Seat squatting, where a passenger takes an unassigned seat to sit next to a companion, is becoming a common annoyance on flights. While it may seem harmless, it can lead to awkward confrontations and even result in the squatter being kicked off the aircraft. According to etiquette expert Laura Windsor, such behaviour is clear-cut: “People shouldn’t feel as though they can do whatever they want.”
What is seat squatting?
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 next to her husband. The squatter eventually shuffled back under the “weight of silent shame.” Online opinions are divided: some label it “selfish” and “rude,” while others argue it’s harmless. One TikTok user admitted they regularly “risk” sitting in someone else’s seat.
Airlines’ official stance
If a passenger refuses to vacate your seat, alert cabin crew. Airlines’ Conditions of Carriage grant you the right to your designated seat. Non-compliant passengers can be removed from the flight. In 2019, a man was forcibly removed from an American Airlines flight for refusing to relinquish a stolen seat, becoming aggressive when attendants intervened. However, it’s usually the escalation—not the seat dispute itself—that leads to removal.
Online users share similar experiences. @Ultionm wrote: “I had a guy try to ignore me when I told him he was sitting in my seat. I wanted my window seat.” @kp added: “Some girl deliberately sat in my seat that I paid extra for and wouldn’t move. Attendants had to move her.”
Safety hazards of switching seats
Switching seats, especially before takeoff, can be dangerous. Former commercial pilot Pete Hutchison told The Independent that passengers moving to unplanned areas “could significantly impact the aircraft’s balance.” He noted that passenger location is part of the balance computation. Additionally, switching seats may complicate emergency evacuations, as crews rely on assigned seating. All seat swaps require crew approval.
Etiquette and expert advice
Laura Windsor told Metro: “Questions like ‘can I sit here’ should be redundant today. If people want to sit together, they should have booked accordingly. Someone’s holiday shouldn’t be ruined because certain people don’t have manners.” She recommends not engaging with seat squatters and going straight to cabin crew.
While voluntary swaps are common, you are under no obligation to accommodate others, including families with young children. A poll on Metro asks readers if they’ve ever asked to swap seats, with options “Yes – I don’t get the big deal” and “No – I think it’s rude.” Some passengers are open to swaps if the seat is comparable, as @Bre noted: “Honestly, if the seat was comparable it really doesn’t matter to me.”
Broader crackdown on bad behaviour
Major airlines are also targeting other nuisances like “barebeaters”—people who play music without headphones. United Airlines updated its contract of carriage to include a clause allowing removal of passengers who “fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.” The airline stated it has the right to refuse transport permanently for such activities. India’s government also reminded travellers that playing music out loud on aircraft may lead to legal penalties.
