It's a problem that has plagued flyers for years but now a company's innovative proposal might have changed things for those faced with sitting in the middle seat.
The new seat design from the Colorado-based startup, Molon Labe Seating, features three standard economy seats in a staggered layout
The middle seat has been adjusted to feature slightly behind the aisle seats and lower to the ground.
The company claims that by moving the middle seat a few inches back will creature a space three to five inches wider than the standard 18-inch seat.
Hank Scott, founder and CEO of Molon Labe Seating, told CNN: " That little bit of stagger means that every single person gets to spread out a little more.
"No seats are any smaller, one seat ends up being wider, and we've solved the elbow wars."
The armrests are built in a way that allow the aisle and window passengers to rest their elbows on the front of the armrest while leaving space at the back, which is lower, for the middle passenger.
The design, modelled as S1 design, are intended for short, domestic flights, but the company is developing a version suitable for long-haul flights that would fit for more padding and larger TV screens.
The seats were certified by the Federal Aviation Administration last month and are in progress of manufacture by Primus Aerospace in Colorado.
It is expected to be available on two airlines by April or May next year.
Mr Scott said he could not disclose the name of the airline, but said one of them is based in North America.
He added that the seats are also lighter than the standard seats, which would be a 'no-brainer' to help airlines cut down on fuel costs.
But he said the seats won't fix all the problem about flying. It don't recline or offer some leg room.
He added: "It's still going to suck. Now it's going to suck less."
