No one likes getting stuck in the middle seat.
But is there an effective, and legal, way to block that seat the next time you fly?
On many airlines, the answer is no.
If you want that middle seat blocked, you essentially have to pay full fare for that second seat. But one airline, Frontier, offers something called a Business Bundle that guarantees you an empty seat next to you for a reasonable premium.
Air New Zealand has something called Skycouch, a row of three seats that converts to a more comfortable couch for couples flying together, and paying an extra charge for that configuration, which makes a big difference on long haul flights.