Seat swapping on airplanes has become a hotly debated issue among travelers. While some passengers believe they have the right to refuse a swap, others argue it is rude to do so. To clear up the confusion, travel experts have weighed in on the matter.
According to California author and etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall, compelling someone to make a decision on the spot without enough information or time to inquire is impolite and unreasonable. The general consensus among travel gurus is that the decision to swap seats should be left up to the passenger being asked.
Jessica Dante, a travel influencer and founder of the travel guide Love and London, advises passengers to assess the situation, ask for the reason behind the request, and consider the comfort of the swapped seat. If the swap means a less comfortable seat, it is perfectly acceptable to decline.
In one extreme case, a woman asked a fellow business class passenger to swap seats with her husband, who was assigned to economy class. Dante suggests that passengers should respond politely but firmly and involve the flight attendant if necessary. Ally Gibson, founder of the travel blog Ally Travels, even recommends asking the flight crew for assistance.
Flight experts assert that passengers have the right to refuse a swap request without providing a reason. However, Gibson does not sympathize with those who find themselves needing to swap seats due to poor planning on their part or the airlines’. She believes both passengers and airlines need to improve in this regard.
It is worth noting that sometimes passengers may be separated from their loved ones due to unforeseen circumstances like cancellations or booking glitches. Carrie Bradley, a former flight attendant and author of the travel blog Flying With A Baby, explains that various travel complications can lead to families being scattered across the plane. In such cases, it is important to consider and empathize with any seat swap requests.
Moreover, Dante points out that there are legitimate reasons why people propose seat swaps, such as disability, fear of flying, or assisting someone traveling with small children. Passengers who want to increase their chances of successfully swapping seats should offer an equivalent or even more appealing trade. This might mean giving up an aisle seat for extra legroom or trading a window seat near the lavatory for a middle seat at the front of the cabin.
However, even if the requestee is seated in a less desirable spot and the trade proposer is in a premium class, there is no obligation for anyone to switch seats. Randall emphasizes that no one has the right to expect or become angry when their request is denied. Ultimately, it is up to each passenger to decide whether to swap seats or not, and they do not owe anyone an explanation for their decision.
