The Controversial "Seat Squatter" Trend Is Going Viral. Here's How to Shut Down This Tricky Scheme.

If you’ve flown recently, you probably understand that flying can be pretty stressful.

It’s not just you that’s going to be stressed out, though. Other passengers are also dealing with the same things like crowded airports, delayed flights, and even canceled flights. However, some flyers are practicing something known as “seat squatting,” and there’s been a lot of talk about it. So we’re going to tell you how to shut it down if you come across it.

The term “seat squatters” has been mentioned a lot on social media recently, but what does it mean? A “seat squatter” is someone who deliberately takes a seat on an airplane that isn’t assigned to them hoping they don’t get noticed or asked to move. Because some seats and even seat selection cost extra on many airlines, some have seen this as a move to get a better seat without having to pay for it.

First, if you board a plane and discover that someone is sitting in your assigned seat, be sure to check your boarding pass. You’ll want to double-check to make sure that this is your seat but also have proof that it’s your seat if you need it.

You’ll want to remain calm because the person in your seat could have made an honest mistake. Kindly explain to this person that they are in your seat and show them your boarding pass with the seat number on it.

Someone might try to take your window seat

If you want to avoid confrontation or the person in your seat refuses to move, you’ll want to request the assistance of a flight attendant. A flight attendant should be able to convince the person in your seat to move to their assigned seat.

Note that if you choose to do nothing and just take a different seat, you cannot expect the airline to reimburse you for any additional fees you paid for that seat.

Also, don’t be a “seat squatter.” You could be caught and forced to move anyway. It’s also just bad etiquette. If you don’t like your assigned seat, pay for your desired seat. If that isn’t an option, you can request that someone switch seats with you, but know that they are not obligated to do so. Finally, you can ask a flight attendant if you can move.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.