How to handle seat-swap requests on planes
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- čas přidán 16. 11. 2023
- An influx of in-flight confrontations has sparked a fresh debate about plane etiquette, including what to do if a fellow passenger asks to switch seats.
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#travel #airplane #aviation #gma - Zábava
"Ma'am, your poor planning does not constitute an emergency for me." That's definitely a line to keep on standby.
The family knew they would be sitting separately when they bought their tickets, so they should be prepared for it. If sitting together was of prime importance, they should have reserved on a later flight when seats were more available. Yes, poor planning!
I would only add with, “With that being said, if it really is that much of an emergency for you, I am willing to meet you in the middle. It cost me an extra $100 to reserve this seat. I paid that because I really wanted this specific seat. So if you are willing to give me that $100 right now, plus another $100 on top of that for my trouble, I will gladly switch seats.”
This works especially if it is a family with kids. Because if they give you any pushback, you can throw it back at them by saying, “if being with your kids isn’t worth $200, that is your choice. No judgement from my end.”
I can't believe there even has to be a segment telling people to be prepared for a "No". When did this society become so entitled that it's normal for people to expect others to inconvenience themselves for *their* convenience, and have the nerve to get an attitude if they choose not to accommodate you? I don't get it.
"This is your opportunity to do something good." Uh, no. I'm sitting in the seat I paid for. I don't care.
If you want to be able to sit where you want, fly Southwest.
Sometimes I switch my seat but if something should happen to the plane and they have to give an account of injured or deceased passenger, that could pose a problem.
Opportunity to do something good? Mam, they chose their seat
Saying it’s an opportunity to do something good is what contributes to making people think that they are bad for not switching. Switching doesn’t make you a hero 😒
In no way am I obligated to listen to your sad story on poor planning. It literally costs an extra $10-20 bucks per seat to get seats together. If $40 bucks is gonna make or break you, you should've just rented an SUV and drove.
I once booked a seat in the front row of the plane. A woman came up to me and wanted me to give up my expensive seat for a cheap seat at the back of the plane. My answer was no.
And you are so right.
some people have never been told "No" and can't handle it
The worst are people who feel entitled and special simply because they have kids...they have no consideration for the person they want to bend over backward for them.
@@yunocchikaI am right there with you. I was on a flight from Atlanta to Qatar, and for 12 hours straight, the kid behind me was just screaming nonstop. He must have been 4 or 5 mind you. He was screaming so hard that his voice started cracking.
Idk about making no-kid planes. But I’m all for sections at the back of the plane, divided by curtains from the rest of the plane, which are the only place kids are to be allowed..
At least they sat in their own seats and just came over to you and asked to switch seats with you. So many times I step on the plane when I am one of the last groups that board the plane, someone is not just sitting in my seat, but actually put their luggage away, and fully settled in my seat and I even had this one guy who took off his shoes, fully prepared to enjoy the seat that they know doesn't belong to them. LOL It's just comical. And you should've seen the expression on their face when I told them they are in my seat and they need to leave after showing them my boarding pass. It's like I am intruding upon them. This guy who took off his shoes even asked me to just take another seat. And then they take their sweet little time getting their fannies out of my seat and take their luggage out of the overhead bin. And then you see they are seated all the way at the back. LOL
A Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part
I am a flight attendant for a legacy airline. Please ask the gate agent before boarding the aircraft. The gate agents and customer service are the only ones who can properly change seats. There are different safety regulations and amount of pay for each seat on the aircraft. There is also an upgrade list. Each airline has their own policies and flight attendants do not have the access to the software to properly change any seats.
I honestly wish these segments included actual airline personnel for proper guidance. It would remove so much of the confrontation issues if we simply redirected customers to talk with airline employees who have authority to make switches.
No, it’s not my “opportunity to do something good” if someone wants me to give up my aisle or window seat for a middle seat further back.
"Look for the person with the gentle eyes." Exactly, that's why as soon as I'm in my seat, headphones on and eyes closed until that plane takes off. Half the time I'm not even listening to anything, but it's a clear message that I'm not interested in any seat swap chit chats.
Exactly. Headphones/earplugs/eye mask
Until they tap you on the shoulder, because they rude like that
No I actually do the opposite. I stare at them and make them repeat again and again what they are trying to ask me until they realize how ridiculous they sound and they eventually give up. I am in the one who is legally sitting in a seat that I paid and arranged for. I shouldn't be the one who needs to look away.
If you're going to ask people to switch seats, it needs to be at least the same kind of seat (window for a window seat, extra legroom for another extra legroom seat), or an upgrade for the person you're asking to switch, like taking their middle seat and giving them your original aisle seat.
Great suggestion!!
Exactly. If I paid for economy plus, sorry, I'm not switching to an economy seat. But the other way around will be welcomed! Hey, you can have my economy plus, but I'd prefer to sit with my family in economy. I would imagine no one would say no to that.
I’m still gonna say no. It’s the airlines problem not mine.
If they have a worse seat than mine, I would be willing to give it up for some cash (or Zelle) right on the spot. I’m fine with being cramped for a 2-hour flight I paid $250 for, if it means an extra $300+.
I’m the type of person who is always willing to meet you halfway, if you make it worth my while…
I always book aisle seats and I’m NOT switching. Unless it’s another aisle seat. Maybe.
I must have a window seat. It keeps me entertained to look out and see the landscape. Plus you can get some amazing photos.
…and always check out the passenger that you would be sitting next to before agreeing. If that seat is still empty wait until all passengers have boarded.
Or hear me out.......we just sit at the place we're supposed to sit at?
I can't believe that anyone would get mad about your seat you paid for 😮
The nerve of some people ! Don’t ask !!!
*people!
*ask!!!
If you ask, at least offer something in return (like a benjamin or two, maybe three). But either way, don’t think that you can be smarter than anyone else, save money by NOT reserving your seats beforehand, then expecting to guilt trip some random stranger into getting that which you did not pay for, for free.
A couple who both got Middle seats especially on certain airlines most likely chose to not pay extra to select their seats so why penalize a stranger for their stinginess?
Um, no, you do not have the right to ask for anything you like. That woman is totally wrong. Asking for certain things is definitely rude and entitled.
Also, no, a single traveler does not rank behind a couple on their honeymoon or a family, and should not be treated like a second class citizen or shamed into a supposed "opportunity to do good."
And it is not a single traveler's fault if a couple or family decided to penny pinch and not pick seats near each other. The single traveler is only responsible for managing their own finances and may have actually had the brains to not reproduce if they couldn't afford the children unlike the family of penny pinchers. Don't have children you can't afford and expect single people to make all the sacrifices necessary to support you!
Airlines should kick off any obnoxious passengers who deliberately sit in other people's seats (theft) or harass other passengers to try to take their paid seats from them. Enough is enough.
It's the same as walking up to someone in a restaurant and stealing their meal out from under their nose because you decided that you like their order better than yours or you couldn't afford the filet mignon so you are just going to swap your little side salad for their expensive entree without their permission. Like how is this acceptable in any way? Spoiler alert: it's not!
She didn’t say “you have the right to.” She said “it’s always okay to ask.” Which I don’t agree with but that’s what she actually said.
lol😂 but why so serious
Well put! Your kids are your responsibility. Not mine. As a parent, it is your DUTY to accommodate for them. Oh, and if you are really sincere and genuinely forgot to reserve your seats, then start the conversation with, “I’ll pay cash”. We all know that money talks. After all, aren’t your kids worth it?
If you get relocated to a seat a few rows forward of where you’ve already stowed your overhead bag, you’re screwed and will have to wait until the entire crush of passengers has pushed and elbowed their way off before you’ll be able to go back and get to your bag. Really sucks especially if you have a tight connection. I hate when disorganized people demand privileges.
You fail to mention the main reason for the request, which distorts understanding the conflict. Airlines charge $80-100 for 2 seats together, people refuse to buy that, get separated, beg others to help. It has nothing to do with buying late, preferring window. I paid $100 per flight for my wife & child to sit together on international round trip connecting flights ($400 extra).
Many thanks 🙏 for pointing that out! I am lifelong single and have only ever purchased one plane ticket.
I didn’t realize that travelers paid extra $ to sit together!
This is an entire “dimension” to folks demanding seat changes and demands that solo travelers “accommodate” others to “sit together!” 😮
I realize some solo passengers may have families, but for a particular flight, may be traveling alone.
If true that these folks refused to pay the cost to buy seats together, it comes across as entitled bullies to impose on the solo travelers to move or worse, weaponizing their kids or parenthood to manipulate people! 😮
Prior to reading your post, I was already of the mind, unless the seat is a move to a good seat in first class, the answer is no. Now I’m appalled that these ppl refused to pay for the right seats and want to bully people!
The answer is NO.
Indeed, no explanations, no arguing, just a NO and call the fligh attendant if they even try to ask again
The worst is when married couples ask people to switch seats on short flight. It's fine if you guys are away from each other for an hour and 45 minutes.
No one is obligated to switch seats with strangers.
It's always the one in the middle who initiates the request.
If anyone wants to swap seats, it should be done through airline employees or flight crew only.
If someone does not want to swap seats, matter is closed.
When I choose airplane seats I mostly choose based on having the best view out of the window, since that is the most fun part of flying, I make sure the wing is not covering the entire view
I live by the “Your poor planning does not constitute an emergency on my part” 😂 I refuse to give my window for anything other than a window and not near the bathroom.
Sort it out with the airline before flying or at the gate if it can’t be helped. Asking Other passengers are not a way for you to bypass procedures already in place. It’s just so rude to ask- unless you’re giving the other person an upgrade.
Or you are paying cash. If someone offered to pay me whatever I paid to reserve the seat/upgrade, in addition to $50/hour for the flight, I would take them up on it. THAT is how these conversations are supposed to start.
If you are nice and polite, I will at least listen to your request. I may still say no, but that is my choice. If you are rude or condescending, it's a no!
How about NO!
Most airlines ask you to pick your seat while checking out. You chose to not pick your seat, so that's your problem.
And if i say no than I refuse to argue with anyone about my seat
I gladly turned down a father who was sitting in my seat when I got on the plane, saying he didn't have a seat with his brat. 🤷🏻♀️
No! Your booking arrangements are YOUR problem.
If your really unlucky they don't even ask. They just sit in your seat and refuse to move, forcing you to make a big deal of the whole issue by getting a stewardess or something. Then you spend the rest the flight sitting next to what ever remaining part of their family is still around you.
I don't get worked up over it anymore. I have had this happen to me numerous times on a plane and I just listen politely, smile, say "no thank you", put my ear buds in and close my eyes. Easy
Good idea
I have kids and I make sure I pay so we can all sit together. It’s that simple if there aren’t seats together look for another flight. I don’t understand why people feel entitled.
Since designated seats are paid option so shouldn't allow to give free.
I can't believe someone would have the gall to ask you to switch and then be mad when you dont. Unreal. Plan better next time.
I traveled with my sister and her son this past weekend. We had a family emergency and there were no seats together. My sister shrugged her shoulders and was like "Oh well!! I hope he has fun sitting wherever he gets seated next to." We did let the airline know at boarding that he wasn't going to be seated by either one of us and that we were fine with the assigned seats. Unfortunately they were able to get them seats together.
Did you mean to type "fortunately" or did you mean to type "they were unable"?
What the hell is an “etiquette expert”?
Wait, is it not if you choose your seat prior to flying or if you are designated a certain seat is recorded in the flight's passengers' manifest? So, I'd choose not to switch seat. However, if someone ask me to switch seat n I'm traveling alone I'd kindly waive to the flight attendant n tell them re the issue n ask for seat upgrade either for myself or the one asking for switch. I'd only move for better seat n I'm ok even if the one asking for switch that'd get the upgraded seat. In summary, I'm not switching unless the flight attendant give me better seat 🤷♀️
No! Period! Should not ask!
The only time Someone wants to switch seats. Is if you're in business or first class? Why don't they ask somebody in coach to take their first class seat and then they can sit in coach with their kid.
When someone wants to switch seats, give them an ejection seat😊😅
Sick of hearing about these "plane seat switching" dramas. If it's important enough to sit together, then buy your tickets early and pay what's required. Stop expecting other people to treat you differently because, well, you have children and you deserve their seat. Big effing deal! We've all had children.
On BA I had to ask the flight attendant first before I could switch seats, which I was not aware of. When asked a man to switch he said yes but then a lady came in and said I asked the flight attendant first so I get the seat. I should have said to the man you keep your seat. The lady was not nice though the whole flight to the USA.
Nope. If you want to book together, book ahead early!
I read that a seat over the wing can help with motion sickness.
There is Gravol for that.
I'm saying NO 100% of the time, Your wants or desires are not my problem, If you can't plan better then that sounds like a You issue, not a me issue.
Sorry, I'm a cop, qualified immunity. 😂
Granting of seat-switching request is a courtesy and never an obligation. This is what people need to understand. Everybody paid for their seat and is entitled to be seated in the seat that they are given or chosen. You want someone else's seat, you can ask, but it's NOT "don't be surprised when they say no", it's you cannot and should not expect that person to say "yes" at all. If that person says "yes", that person is doing you an extra favour and if that person says "no", it is his/her right and is expected and if you decide to judge that person negatively or worse retaliate against that person later, you are 100% in the wrong. This is basic etiquette. I cannot believe I need to spend the time to explain this and Good Morning America needs to spend a segment of their show to explain this. The sense of entitlement in today's society is just outrageous!!
I choose my seat well in advance and I pay a premium for the seat I chose. No one should be asked to change seats or made uncomfortable when they say no.
When I see someone in my seat I let the fight attendants handle it lol they don’t question it 🤗
The only time someone asked me to switch was his aisle seat for my middle seat "so I can sit with my wife and daughter." By the end of the 6-hour flight he was looking t me with envy. BTW, some people like me book the middle seat, so don't book a window and aisle thinking the middle seat will be empty.
“It’s always ok to ask but don’t be surprised if they refuse “ kinda like when some guy in a dress wants you to pretend he’s a woman, don’t be surprised when some people refuse to play along .
“O” yes, sir re-Bob we should switch Seats.
The truth is a lot of people are cheap and take advantage of people's kindness rather than spending the extra money to sit together. My cousin and her family are like that. They travel all the time and like to blog about how cheap they can travel to these expensive places. They also end up in situations like their 12-year-old daughter wedged in the middle seat between two creepy guys because her father is too cheap to pay the $50 bucks so she could sit with one of her parents.
Just say 'no'. If I pay to select a seat, it is mine. I don't care about someone else's kids
or problems. You will never see the person again. "No good deed goes unpunished!"
Very very true! As soon as you give up the seat something crappy and unexpected will happen to you in your new seat. Very true, no good deed goes unpunished!
@@Simple-xo1jj exactly. i only made that mistake once - never again.
I hate it when cabin staff ask me/ requestsme to.switch seats
Next time I dont book that airline ticket
Like It
What is the problem me it according to how i am feeling
Sit up Front and avoid the Problem.
*front
*problem
I planned up to 6 months ahead and paid extra for my choice seat. I would not switch my seat with an one, and I didn't give a sht for family or kids.
I don't give a dam if they was going to pay me extra cash. It was poor planning on their part and they were too cheap to pay extra for seat choice, so they wouldn't have any cash to give any way.
I also never flew cheap Greyhound airlines - Spirit, Frontier, Southwest, so I never had problems with cheap skate or poor passengers.
I don't mind switching seats, as long as I get a window seat...
No. You want that seat, you book early and pay for it.
say no
Unless the swap is to a better seat, N.O.!
NO.... end of story...
Sorry to say but I find Americans and Canadians with bad attitudes when ppl ask to switch seats because of families with small children being separated. I’m talking about back a few years, you didn’t have the chance to select and pay for seats in planes, but was randomly assigned. I have switched seats with other ppl from Latin America and Asians, and they didn’t have a problem, in fact, people were very nice.
Good morning everyone 'I fly because I have to its really not something I enjoy lately. I choose and pay extra for the window seat I have the shade up and read my book for me it's about comfort so I really don't care what you think about me. That's not my concern. Im not switching my seat its just that simple
"Plane" and simple answer NO!
No, I will not switch
Did anyone else think Tyler Regan look like Adam Sandler 😅
*looks
*Sandler?
@@alvallac2171 Wait!! What?! Is This auto correct weeks later 🤔🤔
NOPE, NOPE, NOPE Not a chance.
Mother's always are so entitled...your kids aren't important 🙄. I would never switch because a mom wants to seat next to her child. She Should have booked better. I will switch if it was an upgrade from where I am.
*Mothers (plural non-possessive)
mother's = singular possessive (or a contraction of "mother is/has")
Apostrophes are for contractions or possessive nouns, not for pluralizing.
*to sit
*She should
*if it's an upgrade
We need oxygen for SNORING 🫶
poor planning
I mean I have asked to switch a lot but that’s because a lot of times they put wheelchair users in the aisle without giving us a option to have the window I am not ambulatory which means I cannot get out of my wheelchair and I have a over 75 pound dog with me at all times plus I cannot move and get up out of my seat so if somebody needs to use the bathroom they have to climb over me and so it just makes the most sense for me to sit in the window but like I said some airlines policies were they won’t put somebody in a wheelchair in the in the window seat so I do find that’s when I have to ask to switch so in like that circumstance I think switching should be allowed because it’s an accommodation rather than me wanting to sit there and most of the time people are understanding so but I understand if that’s not your situation why it would be annoying if somebody asks you to switch but I do always try to tell the gate agent prior to boarding that I’m going to switch to a window and I always site safety because I’ve been kicked in the face when somebody’s tried to climb over me because I can’t get up So if I’m the seat that nobody hast to climb over It works out a lot better for everyone involved
*mean, I
*lot, but
*an option (because "option" begins with a vowel sound)
*window. I
*ambulatory, which
*an over
*times, plus
*seat. So
*bathroom, they
*me, and
*window, but
*wheelchair in the window
*seat, so
*switch. So
*circumstance, I
*allowed, because
*there. Most
*understanding, but
*switch. But
*window, and
*cite safety, because (different meaning)
*me, because
*up. So
*if I'm in the seat
*has to
*over, it
*involved.
No...💺 $$$$
Pakistan zindabad❤
Im not switching because I pay for my seat, often an upgraded seat. I will switch a seat for a member of our military if I wish. I dont switch bc 99% of the time its the people expecting you to switch bc they were selfish and cheap. I understand things can be last minute but thats rare, you can pick seats together if you plan ahead like everyone else does.
My 3 year old and me were separated from turkey to Washington 12 hour flight. Imagine 3 year old sitting alone far from mama? So , when thy refused to change seats with me, I just put my toddler on my laps and sat untill Stuartd approached me and said I was doing something wrong )))) I responded, sweetheart my toddler can't sit without me as she needs to use restroom and she doesn't know how to do it alone, being alone for 12 hours for her would be endless crying and calling for mama. Not my fault , but yeah, they found a way to put us together.
Not our problem! You should have booked better. No sympathy here for you and your brat!
*and I
*Turkey
*on a 12 hour flight
*So, when they
*my lap
*until a steward
*wrong. I
*responded, "Sweetheart, my
*me, as
*use the restroom
*alone. Being
*fault, but
You can always order your seat in advance with a little bit extra fee when you booked your ticket.
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
So if I have kids or a husband I should get the sit of a “single” person? 🫠 that’s a messed up POV, single people have value too 😅
*husband, I
*seat (noun)
sit = verb (and is pronounced differently)
*That's
*POV. Single
*too.
@@alvallac2171 Thank you! I’m actually learning english as a second language so this helps a lot. 😀