Points Guy UK reveals the do’s and don’ts of seat swapping on planes

Airplane seat change etiquette has become the hottest topic on social media.

Passengers have been posting stories of grief and frustration after asking other travelers to swap places, and being turned away. And often, they receive little sympathy.

But what are the pros and cons of swapping seats? Nicky Kelvin, director of travel site The Points Guy UK, offers some advice on a instagram video.

He says: ‘It’s fair to say that we’ve all been tempted to change our airplane seats for various reasons, from wanting to sit next to our loved ones to being by the window, taking in the glorious views.

‘However, there are some considerations to take into account.’

First of all, Nicky says, anyone requesting a seat swap should be aware that seat assignments can be expensive or require elite status.

Second, make sure your offer is attractive.

Nicky says: ‘Only better or equivalent exchanges should be offered; you don’t want to end up with less than you had before.

‘Maybe you lose an aisle seat, but gain some legroom in a bulkhead seat.

Or trade your window seat by the lavatory for a middle seat at the front of the main cabin.

He adds: “If you want to sit close to your spouse, or have limited scale, it’s okay to request a similar seat, but if the swap isn’t equal, it’s best to request only in special situations, i.e., caring.” for a companion or gather a family with small children.

“But even then, it’s still a heated debate.”

He is not wrong.

After posting a video about it on Points Guy UK’s Instagram page, the comments were flying.

One user, Aikezim, said: ‘I never agree. I always reserve my seats in advance, which most of the time costs more, so if someone asks me to swap just so they can sit together, I’m sorry, but no. People who don’t reserve their seats in advance make the decision to risk where they end up sitting.’

‘Siobhan_obc’ agreed, stating: ‘Everyone knows if you want to sit together, reserve seats in advance. I never understand families with young children not reserving seats together.

‘Clarekingy’ pointed out, however, that it is not always as simple as that, writing: ‘Sometimes [seats together] they are not available so they book where they can and expect goodness.

‘Walker.mangum’ joined the debate by suggesting that ‘a few hours apart will do most of these people good’.

But what if a parent and toddler are separated?

Points Guy UK follower ‘gorgeousgregwise’ recalled how he was separated on a flight from his four-year-old son as he couldn’t afford the $60 fee to choose seats. He commented: ‘I understand she had no seating choice, but she was identified as a girl when I made the reservation. He was distraught. Anyway, someone was kind enough to swap so we could sit together…a little sympathy goes a long, long way.

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