Flight Passenger Calls Out ‘Entitled’ Seat Swappers
- Shreya Majumder
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
A social media post has ignited a heated discussion about airline etiquette after a passenger criticised fellow travellers for swapping seats they didn't pay for. The post, shared was bluntly titled, "Stop being entitled and sit in the seat you purchased."
"I’m so sick of these entitled people nowadays sitting in seats they didn’t pay for, and the gate agent or flight attendant having to step in and tell them to move," the user wrote. "Or the people asking you to swap because they didn’t purchase seats together. STOP."
The post continued, "I don’t care who you are I’m not moving. If you want to sit together or get a better seat, PAY FOR IT."
The post quickly gained traction, drawing a range of reactions from fellow travellers.
"It’s crazy how some people just assume it’s okay without asking," one social media user commented.
"I don’t mind switching if they accept a ‘no’ and it doesn’t leave me worse off, like going from an aisle to a middle seat," another person shared.
Several users pointed out that families with children often request seat swaps to sit together.
"And then there are the people who just take your seat and act confused when you show up with your ticket," another commenter noted.
Another user on social media said: “airlines create their own problems by not seating people together that have purchased together. Some airlines do and others do not.”
California-based etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall shares with a news outlet that while politely asking to switch seats is acceptable, no passenger is obligated to comply.
"The person making the request has no right to expect it or create a scene if they don’t get their way," she said. Randall added that while some travellers may find such requests frustrating, handling the situation with courtesy can help maintain a pleasant flight experience.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between personal convenience and consideration for fellow passengers in air travel. While some flyers are open to accommodating reasonable requests, others firmly believe that seating arrangements should be respected as purchased.
Share Your Experience
Have you ever been asked to swap seats on a flight? How did you handle the situation? Do you believe passengers should be more flexible, or do you think seat assignments should always be honoured? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
