THERE’S nothing better than boarding a flight only to find it half empty.
However, think twice before switching to an empty row as it could get you in trouble and even left out of pocket.
Passengers are being told they need to pay for empty seats – even if the plane is empty[/caption]
Passengers have recently been revealing how they were told they would be charged if they tried to move to a different seat than on their boarding pass.
One passenger wrote on social media: “Most of the plane is empty.
“The attendant told us that they won’t let anyone change seats for less than $86/each even though the plane is nearly empty.”
Another wrote: “Picture it an empty plane, the flight attendant comes into the speaker saying we have to sit where we were assigned for weight issues……..
“Then…. Proceeds to say that for the low low cost of of 50$ we can swap seats.”
While it might seem unfair, the reasons behind it are due to safety.
Travel expert Brett Snyder told according to USA Today: ” Airlines will know where people are sitting, they calculate the weight and balance using their systems, and they will load the cargo and the luggage properly to make sure it stays in balance.
“It is still something that can be a problem and travelers do not want to mess that up for their flight.”
A flight attendant also backed this up.
Hailey Way, who previously worked for SkyWest Airlines, said: “If it’s deemed safe to rearrange passenger seating on an aircraft to accommodate weight and balance, then this is done prior to takeoff.”
Not all airlines will charge passengers for trying to switch seats.
It is advised however to ask crew first, as there might be a reason they are empty outside of weight limits.
And of course you can only move to another seat within your class.
So don’t expect to be able to move from an economy seat to one with extra legroom.
Some passengers have tried the controversial “empty middle seat” trick when travelling as a couple.
The “hack” is to book the window and aisle seat as a couple, with the hopes that the middle seat is left empty.
However, this doesn’t always pay off, especially on full flights.
It also risks annoying the passenger in between, if you decide to stay in your seats while with your travel companion and talk over them.
One airline is now letting you bid for an empty seat next to you for just £14.
You might be able to move for free – as long as you check with flight crew first[/caption]
