It happens to the best of us. Airline status and travel experience aside, last-minute flight bookings, flight cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances can leave you in an airplane situation we all dread: the middle seat assignment. Suddenly your travel excitement is put on pause, and visions of cramped legs, a stiff neck, and the awkward armrest dance fill your mind. And let's be real — flying in seat 36B is never going to be an incredible experience, but there are steps you can take to make the middle row a little more pleasant. With the help of travel experts, here are eight ways to make life in the middle seat totally doable.