Lifestyle

Simple mistake could end up costing you money next time you fly

David Benjamin
Anyone who flies regularly will be all too familiar with the quiet thrill of spotting empty rows of seats on a plane. Fewer neighbours means more room, better sleep and, for a brief moment at least, a sense of good luck and a feeling of winning. Yet travellers are being warned not to switch seats without at least asking first, as some airlines have begun charging passengers who try to move once on board. Several fliers have shared their experiences online, claiming they were told they’d face fees for taking seats other than those specifically listed on their boarding passes (Picture: Getty Images)
One American traveller wrote online how most of the plane was empty, yet cabin crew told passengers they couldn’t move unless they paid $86 (£67) each. Another described being told over the intercom that everyone had to remain in their assigned seats for ‘weight issues’, before being offered the chance to swap for a $50 (£39) fee. The posts sparked some online debate about whether airlines are taking advantage of customers or simply enforcing legitimate safety rules (Picture: Getty Images)
Despite how opportunistic it may sound, the practice is often linked to flight safety. Travel expert Brett Snyder told USA Today that seating data is essential for aircraft balance. Airlines calculate passenger locations alongside luggage and cargo weight to ensure stability. ‘They calculate the weight and balance using their systems,’ Snyder explained, ‘and they will load the cargo and the luggage properly to make sure it stays in balance.’ If that balance is thrown off, the aircraft’s handling could well be affected (Picture: Getty Images)
Former SkyWest Airlines employee Hailey Way said that crew are allowed to rearrange passengers before take-off if the plane’s weight distribution requires it. Once boarding is complete, however, unsupervised seat changes can complicate those calculations (Picture: Getty Images)
Some airlines choose to charge passengers who want to move, especially to somewhat more desirable spots, while others simply restrict movement altogether. The golden rule remains pretty simple, though: you can only change within your own class of travel. And only – and this point is key – if cabin crew approve it (Picture: Getty Images)
Cabin staff say passengers often underestimate how carefully seating is planned. Even a handful of people switching seats can cause issues, especially on smaller aircraft. That’s why, they say, attendants ask travellers to remain where they are until given permission. Those who insist on moving without approval risk not just a fee but a formal reprimand for ignoring crew instructions. Asking first, they note, is always the best approach (Picture: Getty Images)
In the end, that empty row isn’t always a free invitation to spread out. Plus some passengers regard moving from allocated seats as a no-no. In fact, the term ‘seat lice’ has recently been coined for those people that move to preferable seats as soon as they can. If you fancy stretching out, it’s best to ask first and stay within your ticketed cabin. The worst that can happen is a polite no – but ignoring procedure could end up more costly (Picture: Getty Images)

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