On board a plane, personal space—even the tiniest bit of extra elbow room—is a luxury. When most passengers look at the plane, it’s not surprising that they feel uncomfortable. an empty row They want the vacant space on the aisle.
Even the most etiquette-minded fliers It is tempting to trade an armrest-hogging middle seat for a section that’s unoccupied just a few rows down. Flight attendants say that this could be considered not only rude, but also a safety issue.
Former flight attendant Lia Ocampo says that “jumping to an empty seat without permission” is unacceptable. The crew must follow aviation and airline regulations. It is courteous and professional to always ask for permission.
You can do it just as you would. using the call button You can also find out more about placing your bag When you’re trying to move to an empty seat, you need to adhere to certain rules. How to switch seats the right way.
Do not jump during boarding.
You can annoy the cabin crew by trying to sneak in a different seat while boarding. Chances are that flight attendants will need to track you down and ask you to move back to your original spot—a sequence of events that could hold up the boarding process For the duration of the flight. Ocampo explains that during boarding passengers must remain in the seats assigned to them. There are some situations in which it is necessary to switch or move seats.
If you do have a legitimate issue with your seat assignment—you’re not placed next to your child, say, or something at your seat is broken—politely flag down a flight attendant to assist you.
Ocampo states that passengers should remain in their seats until boarding has been completed. Even if several seats are available, she advises that passengers should not move into an open seat without first requesting permission. “As an act of courtesy and respect, passengers are advised to ask flight attendants for permission before relocating to an empty seat. Flight attendants have the ability to check if a particular seat is occupied. This helps them better manage passenger movements.
Remember that safety is a concern.
Check with the flight attendant to see if there are any open seats. Aircraft balance. Pilots make a precise calculation before takeoff that takes into consideration many factors including cargo weight and passenger seating. Ocampo explains that “moving seats is not always permitted due to weight-and-balance issues.” “Pilots are aware of the open seats that are crucial to maintaining the weight and balance of the aircraft.”
This is true, in particular, for smaller aircraft like those used to operate regional flights. The issue is most dramatic for people moving from the back of the plane toward the front—or vice versa—which could compromise the plane’s center of gravity. According to information on the website, several passengers who move from one side of an aisle to the opposite could also impact the jet’s balance. California Aeronautical University. The flight attendants are safety experts, so check with them before switching seats.
When should you ask for a seat to be opened?
Cabin crew are aware that seat swapping is sometimes necessary. There are many situations in which this can be justified. flight attendants Your request is likely to be granted. Ocampo says, “These can include mobility issues, fear of claustrophobia and the need to rest, sleep, or be with someone else when you are disturbed by children nearby.” If there are problems with the seat or TV monitor, this may also be a reason to request a move.
This is the case when you move to a seat in the exit row. This is a great way to save money. more legroomBut they also come with added safety responsibilities. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re out of bounds if accompanied with a polite ask. Ocampo says that if an exit row seat becomes available, passengers can ask the flight attendants politely for permission to change seats. To occupy an exit row seat, passengers must be willing to help the flight crew if there is an emergency. They also need to be 15 years of age.
Remember that courtesy can go a long way.
You’re more likely, in any situation, to get your request granted when you are tactful. Being courteous, patient—and understanding when the answer is “no”—also shows respect for your cabin crew, who have stressful and demanding jobs.
Ocampo says that showing kindness and politeness will always be appreciated. Flight attendants will often allow you to move seats if you show these qualities. You may also receive free snacks, beverages, or other items. Your courtesy will make the boarding process easier and you’ll be viewed as a valued and respected passenger.
