According to travel guru, the best way to ask a fellow passenger to change seats
- Stewardess and travel expert tell you how to request a seat exchange in a respectful way
- She says your first port of call should be at the gate
You booked your flight on time… but couldn’t get your seat.
And now you must work up the courage to ask another passenger if they don’t mind shifting so you can sit next to your other half… who just manages to keep her smile.
Now a flight attendant and a travel expert have said there are a number of options passengers have when it comes to asking fellow travelers to switch seats.
Whytney Rawls shared her tips on what you can do…
It’s important to wait for the flight to finish boarding so the gate agent can check the seat layout, travel expert says (File image)
Speak against Travel and leisuresaid the expert, “There is definitely a way and a time to ask fellow passengers to change seats, along with circumstances where you should never do this.”
Ask for help at the gate
Your first port of call, Mrs. Rawls says, is at the gate.
She suggests you talk to the gate agent for help, and if the flight isn’t full, they may be able to help and adjust seats last minute.
Always wait for boarding to complete
It is important to wait until the flight has finished boarding so that the gate agent can check the seat assignment.
But if they can’t help, you have to board last, and according to Ms Rawls, the “unofficial but correct rule” is to always remain in your original seat until boarding is complete.
This is because sitting in the wrong seat can wreak havoc on both the passengers and crew.
Then she says you can ask a fellow passenger to trade with him or her.
Remember who you ask to switch places
When it comes to changing seats, you can politely ask for a flight attendant’s assistance, but “You should always wait until they’re not visibly busy,” Ms Rawls shared (File Image)
The flight attendant says it’s crucial that you don’t wait long to ask someone to switch seats.
However, it is important to think before you change seats, she says: ‘You should never ask if the passenger you want to swap with is a child, an elderly person or someone with special needs who needs help, for obvious reasons.”
Think about where the person you’re trying to trade with is sitting
Again, it is paramount that you consider who you are trying to switch places with.
And it’s a huge no-no if you ask to switch seats just to have some extra space.
Ms Rawls says, “Don’t ask to swap to an exit row or a seat with more legroom if you’re not in the same seat class,” as this could be considered inappropriate and rude.
Take into account the time of the flight crew
When it comes to changing seats, you can politely ask for a flight attendant’s assistance, but “You should always wait until they’re not visibly busy for best results,” Ms. Rawls shares.
You can ask them to change seats if you see no one sitting there as the crew has a seating plan on board and can accommodate you where possible.
Changing seats may not be their top priority, especially when preparing the plane for takeoff.
If all else fails, take “no” for the answer
If your attempts to change seats are unsuccessful, the cabin crew member will tell you to just accept ‘no’ for an answer.
After all, they also paid for their seat.
Ms. Rawls says don’t fight someone’s decision.
She added, “If someone isn’t willing to trade, regardless of their reasoning, don’t argue with them.”