How To Stop A Manspreader On A Plane In 3 Easy Steps

by SharonKurheg

Ladies, this is mainly for you, but guys, this actually could potentially help you, too, if you have a manspreader next to you while on a plane.

Manspreading. It’s been happening for eons, but only in the past couple of years did it get a name and even its own Wikipedia page. By definition, “manspreading” is, ‘the practice whereby a man adopts a sitting position with his legs wide apart, in such a way as to encroach on an adjacent seat.’ Although manspreading can happen anywhere, it’s a behavior that’s commonly spotted on public transportation.

Why people believe men (and occasionally women) spread is up for debate and hypotheses vary between simple pelvis shape (a man’s pelvis is narrower, which makes spreading more comfortable than keeping his knees closer together), a subconscious sense of wanting empowerment, and just wanting to, shall we say, air things out, show things off, or not squish said things.

By the way, studies show that our subconscious reactions to manspreading vs. womanspreading are also very different. For females, spreading is often considered rude and unladylike. When males do it (especially when they spread, feet splayed outward and forearms leaning on their thighs), it’s seen as an attempt to look more powerful, manly or macho.

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But whatever the case, when it’s done on a bus or subway, it’s easy enough for people to move or simply just not sit next to the spreader. In fact, some transit authorities have had ad campaigns to “stop the spread” on public transportation:

ManspreadSpain

La Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT), Madrid

mta

Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), New York City

But if it happens on a plane, the seat mates next to the offending spreader are the ones who have no choice but to grin and bear it.

Or do they?

I think I’ve figured out the best way to stop a spreader from “plane spreading.” Granted, you could simply ask the offending spreader to move his knees out of your space. If he’s considerate, he will. But if he’s in the habit of manspreading, it’s probably only a matter of time before his legs go apart and you’ve lost a third of your leg space again. And if he has earbuds, or is sleeping, asking him might not be a comfortable proposition because then you have to poke him or otherwise somehow get his attention.

My technique won’t work on a bus or subway because there’s simply too much room there ;-). But on a plane, where it’s such close quarters I think I’ve got you covered. And all it takes is 3 steps:

1. Be the victim of manspreading.

This one is easy enough. He’s next to you, his knees are spread and suddenly you have to move your legs to one side to accommodate his encroaching your space.

Photo Jun 17, 8 27 49 PM

2. Suddenly need to get something out of your bag that’s under the seat in front of you.

The only way you’re going to be able to reach your bag is if he moves his leg. A simple “excuse me, I need to get to my bag” should do the trick. And if he’s sleeping or has ear buds in, you at least have a valid excuse to get his attention, as opposed to, “Hey, wake up! Your leg is in my space. MOVE IT!” 😉

Photo Jun 17, 8 29 27 PM

3. Fiddle in your bag, return to sitting position and move your leg to the invisible line between your space and his.

Since his leg is out of the way for the moment, it’s the best time to reclaim your space.

Photo Jun 17, 10 45 40 PM

And once you have your leg space back, don’t even consider giving it up again. If he starts pushing against your leg, HOLD YOUR GROUND!

Sure it’s passive-aggressive. But you know what? It’ll work. And when you’re stuck in the uncomfortableness of a teeny tiny plane seat for hours on end, all’s fair in love, war and legroom. 😉

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25 comments

How to Stop a Manspreader on a Plane and the Most Misleading Travel Terms - View from the Wing July 1, 2018 - 10:05 am

[…] News and notes from around the interweb: How to stop a manspreader on a plane in 3 easy steps […]

Reply
Marilyn July 1, 2018 - 10:53 am

If I anticipate a new seat mate is a manspreader. I will stake out my territory quickly. Arms and legs at the edge of my space. Usually they don’t move and their leg presses against mine for the entire flight. The primary reason I choose aisle seats anymore.

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SharonKurheg July 1, 2018 - 11:27 am

LOL! That’s great! But if you don’t anticipate it happening (unless you use your technique with every person who sits next to you LOL), then my technique might work as a backup 😉

Reply
Ellen August 5, 2023 - 4:56 pm

Cross your legs at the knee, make sure your foot is touching the encroaching leg and then bop along to whatever you’re listening to. He’ll move his leg. If for some bizarre reason he doesn’t, and protests, smile and point out that your legs are actually in front of you, and his are not in front of him.

Reply
J.C. July 1, 2018 - 8:36 pm

Great technique! It’s a nice way to solve a problem without being confrontational or antagonizing.

Reply
Ethiopia+Eritrea, Hiked Up Shorts, Stop Apologizing on Gmail - Rapid Travel Chai July 9, 2018 - 9:17 am

[…] How to stop a manspreader on a plane in three easy steps. […]

Reply
LaShondra Washington July 9, 2018 - 12:18 pm

Fight fire with fire. Be prepared to threaten the person, that you’ll report it to the FA and, if nothing done, you will take matters into your own hands. This may escalate things but the chance of the plane diverting and you getting arrested is very, very low. So you may even say, “if you don’t move your leg, I will stab you and cut your leg. I am not afriad to have a bloody fistfight to the death. Back off!” But first ask nicely once or twice.

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SharonKurheg July 10, 2018 - 12:01 pm

Hi LaShondra. What can I say…different strokes for different folks. If that’s what floats your boat, go for it and you be you ;-). Me, I’ll keep on using my recommended technique 😉

Reply
playalaguna May 18, 2019 - 6:34 pm

Resting your laptop on the interior side of the arm rest will usually get the person’s attention. It is especially useful when someone’s arm continuously finds its way into your space. If your laptop becomes an issue, you can always mention that you want to have it handy to possibly get some work done.

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SharonKurheg May 19, 2019 - 12:25 am

That’s GENIUS! 😉

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mojo May 18, 2019 - 8:14 pm

The problem with “Staking out your own space” ahead of time is: I’d rather not touch his leg with my leg, dig?

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SharonKurheg May 19, 2019 - 12:26 am

Totally understood. Personally, I don’t have a problem with it, if it’ll keep him out of my space. But different strokes for different folks.

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RuthAnn December 17, 2019 - 5:28 pm

Even as I read this I have my boot up to stop mr white pants manspreader in 23B. I’d post the pic, if I could.

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SharonKurheg December 18, 2019 - 2:12 am

You have my sympathies.

If you want, join our Facebook group – we’ve got about 10,000 pairs of eyes who would also sympathize with you 😉
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelDisneyPointsMilesSavings/

Reply
Jonathan June 20, 2020 - 4:28 pm

Cant you just talk to them? Believe it or not its not a macho thing at least for me its just comfort and I would never do that sitting next to someone on a plane or bus but if im out and about I find myself in that posture on park benches or single chairs because its much much more airy and comfortable. I could see some people with long legs on a plane doing that due to comfort, I fly first class specifically because of that. Seriously just ask them not to do it.

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Arnold S June 20, 2020 - 5:17 pm

If you’re a guy, just let your leg rest against his and if he’s awake, they’ll almost always put their leg where it should be. No need to say anything. If it’s a foreigner, you never know, but Americans generally don’t like rubbing up against people.

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Amy Aajee June 22, 2020 - 6:31 pm

LOL! Excellent technique!

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derek December 9, 2021 - 8:12 pm

The disabled keep getting abused by society.

Manspreaders often do so because their genitalia is cramped and sweaty. They sometimes spread their legs out of necessity. In other words, they are disabled. Have some pity on the handicapped!

Reply
SharonKurheg December 9, 2021 - 8:17 pm

I’m well aware of the parameters of the ADA, Derek. You don’t have a (third) leg to stand on, on this one… 😉

Reply
John December 10, 2021 - 4:37 pm

Being a gay guy, I usually say that your leg rubbing against mine is a turn-on…can you please stop? That makes them retreat real fast! Works every time! For women, they should say “Will you stop touching me!” in a distinct loud voice. My female friends and family say that usually works well for them.

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SharonKurheg December 13, 2021 - 4:13 pm

I have many, many male gay friends…the first part of your response is great! But what if the manspreader is gay? 😉

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JohnB December 15, 2021 - 5:49 pm

Is he single? Attractive? LOL! No, just say, “hey can you stay in your lane?”.

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David Miller August 3, 2023 - 4:59 pm

Just tell the a-hole to move his leg.

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Stinger August 4, 2023 - 11:46 am

Um. Excuse me. Really abnormally wide spreading of the legs when someone is sitting next to you is inconsiderate and rude. But you know what? Men HAVE something in between those legs and you have to take that into consideration. There are some “older” men who also have issues with their prostates and it can be quite uncomfortable to have to sit without spreading their legs. Just a little factual input here.

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SharonKurheg August 9, 2023 - 11:40 pm

Ain’t NO man who’s got something between their legs that’s SO big that their knees have to be 18″ apart.

Reply

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