Few things are more frustrating than entitlement at 30,000 feet.
Picture this: You board your flight, excited to settle into your pre-reserved window seat, only to find a stranger comfortably sitting in it. Not only have they taken your seat, but they’ve also decided that you—yes, you—should now squeeze into the dreaded middle seat instead. No request, no discussion—just an entitled assumption that they deserve your seat more than you do.
Sounds ridiculous, right? Welcome to seat squatting and seat poaching—the latest trend in travel entitlement.
And that’s exactly the problem: entitlement.
Seat Squatting vs. Seat Poaching
While both involve taking a seat that isn’t yours, there’s a key difference:
- Seat Squatting: Taking an unoccupied seat, assuming no one will claim it or hoping to get away with it. Squatters often sneak into better seats without asking, treating it as an opportunity.
- Seat Poaching: Knowingly taking someone else’s assigned seat before they arrive, often refusing to move or creating a scene when confronted.
Most of the time, seat squatters don’t actually know for sure if the seat is vacant—they just take a chance. Here’s how it usually plays out:
- The “Hopeful Opportunists” – These passengers see an empty seat and assume (or hope) that no one will show up. If confronted, they might act surprised or pretend they thought it was open.
- The “Deliberate Poachers” – They know the seat is reserved but take it anyway, hoping the rightful passenger won’t push back. If challenged, they might refuse to move or guilt-trip the person into switching.
- The “Last-Minute Chancers” – They see a better seat while boarding is still happening and quickly take it, gambling that the assigned passenger won’t come.
Some squatters even scope out premium seats (like bulkhead, extra legroom, or window seats) before takeoff, ready to pounce once the boarding door closes. But unless the flight crew confirms a seat is vacant, they’re just rolling the dice.
What is Seat Squatting on an Airplane?
Seat squatting is when a passenger takes a seat they haven’t booked, often one that’s better than their assigned spot. This could mean sneaking into an extra-legroom seat, claiming an empty business class seat (without upgrading), or simply grabbing any vacant spot they feel they deserve.
Unlike polite seat-switching (where passengers ask and negotiate swaps), seat squatters don’t ask—they take. And if called out? Many will claim it was an innocent mistake, or worse, argue they deserve the seat more than the rightful passenger.
What is the Squatting Trend on Planes?
Social media has fuelled the rise of seat squatting, with videos of passengers sneakily switching seats mid-flight or boldly occupying premium spots during boarding. The logic?
- “If it’s empty, it’s up for grabs.” (No, it’s not.)
- “I have a reason that makes me more deserving.” (Still no.)
- “The worst that happens is they ask me to move.” (So why not try?)
Some travellers see it as a game, pushing boundaries to see what they can get away with. Others claim they need to squat due to discomfort, traveling with family, or simply hating their assigned seat.
The problem? It creates unnecessary drama, delays flights, and puts rightful seat holders in awkward situations—especially when squatters get defensive or aggressive.
What Does Seat Squatting Mean?
At its core, seat squatting is a form of self-upgrading without paying. Unlike seat poaching (where someone knowingly takes another person’s seat before they arrive), squatting often involves taking unoccupied premium seats under the assumption that “no one is using it, so why not?”
The biggest issue is entitlement. Airlines sell seats based on preferences—window views, aisle access, extra legroom, or privacy. Just because a seat looks available doesn’t mean it is.
Which Seats Should I Avoid on an Airplane?
Pro tip: If you care about where you sit, book early and select your seat in advance. Don’t gamble on switching mid-flight and inconveniencing fellow passengers and cabin crew.
If you hate being stuck with a bad seat, reserve or book and pay so you can avoid:
- The dreaded middle seat (especially in economy)
- Seats near the lavatories (hello, unwanted smells and traffic)
- Back row seats (often no recline and next to the galley)
- Seats with missing windows (yep, some exist. For example on board Lufthansa A340-300 their premium economy last row does not have windows.)
The Psychology Behind Seat Preferences
Seat choices aren’t random—many passengers select their seats based on specific needs, comfort, and convenience. Some passenger even pay extra for preferred seats. Here’s why certain travellers pick particular seats:
- Window seats: Preferred by those who like to sleep against the side, avoid foot traffic, or enjoy the view. Ideal for introverts and those who want minimal interaction.
- Aisle seats: Chosen by people who need easy bathroom access, have medical conditions, or simply prefer the ability to stretch their legs.
- Extra legroom seats: Paid for by taller passengers or those who need more comfort, such as those with back problems or circulation issues.
- Bulkhead seats (generally in first row of each cabin class): Often reserved for passengers with infants (due to baby bassinets) or those with mobility issues. These seats typically offer more space but don’t always have under-seat storage.
- Seats near the galley: Chosen by passengers who want quick access to cabin crew, such as those with medical conditions, dietary needs, or high anxiety. However, they may experience more noise and light.
- Exit row seats: Popular among taller passengers for extra legroom, but they require physical capability in case of an emergency. Passengers with disabilities, elderly travellers, and those with infants are usually not allowed to sit here.
- Seats near the lavatories: Sometimes chosen by passengers who need frequent restroom access, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions like bladder issues. However, these seats may experience high foot traffic and occasional odors.
- Rear section seats: Some anxious flyers prefer seats in the back as they feel it’s safer, while some families choose them because they are closer to baby-changing facilities. However, turbulence is often stronger here.
- Seats close to the wings: Chosen by those who want the most stable ride since it’s the aircraft’s centre of gravity, which reduces the feeling of turbulence.
- Front row seats in Business or First Class: Preferred by business travellers who want to be the first to disembark upon landing.
Understanding these preferences reinforces why seat swapping should never be expected or demanded.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of Seat Squatting or Seat Poaching
If you board and find a squatter or poacher in your seat, here’s how to handle it:
- Stay calm but firm. Politely inform them that they are in your seat. Most will move when confronted. Be assertive not aggressive.
- Don’t engage in arguments. If they resist, don’t waste your energy debating—it’s not your problem.
3. Get the cabin crew involved. Flight attendants deal with seat disputes all the time. Let them sort it out.
4. Do NOT agree to unfair swaps. You picked your seat for a reason—don’t let guilt-tripping force you into an uncomfortable spot.
5. If the squatter is aggressive, document the incident. In extreme cases, airlines can remove disruptive passengers before take-off.
How to Avoid Having to Squat in the First Place
If you find yourself tempted to squat because you hate your seat, here’s how to avoid the situation altogether:
- Book early and select a seat. The best seats go fast—don’t wait until check-in. If you are flying Qantas make use of the T-80 Rule and Calculator.
- Pay for upgrades. If you want extra legroom or a business class seat, pay for it like everyone else.
- Use frequent flyer points. Many premium seats are available as reward redemptions. You may want to use a point redemption value calculator to ensure you are getting bang for buck.
- Request seat changes through the crew, not passengers. Never pressure someone to swap—if it’s necessary, let the flight attendants handle it.
- Understand that no one owes you a seat change. Some travellers pre-book seats due to travel anxiety, claustrophobia, or medical needs. Others paid extra for their spot and some plan and book months or a year in advance. It’s not your right to take it.
Why Do Some People Think Seat Squatting is Acceptable?
Seat squatters often justify their actions with excuses like:
- “I have back problems.” (So do many others—plan accordingly.)
- “I need to sit with my family.” (Then book seats together in advance.)
- “It’s just an empty seat.” (No, it’s not—someone paid for it.)
Some passengers try to seat squat when they don’t have an assigned seat, hoping to grab a better spot. If your boarding pass shows “TBD” for your seat, it simply means it hasn’t been assigned yet—so don’t assume you can pick any open seat! Find out what TBD means and how to handle it here: TBD on a Boarding Pass – What It Means & What to Do.
In reality, squatting is simply a sense of entitlement that disrespects fellow passengers.
Airline Policies on Seat Switching
Airline policies on seat switching vary. Some are strict about enforcing assigned seating, while others allow passengers to switch as long as it doesn’t interfere with safety procedures.
- Strict airlines (e.g., Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa): Flight attendants will usually enforce assigned seating and move squatters back to their original seats.
- More relaxed airlines (e.g., Southwest, Ryanair): Open seating policies make it easier for squatters to claim spots.
What happens if someone refuses to move? If a passenger flat-out refuses to leave a squatted seat, flight attendants may escalate the situation. In extreme cases, passengers have been removed from the flight for causing disruptions.
Should You Swap Seats with Another Passenger?
The short answer? Only if you genuinely want to.
Some people swap out of kindness—like reuniting families. But remember:
- You are never obliged to switch. Even if a parent is seated away from their child, it’s the airline’s responsibility to fix it, not yours.
- If you swap, do it on your terms. Aisle for aisle, window for window—don’t downgrade yourself.
- Don’t be guilt tripped. If someone’s trip is ruined because they didn’t pre-book seats, that’s on them.
Addressing the Etiquette of Seat Swapping
While seat squatting is an issue of entitlement, it’s also important to discuss the etiquette surrounding seat swapping. Passengers are never obligated to switch seats, especially if it results in a less desirable position. However, in situations where a minor is separated from a guardian, some may choose to accommodate the request.
It’s crucial to handle such situations politely and to involve flight attendants if any disputes arise. The key is mutual respect—no passenger should feel pressured or guilted into moving from their chosen and paid-for seat unless they willingly agree.
Frequent Flyers vs. Casual Travelers: Frequent flyers, especially those who pay for premium seating or use miles, are much less likely to tolerate seat poaching.
Class Differences: Seat poaching is more common in economy class, where passengers are trying to secure a better spot. It’s rare but not unheard of in business or first class.
My Personal Experiences with Seat Issues on Emirates
Both of my experiences took place on Emirates Business Class. Thankfully the cabin crew dealt with both issues in such a professional manner.
- A lady decided to poach my pre-booked window seat, which I had reserved for two passengers. (Booked 8 months in advanced mind you). She unilaterally dumped me in the dreaded three middle seats on the Emirates 777-300ER. She outright refused to move, forcing me to get the cabin crew involved. She was eventually moved with a lot of huffing and puffing and aggressiveness.
- On another Emirates Business Class flight, despite pre-reserving my seat, (again a good 6 months in advanced) I was seated away from my traveling companion because Emirates reassigned our seats at the boarding gate. I have no idea why they did so but I showed them my booking and I politely approached the cabin crew (not the passenger) and asked if I could swap seats. The crew discreetly approached the passenger who was assigned my original seat and he agreed to swap since he was getting the exact same window seat just three rows behind.
Can an Airline Make You Change Seats?
Yes, an airline can make you change seats under certain circumstances. While passengers typically have assigned seats, the airline retains the right to reassign seats for operational, safety, or regulatory reasons. Here are some scenarios where this might happen:
- Weight and Balance Considerations
On smaller aircraft, or in cases where the plane is not full, airlines may need to redistribute passengers to ensure proper weight distribution. - Seat Malfunctions or Safety Issues
If your seat is broken, an emergency exit is blocked, or there’s another safety concern, the crew may move you to a different seat. - Accommodating Passengers with Special Needs
Passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, or those traveling with kids or medical conditions might be reassigned to ensure they receive necessary accommodations. - Air Marshal or Crew Seating
If an air marshal or an off-duty crew member needs your seat, the airline can reassign you. - Downgrades Due to Aircraft Changes
If a plane swap occurs and the new aircraft has fewer business or first-class seats, some passengers may be downgraded and offered compensation.
Can You Seek Compensation If Moved to a Worse Seat?
If you are forced to move to a lower-class seat (e.g., business class to economy), most airlines will offer some form of compensation, such as a partial refund or flight credit. However, if the reassignment is within the same class but to a less desirable seat (e.g., window to middle), compensation is rare unless you specifically paid extra for seat selection.
If you feel you’ve been unfairly reassigned, always check the airline’s conditions of carriage and ask about compensation options.
Final Thoughts: Seat Squatters & Poachers Need to Stop
Seat squatting and seat poaching are becoming an annoying trend, fuelled by entitlement and the hope of getting away with it. While some may see it as a harmless attempt to get a better spot, it ultimately creates frustration, disrupts the boarding process, and puts unfair pressure and anxiety on rightful seat holders.
The solution is simple: Book the seat you want, respect other passengers’ assignments, and if you truly need to switch, ask politely—or pay for an upgrade. If you didn’t book or pay for a specific seat, it’s not yours. And more importantly, it’s not someone else’s problem. If you have a genuine issue, speak to the cabin crew and let them handle it. Don’t just drop yourself into someone else’s seat because you feel entitled to it!
Helpful Travel Resources
If you’re preparing for a trip and need help packing, feel free to download this ultimate travel packing list for helpful tips you might not have thought of.
Additionally, if you’re traveling to the UK or Europe, be sure to check the new visa waiver requirements for both the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and European ETIAS. Most non-EU nationals, including Australian and U.S. passport holders, must now apply online for permission to enter. Also, keep an eye on the upcoming Entry/Exit System(EES), which will impact all non-EU travelers. Being prepared for these changes can save you time and hassle at immigration.
Looking for the perfect gift for a travel lover? Check out this list of Unique Gifts for Travelers—from practical gadgets to fun travel-themed keepsakes!
Safe travels!
