The rules of flying seem pretty simple but somehow, we keep reading story after story about people who either don’t know the rules or just don’t care.
A Delta Air Lines passenger recently shared a frustrating experience on Reddit about a flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Tampa (TPA) when they found someone else sitting in their assigned seat. The incident, which caused a delay in the boarding process, highlights an increasingly common and annoying problem for air travelers: What should you do when you board the plane and find someone sitting in your seat?
Here’s what happened:
The passenger stood his ground and got his seat but it was surely an uncomfortable situation that never should have happened in the first place. There’s no excuse for sitting in a seat other than the one you’ve been assigned. Two flight attendants commented on the post, commending the passenger for not backing down:
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byu/Chronically_Chronic from discussion
indelta
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byu/Chronically_Chronic from discussion
indelta
Believe it or not, this scenario is not uncommon, especially on busy flights where passengers may try to switch seats to sit together. While it can be uncomfortable to confront someone who is in your seat, there are clear steps you can take to resolve the situation smoothly.
Here’s what to do if someone takes your seat on a plane:
Stay calm and polite
It’s easy to get frustrated when you find someone else in your seat, but remain calm. Politely inform the person that they are in your assigned seat and show them your boarding pass as proof.
Double-check your boarding pass
Before addressing the other passenger, spare yourself the embarrassment and verify that you’re in the right row and seat. Mistakes happen and it’s possible you misread your boarding pass or are on the wrong side of the plane.
Request they move
Once you’ve confirmed you’re in the right place, kindly ask the person to move. In most cases, people will comply once you show your boarding pass.
Involve a flight attendant if necessary
If the other passenger refuses to move, don’t engage in an argument. Simply flag down a flight attendant. They have the authority to enforce seat assignments and can de-escalate the situation.
Be open to a swap … if you want to
If the other passenger asks to switch seats and you’re open to it, you can accommodate them. However, you are never obligated to move, especially if you paid extra for a specific seat.
Know your rights
Your boarding pass is your proof of the seat you purchased. Flight attendants are there to ensure everyone sits in their assigned seat for safety and organization. If someone refuses to move, they risk being removed from the flight.
Why airlines enforce seat assignments
Seat assignments are not just about passenger preference—they play a critical role in balancing the aircraft, ensuring passengers are accounted for, and complying with safety regulations. Allowing passengers to sit wherever they please could create chaos during boarding and pose safety risks during emergencies.
If you ever find yourself in the uncomfortable position of dealing with a seat squatter, follow these steps to resolve the issue calmly and efficiently. Flight attendants are there to assist and will back you up when you’re in the right. While some passengers may try to bend the rules, your assigned seat is yours for a reason and you have every right to it.
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