The Secret Button on an Airplane: How to Raise the Aisle Armrest and Stop Standing Up

Most passengers don't even realize that the side armrest on the aisle seat can be raised. It seems firmly fixed, but it actually has a hidden mechanism. If you know where to press, you can free up space and let neighbors pass without getting up from your seat.

Where to Find the Secret Button

Look for it by feel. Reach your hand down under the armrest, to the part where it attaches to the seat. On the inner side (facing the aisle), you'll feel either a metal protruding catch or a small indentation with a lever inside – depending on the aircraft model. This button isn't as big and noticeable as the one used for reclining the backrest. It's deliberately hidden so you don't accidentally bump it.

It presses easily, without force – that's the main sign you've found what you're looking for. If you have to push hard, you're pressing the wrong thing, and the plane will turn back to the airport 🤣.

How to Raise the Armrest

Once you've found the button, press it (or the lever) and simultaneously pull the armrest up. It should freely rise to a vertical position. Now you have extra passage space – you can turn toward the aisle without getting up when your neighbor wants to get out. It also helps at the end of the flight when you need to quickly grab your belongings from the overhead bin.

When It Doesn't Work

There are a few cases where this trick is useless:

• The button is only available on aisle seats. In the middle and window seats, armrests are usually permanently fixed.
• In emergency exit rows, armrests are often locked for safety reasons – they shouldn't obstruct evacuation.
• On some older aircraft (especially with low-cost carriers), the mechanism may have been removed or riveted shut.

In all other cases, this simple hack really makes flying easier. Try it once – and you'll wonder why you didn't know about it sooner. Your row neighbors will also appreciate it when you clear the way for them without unnecessary moves.