Rise in 'Seat Squatters' on Flights Sparks Passenger Frustration

Travelers and experts weigh in on the growing trend of passengers taking seats they are not assigned, prompting etiquette debates and calls for stricter enforcement.

• Passengers report an increase in 'seat squatting,' where individuals occupy seats they are not assigned to, often leading to conflicts during boarding.
• A viral Reddit post described a passenger's experience confronting an older woman who refused to vacate their assigned seat on a Delta Air Lines flight.
• Etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall advises passengers to address seat squatters calmly, present proof of their assigned seat, and involve flight attendants if necessary.
• Social media users expressed frustration over the behavior, with suggestions ranging from stricter airline policies to charging squatters for the seat they take.
• Delta Air Lines clarified that passengers can select or change seats during booking or check-in, emphasizing the importance of following assigned seating guidelines.

3 Articles

Newsweek New York Post Fox News