Air travel differs from other modes of transportation in several critical ways, especially when it comes to seating. While some airlines, like Southwest Airlines in the US, have a free-sitting policy, the majority allocate specific seat assignments either during booking or check-in. Unfortunately, a trend has emerged, especially among Philippine passengers, where some travelers mistakenly treat planes like buses or trains and take any available seat. It’s essential to understand why it’s crucial to stick to your assigned seat.
1. Safety and Security
Your assigned seat is not just for your convenience but primarily for safety and security. If there’s an issue, such as contraband on board, theft, or health concerns like a COVID outbreak, the manifest – which maps passengers to their seats – helps authorities swiftly identify and address the individual in question. This process helps prevent mistaken identities and ensures passenger safety.
2. Meal Management
Many low-cost airlines offer the option to pre-book meals. Special meal orders, such as Halal meals, are linked to specific seat numbers. By taking another person’s seat, you risk receiving a meal you didn’t order (or potentially cannot eat) while depriving the rightful seat occupant of their specially requested food.
3. Property Identification
In the event that personal items are left behind, the crew can identify the rightful owner based on the seat in which the items were found. Taking a seat that’s not assigned to you can lead to ownership disputes, especially if you mistakenly leave behind valuable possessions.
4. Respecting Passengers’ Preferences
Many passengers have strong preferences or even pay extra for specific seats. For instance, people like me might choose window seats to enjoy the view or document their journeys, while others might opt for aisle seats for easy lavatory access. By taking someone else’s seat, you undermine their choice and might even create unnecessary friction.
Remember, taking someone’s assigned seat can cause undue stress and delays. If you wish to sit next to family or friends, it’s best to reserve seats in advance or make an early request at check-in. If you wish to swap seats, always inform the cabin crew.
What To Do If Someone Occupies Your Seat?
If you find someone in your designated seat, first verify your boarding pass to ensure there’s no mistake. Politely inform the person and guide them to their proper seat. If they resist, seek the cabin crew’s assistance. Remember, aggressive behavior or refusal to cooperate can lead to being offloaded and possible legal ramifications.
Always be mindful of your seat assignment. An airplane is not a bus or train where seating might be more flexible. Airlines have systematic reasons for seat allocations, and these protocols are in place for everyone’s benefit. Respect them, and the rights of your fellow passengers.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
