As the debate over plane etiquette continues, a travel expert has weighed in on the question of whether you should switch seats to help a family sit together. Countless parents have made headlines recently, requesting fellow passengers to prioritize their need to sit with their children, even without seat reservations. But opinions on this matter vary widely.
Last year, a TikTok user went viral after exposing a mother-of-two who refused to sit in her assigned middle seat and instead sought the TikToker’s window seat. The mother justified her request by claiming she had only slept for 90 minutes the previous night and had to give a presentation in front of 500 people. The TikToker was surprised when the person sitting next to her defended her against the complaining mother.
Globally-renowned travel writer, Nicole Campoy Jackson, weighed in on the conversation. She believes that, in this particular case, the TikToker had a valid reason for not wanting to move. A window seat, especially one that has been pre-booked, is not the same as a middle seat. Jackson advises passengers to select their seats ahead of time to avoid such situations.
It’s important to remember that boarding a plane with the expectation that someone will leave their seat for you is not practical. Rather than relying on the kindness of strangers, it’s best to plan and book seats together in advance. If someone declines to switch seats, it’s not solely their responsibility to accommodate the family.
Similar dilemmas have arisen, such as the TikToker who was asked to move from her highly desirable 1A seat. She defended her decision by stating that if people wanted to sit together, they should have booked accordingly. And she has a point. If we have paid for a specific seat, we should be able to enjoy it.
In conclusion, while it’s understandable that parents want to sit with their children during flights, it’s important to plan ahead and book seats together. It is not fair or reasonable to expect other passengers to give up their assigned seats. So, next time you fly, make sure you’ve made the necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone.
