On a few occasions, while boarding flights, other passengers have asked one of us to change our assigned seats to accommodate their family. Since we always choose aisle seats across from each other, if we can maintain an aisle seat, we are willing to move.
If moving requires us to end up in a middle or window seat, we are not willing to move, especially since most of our flights are long. Fortunately, we’ve never encountered hostile passengers when we’ve refused. However, recently, there have been countless reports of hostile passengers making a scene on a flight when another passenger refuses to give up their seat to accommodate the needs of other passengers.
In the not-so-friendly skies, a new battleground of etiquette is emerging: the rise of the seat squatter. For those unfamiliar with the term, “seat squatting” refers to the act of deliberately claiming a seat on a plane that wasn’t assigned to you, often without asking or waiting for permission. It’s become an increasingly common issue, especially on full or overbooked flights, and it’s causing friction among travelers, flight attendants, and airlines alike.
The Anatomy of a Seat Squat
A seat squat can take many forms. Sometimes it’s subtle—someone quietly slips into an empty aisle seat, hoping no one claims it. Other times, it’s more brazen—a passenger walks past their assigned middle seat and sits in a coveted window or aisle spot, banking on the fact that the rightful passenger might not show up or will concede to avoid confrontation.
In some cases, it’s born of logic. For instance, a person might swap a middle seat to sit next to their partner or take an empty row toward the back of the plane after boarding is complete. But it becomes contentious when it’s done prematurely, presumptuously, or without regard for others.
Why People Do It
There are a few reasons passengers engage in seat squatting:
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Comfort and convenience: Let’s face it, airplane seats aren’t luxurious. If there’s a better one nearby, the temptation is real.
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Poor planning: Some travelers failed to choose seats in advance or arrived late for check-in, resulting in them being assigned the worst options.
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Entitlement or arrogance: A small percentage of passengers feel rules don’t apply to them and that they deserve better than what they paid for.
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Misunderstanding: Not all squatters are intentionally rude. First-time flyers or travelers unfamiliar with seating policies may not realize that seats are pre-assigned and cannot be negotiated.
Nathan, Norman’s son, Nina, his partner, and Natalie, his daughter from a few years ago.
How It Impacts Other Passengers
For many flyers, persistent travelers, and seat squatters, it’s more than just a minor annoyance. It’s a breach of basic courtesy. Passengers carefully select seats for various reasons, including extra legroom, proximity to the bathroom, distance from the bathroom, medical needs, or simply personal preference. When someone takes a seat that isn’t theirs, it creates awkward encounters that can set the tone for the entire flight.
It also places unfair pressure on the rightful seat-holder. Confront them and risk a tense situation, or accept a less desirable seat to avoid conflict? Some passengers—especially solo travelers, the elderly, or those with anxiety—might not feel comfortable asking someone to move, even when they have every right to.
And for flight attendants, this issue becomes yet another interpersonal puzzle to solve before takeoff. Cabin crews already juggle tight schedules, safety checks, and customer service. Sorting out squatting disputes is not a role they relish.
What the Airlines Say
Airlines are clear: your boarding pass dictates your seat. Many carriers have reinforced policies and now make in-flight announcements discouraging passengers from changing seats until boarding is complete. Some, like budget airlines, use strict seat enforcement as a way to encourage passengers to pay extra for preferred seats.
Technology is also playing a role. Digital boarding passes, real-time seat maps, and check-in reminders give passengers more control over seat selection, but also highlight the fact that those better seats often come at a premium.
Still, many travelers report that enforcement varies. On less crowded flights, some crews are relaxed about empty seats. On fully booked or oversold routes, however, enforcement is tighter, and squatters are routinely asked to return to their original seat.
Is There a “Right” Way to Change Seats?
Absolutely. It comes down to respect, timing, and communication. Here are a few guidelines if you’re hoping to switch:
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Wait until boarding is complete: You can’t know if a seat is truly available until the doors close.
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Ask permission: If the seat belongs to someone, request a swap. Offer a reasonable trade and respect their answer.
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Ask a flight attendant: They have the final say and can help facilitate any swaps without disrupting the boarding process.
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Be gracious: If you’re denied a move, accept it without fuss. Remember, comfort isn’t guaranteed in economy class.
Kudu moms and babies in the garden.
Social Media and Seat Shaming
In the age of TikTok and Reddit, seat squatting has gone viral. Videos of mid-air arguments, passive-aggressive note passing, and dramatic seat negotiations rack up millions of views. Passengers now turn to social media for validation or condemnation of their actions, further fueling the debate.
Some viewers applaud those who stand their ground against squatters; others argue for empathy and flexibility, especially for families with small children or passengers with disabilities. The court of public opinion, like the cabin aisle, can be a tight space.
The Bottom Line
Air travel isn’t always pleasant. Seats are cramped, flights are full, and tempers run high. But courtesy costs nothing. Seat squatting may seem like a harmless move in the moment, but it can disrupt the harmony of a flight and spark unnecessary tension.
Ultimately, it’s about treating fellow travelers with respect. We’re all at the mercy of the same recycled air and plastic snack tray, so claiming someone else’s seat uninvited isn’t just bad form. It’s a sign of forgetting we’re all in this sky-bound journey together.
If you want a window seat, book it early. Or ask nicely because no one wants to start their journey with a standoff over seat 23A.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 18, 2015:
