As a solo plane passenger, should you have to switch seats so a family can sit together?
Picture this: You’ve found the perfect window seat for your flight—plenty of legroom and a great view. Just as you settle in, a family approaches and asks if you can swap seats so they can sit together. It’s a classic conundrum, and it’s sparking heated debates online. Should solo plane passengers cave in and move, or is it every flyer for themselves?
This fiery topic caught wind on an Instagram post by the Today Show, drawing comments quicker than a plane takeoff. Sunny Anderson, the lively host of Food Network’s The Kitchen, dropped her two cents. “I’m sorry, but I choose the window seat for my anxiety, and I shouldn’t have to justify that or face criticism for it just to accommodate your visible concerns. If I can’t secure a window seat, I genuinely prefer to look for another flight,” she candidly shared. Oh, Sunny, you certainly live up to your name by brightening up the conversation!
The comments expressed a divided viewpoint, with the majority supporting the rights of the solo plane passenger
It all started with a viral TikTok video where a solo traveler narrated her saga of finding a mother with two kids already occupying her cherished window seat. The mom asked her to swap to a dreaded middle seat so her family could sit together. Oh, the audacity!
So, in such a situation, what would be considered proper etiquette?
To navigate this turbulent topic, PEOPLE turned to Nicole Campoy Jackson, a seasoned travel expert, advisor, and writer at Fora Travel. She hit the nail on the head: “A window seat, especially one pre-booked as such, is very much not the same thing as a middle seat.” Preach, Nicole!
Nicole’s advice resonates with most airlines’ official stances. Understanding seating policies before booking can save everyone a world of hurt. Instead of flying blind, know the rules, and everyone remains cool as a cucumber. Read: ‘I refuse to switch plane seats so couples or families can sit together’
How to prevent an incident similar to this solo plane passenger in the future
Nicole advocates for selecting seats in advance to avoid these awkward airborne confrontations. It’s wishful thinking to board with the expectation that someone will just hand over their premium spot!
Most airlines offer seat selections during the booking process, with some tacking on extra fees for the privilege. It’s worth the investment to avoid wrangling over window versus middle seat drama. In summer 2022, the Department of Transportation rolled out new guidelines. Their Office of Aviation Consumer Protection encouraged, but didn’t mandate, U.S. airlines to let kids sit by accompanying adults without extra charges.
Who would be responsible for a last-minute seat switch? According to Jackson, the responsibility does not lie with the displaced passenger.
If there’s a seating snafu, the onus is on the airline and flight attendants to sort it out. They are the airborne referees who should keep everything running smoothly. It’s not fair to expect the solo traveler to bear the brunt of responsibility. The airline crew should step in, play peacemakers, and keep the skies friendly for all.
Is expecting special treatment fair?
Navigating the skies comes with its own etiquette. Boarding with the hope that other travelers will bend over backward for your seating preferences can be a bit much. The comments on Today Show’s post reflected this, with varied takes flying left and right.
One commenter hit the sweet spot, suggesting it’s okay to ask for a seat change and equally acceptable to decline. It’s about open dialogue and mutual respect. After all, asking nicely or saying “no” shouldn’t be seen as rude. It’s a balancing act of communication and courtesy.
