Seat squatting, the act of taking a seat not assigned to you, has emerged as one of the most divisive travel habits. While some view it as harmless, others see it as entitled and rude. The consequences can be severe, including removal from the flight.
What is seat squatting?
Seat squatting commonly occurs on flights when a passenger occupies a seat that isn't theirs, often to sit next to a friend or family member. The term was coined by Facebook user Lin Nea, who described being forced to 'stand back, stoically waiting' while a squatter tried to take her designated seat 25A to sit with her husband. The squatter eventually shuffled back under the 'weight of silent shame.'
Airlines' official stance
Airlines' Conditions of Carriage generally give passengers the right to their designated seat. If a passenger refuses to vacate, cabin crew can remove them. In a 2019 incident on American Airlines, a man was forcibly removed after becoming aggressive when asked to return to his seat. It is often the escalation, not the dispute itself, that leads to removal.
Online reactions and experiences
Social media users have shared their encounters. @Ultionm wrote: 'I had a guy try and ignore me when I told him he was sitting in my seat. Probably hoped I was too timid to repeat myself more than once. Nope. I wanted my window seat.' Another user, @kp, shared: 'Some girl deliberately sat in my seat (a solo row) that I paid extra for and wouldn’t move. Attendants had to move her and check our tickets.'
Safety concerns with seat swapping
Former commercial pilot Pete Hutchison told The Independent that switching seats, especially before takeoff, can affect the aircraft's balance. 'To start moving seats, especially in significant numbers, to unplanned areas, could significantly impact the aircraft’s balance,' he said. This is why all switches require crew approval.
Etiquette expert weighs in
Etiquette expert Laura Windsor told Metro: 'Questions like “can I sit here” or “is it okay if we switch seats” should be redundant today. If people want to sit together, they should have booked accordingly.' She advises not engaging with seat squatters and instead alerting cabin crew immediately.
Voluntary swaps and conditions
While voluntary swaps are allowed, passengers are under no obligation to accommodate others. Some travelers are open to swapping if the seat is comparable. As one user, @Bre, put it: 'Honestly, if the seat was comparable it really doesn’t matter to me.'
Broader context: Barebeaters
Seat squatting joins a list of annoying travel habits, including 'barebeaters' who play music without headphones. United Airlines updated its contract of carriage to ban such behavior, stating: 'UA has the right to refuse transport, on a permanent basis, any passenger who engages in any of the activities in this rule.' India also reminded travelers that playing music out loud on flights can lead to legal action.
