Asking someone to switch seats with you on a flight is never ideal, but certain circumstances call for it.
Maybe you didn’t plan ahead and pay for reserved seats, or you checked in late to get seats next to your family.
Whatever the reason, your only option is to rely on the kindness of strangers and hope that a fellow passenger will give up their seat so you can sit next to your loved one.
How do you approach the question of changing seats? Speaking to MailOnline Travel, etiquette expert Diane Gottsman revealed the best way to convince someone to give up their seat on a flight.
Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, said, “When it comes to changing seats on an airplane, it’s always best to plan ahead so you can sit next to each other when you book your flight. If is not possible, it is a difficult situation to ask someone who has pre-selected their seat to change it.”
Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman has outlined the best ways to convince someone to switch seats with you on a flight
Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas
Gottsman recommends swapping an equivalent seat with the passenger first. She says: “For example, an aisle for an aisle seat or a window for a window. It is inappropriate to ask someone in an aisle seat to move to a middle seat so you can sit next to a friend or loved one.”
Most airlines give priority to accommodating families. For example, British Airways will ensure that every child under the age of 12 is seated next to a legal guardian on the same reservation. In addition, when you fly British Airways with a baby under the age of two, you can choose a seat for you and everyone else in your booking for free. Ryanair meanwhile grants one free allocated seat for up to four children per adult seat purchase.
In that sense, cabin crew may be able to help if you’re traveling with family, reveals Gottsman. She says: “If the situation is such that you want to sit next to a younger child, [or] Relatives are of course understandable, and you can even ask the flight attendant for help.’
Regardless of how you ask, Gottsman says you should prepare for a rejection.
She says: “When you ask a fellow passenger if they would mind changing seats, always expect that the answer might be ‘no’ and be prepared to accept the answer gracefully.” Smile and assure them that you understand them. Don’t be frustrated because they won’t give up their seat – they may have paid extra for extra legroom.’
Sometimes you surprise fellow passengers with an act of kindness, Gottsman reveals, saying: “Sometimes someone will see that you’re not sitting next to loved ones and offer them their seat without you asking.” At least thank them kindly and show appreciation for their Kindness.”
One thing Gottsman says you should never do is slump into the seat you want and wait for the passenger to arrive. She explains, “It’s immediately uncomfortable!”
If you are traveling with your family, the cabin crew may be able to help you move the seats
What are the dos and don’ts when changing seats? Nicky Kelvin, head of UK travel website The Points Guy, offered advice in a recent Instagram video
Gottsman summarizes her advice: “There are understandable circumstances when you can request a change, but it’s best to do it with a ticket agent and not put fellow travelers in an awkward position.”
It’s worth noting that not all airlines charge for seat selection, but many do. There’s usually a fee if you’re on the cheapest type of ticket – for example, Ryanair charges £3 to select a seat, while British Airways charges around £7, according to frequent flyer website Head For Points.
The heated debate over changing seats was also raised by Nicky Kelvin, head of travel website The Points Guy UK, in a recent Instagram video.
In the clip, he says: “If you want to sit close to your partner or have a quick layover, it’s fine to ask for a similar seat, but if the exchange isn’t equal, it’s best to go it alone to do.” do.” Request by special request. Situations like caring for a partner or reuniting a family with young children. But even then, it’s still a heated discussion.”
The topic was also raised by Reddit user ‘sumimigaquatchi’ on the forum, prompting other Reddit users to state when they would be willing to sacrifice their seats.
Reddit user themeparkinsider said he would “definitely” be willing to step up if the person offered a better place than they already have.
They added: “If they offer me a chair of the same quality, it depends on how well they ask, or if they offer me something else. A bag of chips [crisps] or a peanut butter cup would probably be more than enough to get me moving. Heck, just a nice “please” might do it.’
User Redcorns chimed in: “If they’re nice and it’s for an equivalent or upgraded seat, I’m always willing to swap if I’m traveling alone in Economy class.”
And user “PeteyNice” commented: “At least it should be an even deal. Otherwise I accept cash.”
While user “Gt_ap” said: “I always do when asked. Life is too short to whine about stuff like that. The flight is over in a few hours and I made someone’s day.”
Visit her for more etiquette tips from Diane Gottsman, international etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas Instagram profile or their website – Dianegottsmann. com.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
