When too many people are packed in coach, it's claustrophobic and uncomfortable. So who gets the middle-seat armrests? The aisle person argues that he's the largest and needs it because aisle traffic bumps his arm. The window person says the fuselage curves inward, cheating his head space and window elbow room. Middle seat person figures he has people on either side, with no personal space, and needs to mark his territory by the armrests. I say communicate. Ask seatmates if they're more comfortable with their arms to the back or front, sharing the armrest. It's that or "finders keepers" every time someone shifts their position.

"Laura McKenzie's Traveler" airs Sundays at 4:30 p.m. on KCBS-TV (Channel 2). Review more of her travel tips at www.lauramckenzietv.com and www.greatescapes.com.