What mistakes should not be made if asked to switch seats on a plane
Many of us have experienced the heated debates over airplane seat changes as videos of passengers fighting on a flight go viral online. While it may seem perfectly reasonable to ask the person sitting next to you to switch seats, there are unwritten rules to consider before making such a request.
Etiquette expert John-Paul Sturridge told the Mirror: "It's normal to feel a little annoyed or unhappy about a seat you're occupying, and unfortunately, it's one of those things in life that you just have to grit your teeth about. But can't you just switch seats? When two adults agree to do so voluntarily, of course you can," writes the Daily Record.
"The etiquette of asking to change seats with another passenger depends, in my opinion, on one key factor: does the person asking have a good reason to change? What constitutes a good reason may be in the eyes of the passenger whose seat is being asked to change, but we all have an intuitive sense of what constitutes a good reason."
John explained that a good reason for a seat swap can be a personal or medical issue, or a seat swap with the same location - i.e., a window seat swap for a window seat in a different location.
"It's good to have a reason that seems fair," says John-Paul Sturridge. -- "However, everyone has the right to sit where they either paid or were assigned a seat. If you ask someone to change seats, be clear and polite, and be prepared to be refused without any offense."
Rosie Panter, a travel expert at Dealchecker, says that you shouldn't immediately turn down an offer to switch seats, but you should consider whether or not it would inconvenience you. She said: "If you're traveling alone and someone comes up to you and asks you to change seats, don't say no right away. It is clear that if you have paid for a particular seat, you will not want to change. But if not, there is nothing wrong with giving someone the opportunity to sit next to your fellow traveler."
The ultimate guide to changing seats on an airplane
Alex Dyer, a qualified psychologist and head of customer service at Ski Vertigo, has published four key tips to consider when planning to change seats on an airplane.
- Assess the situation - evaluate how changing seats can affect your trip.
- Be honest and polite.
- Offer an alternative solution, for example, ask the flight attendant.
- Consider the passenger's special circumstances, including assistance to elderly or disabled passengers.
"Passengers should remember that their comfort and needs are equally important. If the proposed transfer does not affect your comfort or plans, it may be a generous gesture to meet you halfway. But if it does, it is perfectly acceptable to politely decline," says Alex Dyer. "Whether you decide to switch seats or not, being polite and understanding will help ensure an enjoyable trip for everyone."
