The best way to ask a fellow passenger to swap seats, according to travel guru
- Flight attendant and travel expert shares how to respectfully ask for a seat swap
- She says that your first port of call should be at the gate
You managed to book your flight on time… but failed to secure your seat.
And now, you’ve got to muster up the courage to ask another passenger if they wouldn’t mind shifting so you can sit beside your other half… who is just about managing to maintain her smile.
Now a flight attendant and a travel expert has said that there are a couple of options passengers have when it comes to asking fellow travellers to swap seats.
Whytney Rawls has shared her tips on what you can do…
It is important to wait until the flight has finished boarding so that the gate agent can check the seating chart, the travel expert says (File image)
Speaking to Travel and Leisure, the expert said: ‘There is absolutely a way and a time to ask fellow passengers to swap seats, along with circumstances in which you should never do this.’
Ask at the gate for help
Your first port of call, Ms Rawls says, is at the gate.
She suggests that you speak tot he gate agent for help, and if the flight is not full then they may be able to help and make last-minute adjustments to the seating.
Always wait until boarding is finished
In saying this, it is important to wait until the flight has finished boarding so that the gate agent can check the seating chart.
But if they are unable to help, you should board the plane last, and according to Ms Rawls, the ‘unofficial yet proper rule’ is to always sit in your original seat until boarding is finished.
This is because if you sit in the wrong seat, it may cause havoc for both the passengers and the crew.
Then, she says that you may kindly ask a fellow passenger to swap with them.
Be mindful of who you’re asking to swap seats
When it comes to swapping seats, you may politely request the assistance of a flight attendant, but ‘You should always wait until they’re not visibly busy,’ Ms Rawls has shared (File image)
The flight attendant says that it is crucial that you do not wait long to ask someone to swap seats with.
However, it is important to have a think before you swap seats, as she says: ‘You should never ask if the passenger you desire to swap with is a child, elderly, or anybody with special needs that require assistance, for obvious reasons.’
Consider where the person you’re trying to swap with is sitting
Again, it is of utmost important that you are considerate of who you’re trying to swap seats with.
And it’s a huge no-no if you’re asking to swap seats just so you can have some extra space.
Ms Rawls says: ‘Don’t ask to swap into an exit row or a seat with more legroom if you’re not in the same class of seat,’ as this can be seen as inappropriate and rude.
Be aware of the flight crew’s time
When it comes to swapping seats, you may politely request the assistance of a flight attendant, but ‘You should always wait until they’re not visibly busy for the best outcome,’ Ms Rawls shares.
You may ask them to swap over seats if you see that there is no one sitting there as the in-flight crew have a seating chart and may be able to accommodate you, whenever possible.
However, doing a seat swap may not be their top priority, especially when preparing the plane for take-off.
If all else fails, take ‘no’ for an answer
If you have not been successful in your attempts to swap your seat, the cabin crew member says that you should just take ‘no’ for an answer.
After all, they paid for their seat too.
Ms Rawls says that you should not put up a fight with someone’s decision.
She added: ‘If someone isn’t willing to swap, regardless of their reasoning, don’t argue with them.’
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