In-flight armrest debate sparks controversy over ‘male privilege’ and mid-air etiquette

A woman who called out a tradie over his “entitled” act on a Qantas flight has sparked a fiery debate about plane etiquette.

A woman has sparked a fiery debate about “male privilege” and plane etiquette after calling out a stranger for taking up both armrests on a Qantas flight.

Louise Adler, director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, took to social media to share a controversial image taken from her window seat.

The photo featured a tradie in an aisle seat, confidently claiming both armrests while engrossed in his smartphone.

“Asking for a friend: why do blokes assume they are entitled to two armrests? #CrankyKaren,” she captioned the image.

Adler’s post swiftly attracted an avalanche of comments from fellow female travellers who had encountered similar behaviour.

In a tongue-in-cheek response to the incident, one commenter suggested, “Do as I do, just link arms with him and say very gently … ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’”

While some argue that the middle seat occupant has the right to both armrests, others believe that such behaviour infringes on the personal space of others. Picture: X/ Louise Adler

Another coined the term “blokespreading” to describe the situation.

They presented an in-depth analysis with an image example, pointing out it was not just “manspreading” but also a more severe case of “blokespreading,” where an additional male body part takes advantage of available space to the detriment of nearby occupants.

“They know how to respect each other’s space, but not women’s,” agreed one commenter.

Attempt at expanding on the 'manspreading' phenomena... Introducing:

'blokespreading'...

Making sure that men (aka 'Blokes' or 'Bloke' singular) do not only ensure they should no longer accommodate for having genitals that don't typically appreciate being sandwiched into… pic.twitter.com/xWvj6vnkaU

— Auld Guard 🇦🇺 🇬🇧 (@AuldGuard) October 24, 2023

But contrary to Adler’s assertion the issue was limited to men, some argued that women and even children were guilty of occupying both armrests.

“I’ve seen women and men use two armrests. Children too. Hope that puts your stereotype to rest,” a commenter quipped.

A large chunk of Adler’s followers took a different stance and accused Adler of being a “Karen.”

“I hope you were offered counselling after this horrific ordeal. Thoughts and prayers,” joked one.

“I don’t know how you survived,” added another.

Louise Adler, the director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, shared a recent in-flight incident involving a male passenger occupying both armrests that has sparked a debate about proper mid-air etiquette and ‘male privilege’. Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen

Others suggested the person seated in the middle - or aisle seat on a two-person row - was entitled to both armrests.

Quoting Australian comedian Jim Jeffries, one stated, “Window gets an armrest and a wall, middle gets two armrests, aisle gets an armrest and a little extra leg.”

In contrast, some argued that armrests were up for grabs.

“I think it’s first in, best dressed. So either he shoved your arm off it, or he beat you to it,” one observed. Simple as that! Oh wait, you think he should offer it to you because you’re a woman?”