Why You Should Not Change Seats on an Airplane

Passenger safety on an airplane is crucial, as it not only determines the comfort level of the passengers during the flight but also affects the safety of the flight itself.

Many people are curious and clearly aware that the seats on the plane are still vacant, but the flight attendants still request everyone to sit in their designated seat instead of changing seats. Here are the reasons why.

Unbalancing the aircraft load

On flights with vacant seats, some passengers want to change to those seats next to the window or aisle. However, in reality, airlines always arrange passengers and cargo to distribute the weight evenly, according to the principle of load balancing, to ensure the safe takeoff and landing of the aircraft.

The flight attendant Serenity Haley of American Airlines previously shared that when passengers change seats, it affects the balance of the aircraft. This is very dangerous because the aircraft can encounter difficulties. For example, if the front portion is heavier, the aircraft will have a hard time taking off, and when landing, the aircraft may tip or skid off the runway.

Darren Patterson, a pilot for a major airline in the US, told the BBC: “On a small-ranged aircraft, one person can move up to 10 seats, and it will definitely affect the weight distribution. However, if it is a propeller plane or a bomber, the impact will be more obvious.” That is why you should not change seats on the plane.

Violation of airline policies

Many airlines have their own policies that do not allow free seat changes with economy class tickets. So if you pay attention to moving seats, you may encounter trouble, be fined, or even be expelled from the aircraft. Only a few lucky passengers are allowed to change seats due to special circumstances or friendly flight attendants.

Furthermore, passengers do not have the right to change seats for anyone, even if they have a request from a travel group, for reasons related to flight safety.

The aircraft may have empty seats

When the flight is not too crowded, passengers and flight attendants can comfortably move without affecting the aircraft’s weight distribution. However, passengers should not change seats casually without consulting the flight attendant, as there are flights that have empty seats for their own reasons. This issue is not fully explained or officially disclosed by the airlines.

You may encounter trouble

This is a reason not to change seats on the plane that you must pay attention to because it relates to your own safety. If a fellow passenger requests a seat change for you, you should communicate with the flight attendant again to see if it is approved or not. If you change seats for someone else, you are violating the regulations on the flight. Moreover, you may also get into trouble for breaking the law if the passenger you changed seats with has legal issues.

Differences between different seat classes on the plane

Typically, airlines have 4 types of seats on the plane, including first-class, business class, premium economy class, and economy class.

First Class is the most high-end seating on every flight, which is better than business class. This seat is not available on every flight; it depends on the flight schedule. Usually, it is sold on long-haul and international flights.

Business Class offers more amenities and is more expensive than premium economy class. Most airlines have business class and usually have it on long-haul flights. On short-haul flights, it depends on the flight schedule whether or not they have business class.

Premium Economy Class is located between business class and economy class. Depending on each flight, airlines may decide whether or not to have a separate premium economy class.

Economy Class is the most common type of airline ticket, with the most availability on every flight.

Each seat class will correspond to different services, quality, and price. And even within the same seat class, there may be differences in quality, as well as conditions and prices.