging neighbours.

A survey revealed that armrest hogging was ranked as one of the most unpleasant onboard practices by over a third of customers using UK carriers.

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Mary, a flight attendant for a major American airline, offered advice on how to get back that coveted armrest space, particularly when she’s stuck in a job transfer between two people and can’t choose her seat.

Mary revealed to BBC News that she frequently finds herself seated in the middle, between two people who usually take up both armrests. These people are usually men.

She acknowledged that she had to “tussle with elbows” to get an armrest, but she also disclosed her own plan for taking back the area.

Mary’s resolution? She explained that she waited until they reached for a drink and took the armrest, demonstrating patience and timing.

A guy persisted in trying to press my arm, so I had to tell him, “We’re not doing that today.”

William Hanson, a writer and etiquette coach, also recommended a mindset to have while travelling to avoid any tension.

According to the expert, people should get used to the idea of sharing “elbow rests” rather than armrests.

It comes after another flight attendant revealed the packable item she swears by on a flight.

Although blankets are sometimes provided by airlines, Lori Thompson said it’s always worth taking your own.

She said: “I have always had a packable blanket with me for those chilly flights.

“These are nice to have in case there is not a blanket available.”

Lori, who works for Delta Air Lines, also recommended taking a portable mini humidifier.

She told Thrillist: “Our hotel rooms can be rather dry, and after traveling a mini humidifier adds much needed moisture to the air.

“This item is small and all you need is a glass or bottle of water.

“Feel free to add a drop or two of essential oils to freshen the air.”

Meanwhile, other travelling experts also revealed their plane essentials.

Ben Whatman, who works for Air New Zealand, suggested a specific spot treatment – the Origins Super Spot Remover.

He said: “This is an absolute miracle product, I swear by this!

“I always keep one in my cabin bag—if I see a little spot or pimple appear, this will get rid of it in no time at all.”

The jet-setter also recommended the Kiehl’s Lip Balm, to combat dehydrated lips on long-haul flights.

SEVERAL little-known airlines are now offering the chance to sleep in lie-flat beds — even in economy class.

Once a luxury reserved for business and first-class passengers, the future of lie-flat beds in economy seating is now here, and it’s changing the way we think about air travel.

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This innovation could make long-haul flights far more comfortable for economy travellers by transforming three-row sections into adaptable sleep zones.

Surprisingly, the idea of lie-flat beds in economy isn’t entirely new.

It all started in 2010 when Air New Zealand introduced its revolutionary “Skycouch” model.

The Skycouch is still in service today, using special panels to bridge the space between seats, effectively creating a lie-flat bed across a row.

At 35,000 feet, passengers can stretch out in what amounts to their own mini-bed, a game-changer for economy flyers.

But Air New Zealand isn’t stopping there.

The airline is now pioneering an even more radical solution: economy-class bunk beds.

Known as “SkyNests,” these pods, available on flights between New York and Chicago, offer a new level of comfort.

The SkyNest could set a trend, and other airlines may soon follow suit.

While Air New Zealand may have sparked the movement, other smaller airlines have also embraced this concept, providing similar options for budget-conscious travellers who want a good night’s sleep at cruising altitude.

Here are five airlines that offer economy lie-flat beds as of 2024:

Air New Zealand

As the trailblazer of the lie-flat economy experience, Air New Zealand’s Skycouch continues to impress.

This feature turns a row of seats into a 5’1″ sleeping space, providing enough width for two adults to comfortably lie down.

The “cuddle belt,” a special seatbelt designed for use while lying flat, ensures passengers are safely secured, even during turbulence.

For those looking to sleep during a long-haul flight, Air New Zealand remains the gold standard.

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Brazil’s Azul Airlines quickly followed Air New Zealand’s lead with its “Skysofa” option.

Unique to Azul, its planes have a two-four-two seat arrangement, giving passengers in Skysofa sections even more room.

This is especially beneficial for families, as it provides ample space for kids to stretch out or even nap comfortably during a long flight.

Skysofa isn’t just about sleeping — it’s a family-friendly solution that adds flexibility to travel.

Air Astana

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana has created a different approach with its Economy Sleeper cabin. Unlike the Skycouch or Skysofa, the Economy Sleeper is a dedicated cabin offering solo travelers their own lie-flat bed.

While narrower than some of the other options, it offers a flat sleeping surface that’s ideal for individual passengers.

Air Astana sweetens the deal with extra perks like separate boarding and in-flight entertainment for Economy Sleeper passengers.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers its own version of a lie-flat bed with the “Sky Couchii.”

Like Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, leg inserts fold out to create a spacious and comfortable bed, making it ideal for couples or families traveling together.

Some of ANA’s aircraft also feature a four-row layout, providing extra room for passengers, a key advantage for those flying with children on long-haul routes.

Lufthansa

Germany’s Lufthansa takes a different approach with its “Sleeper’s Row” model.

While it doesn’t feature special panels or pop-out sections like the others, Lufthansa allows passengers to book an entire row for themselves on certain flights.

While simpler than the Skycouch or Skysofa, the Sleeper’s Row still provides a spacious, lie-flat option for those looking to maximize their comfort without upgrading to business class.

It’s offered according to availability and while that means they aren’t always bookable, it also means that Sleeper’s Rows are more affordable.

You can add on this option for between $180-250 on a long-haul flight.

These innovations mark a significant shift in air travel, making long-haul economy flights more comfortable than ever.

With airlines constantly seeking to improve the passenger experience, the future of lie-flat beds in economy looks promising.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, these airlines offer unique options that could make your next long flight a restful one.