Combating Seat Squatters: A Unique Approach
Introduction
In the realm of air travel, the dreaded phenomenon of "seat squatting" has emerged as a persistent annoyance. Seat squatters are passengers who brazenly attempt to occupy seats assigned to others, often resorting to assertive tactics to get their way. In response to this growing issue, a creative solution has surfaced within the online community.
The Middle Seat Strategy
On the popular Reddit forum r/unitedairlines, one user shared a screenshot of a sparsely booked flight, accompanied by a caption that has since gained traction: "The seat squatters can’t ruin your flight if you do it to yourself." The accompanying image showed the user selecting a middle seat, suggesting that securing a less desirable seat could reduce the likelihood of encountering a seat squatter.
Comments and Reactions
The post sparked a flurry of comments, with users sharing their own experiences and proposing various tactics to avoid seat squatters. Many expressed their frustration with the behavior, labeling it as rude and inconsiderate. Others offered suggestions on how to deal with seat squatters, ranging from polite requests to humorous retorts.
One user commented, "If the seat map shows the row is empty, I’ll book the window and to prevent a seat squatter, sit in the middle while everybody else boards." Another user wrote, "Booking the [window] seat and [aisle] seat, and leaving the middle seat free. Idea is that nobody will pick the middle seat when checking in."
Expert Insights
To gain a deeper understanding of seat squatting, Fox News Digital reached out to Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog View From the Wing. Leff explained that while most seat squatting is likely accidental, intentional cases are typically motivated by the desire for a more desirable seat.
"I don’t think I’ve seen anyone choose to try to take someone else’s middle seat," Leff said. "It’s certainly true that picking an undesirable seat will make it less likely you’ll deal with seat squatters, you will then wind up in… an undesirable seat."
Unlikely Occurrence
Leff cautioned that since it is unlikely to encounter an airplane squatter, selecting an undesirable seat may not be worth the trade-off. He also mentioned that airlines have changed their policies regarding switching seats when flights are not fully booked.
"You used to be able to take any open seat in your cabin once the doors closed. You might move closer to the front, grab an aisle seat or head for an empty row in the back so you could stretch out," he said.
Recommended Approach
Despite the clever strategies discussed on Reddit, Leff recommends seeking assistance from flight crew if you encounter a seat squatter. He emphasized that passengers are generally entitled to the assigned seat on their boarding pass.
Conclusion
The issue of seat squatting has become a prevalent concern for air travelers. While the middle seat strategy may offer a potential solution, it remains an unconventional approach that may not be suitable for all passengers. Consulting with flight crew remains the most effective way to resolve seat squatting situations. By understanding the behavior and seeking assistance when needed, air travelers can minimize the impact of seat squatters and ensure a more pleasant flight experience.
