On board a plane, personal space—even the tiniest bit of extra elbow room—is a luxury. So it’s understandable that when most passengers see an empty row or vacant spot on the aisle, they want to claim it for themselves.
Even the most etiquette-minded fliers might be tempted to slyly trade a middle seat with armrest hogs on either side for an unoccupied section just a couple rows away. However, not only is this rude, according to flight attendants, it could also be a serious safety violation.
“Jumping to an open seat without permission is unacceptable,” says former flight attendant Lia Ocampo. “There are aviation and airline regulations that the crew must adhere to. Always asking for permission is a courteous and professional approach.”
Yes, just like using the call button or placing your bag in the overhead bin, there are certain rules to follow when you want to jump to an open seat. Here’s how to go about switching spots the right way.
First, don’t try to jump spots during boarding.
A good way to annoy your cabin crew is to try to sneak into a different seat during 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 entire flight. “During boarding, passengers are required to remain in their assigned seats,” Ocampo says. “However, there are situations where switching or moving seats may be necessary.”
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.
In all other cases, passengers need to stay in their assigned seats listed on their boarding pass until boarding is complete, according to Ocampo. “Even if there are several available seats, do not assume you can move without first asking for permission,” she says. “As a matter of courtesy, passengers should always request permission from flight attendants before moving to an open seat. Flight attendants can verify whether a seat is occupied, which helps them manage passenger movements.”
Keep in mind that safety could be at play.
Another reason to check with a flight attendant before nabbing an open place? Aircraft balance. This is a finely tuned calculation made by pilots before takeoff and takes into account many factors, including the amount of cargo in the hold and where passengers are seated. “Moving seats is not always allowed due to weight and balance issues,” says Ocampo. “Pilots know the open seats, which is crucial in maintaining the aircraft’s weight and balance.”
This is especially true for smaller aircraft, like those that 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. But several passengers moving from seats on one side of the aisle to the other could also affect the jet’s lateral balance, according to information from California Aeronautical University. Flight attendants are highly trained safety professionals, so always check with them to verify when it’s safe to switch seats.
When is it appropriate to ask for an open seat?
Cabin crew do understand there are legitimate reasons for seat switching, and there are a variety of situations in which flight attendants are likely to grant your request. “These include mobility issues, claustrophobia, the need to rest or sleep when disturbed by a child nearby, or the desire to sit with a travel companion,” Ocampo says. “Additionally, if there are issues with the TV monitor or seat, these may also warrant a request to move.”
One special case is moving to an exit row seat. These spots always offer the perk of more legroom, but of course, they come with extra safety responsibilities. That doesn’t mean they’re necessarily out of bounds when accompanied by a polite request. “If an exit row seat is available, passengers may courteously ask flight attendants for permission to move,” Ocampo says. “However, you must be willing and able to assist the flight crew in an emergency and be at least 15 years old to occupy exit row seats.”
Remember, courtesy goes a long way.
As with anything in life, you’re more likely to have your request granted if you’re tactful. Being courteous, patient—and understanding when the answer is “no”—also shows respect for your cabin crew, who have stressful and demanding jobs.
“Demonstrating kindness and politeness is behavior that is always appreciated,” Ocampo says. “When you exhibit such qualities, flight attendants may grant you permission to move seats, and you might even receive extra snacks, drinks, or other complimentary items during your flight. Remember, your courtesy makes the boarding process smoother and makes you a respected and valued passenger.”
