I was on a flight and found someone in my seat. As I approached him, I was annoyed. Thinking that this person wanted a free move from the back of the plane to near the front of plane riled me up!! I was already for a fight to get this seat squatter out of my seat. I thought that this person was betting I would not toss him out of the seat and just meekly go to a middle seat in the back of the plane.
As I approached him, I decided to start with being nice. I said to him, I think you are sitting in my seat. His response was that he was in the right seat, Seat 13C. I pointed out to him that you are sitting in 12C. Instead of a seat squatter, I found someone who accidentally chose the wrong row. I am so glad that I did not go hot and heavy on him. It started to make me think about a couple of things.
First, let’s go through these two distinct scenarios:
The Seat Squatter: Intentional Occupation
This is the airline equivalent of finding someone parked in your assigned spot at a crowded lot. The seat squatter knows they’re not supposed to be there. Maybe they preferred the window view and hoped no one would notice. Perhaps they wanted to sit with their travel companion who is several rows away. Whatever the reason, they’ve intentionally taken your assigned seat.
Identifying a Squatter:
- They’re settled in: They’ve often got their belongings spread out, their headphones on, and an air of nonchalance that suggests they plan on staying put.
- Vague explanations: When confronted, their explanations might be flimsy or contradictory. “Oh, I thought this was my seat,” even though their boarding pass clearly indicates another row.
- Lack of initiative to move: Even when presented with your boarding pass, they might hesitate or try to negotiate a swap, even if their assigned seat is objectively less desirable.
- Confidence bordering on defiance: Some squatters can be surprisingly assertive, acting as if you’re the one causing the problem.
Dealing with a Squatter:
- Politely but firmly present your boarding pass: A calm “Excuse me, I believe this is my assigned seat, your seat number” is the first step.
- Point out the seat number on your pass and the overhead compartment tag.
- If they still resist, don’t engage in a lengthy debate. Politely but firmly request that they move to their assigned seat.
- If the situation doesn’t resolve quickly, involve a flight attendant. This is what they are there for, and they have the authority to resolve seating disputes. No need to get into a major argument. Just have the flight attendant address the situation.Â
The Mistaken Seat: An Honest Oops
This scenario is far more common and usually stems from the confusing layout of airplane cabins or a simple misreading of boarding passes. These individuals genuinely believe they are in their correct seat.
Identifying a Mistaken Seat:
- They might look slightly confused or unsure.
- They are usually apologetic when the error is pointed out.
- They readily check their boarding pass.
- They are generally cooperative and willing to move.
Navigating a Mistaken Seat:
- Approach with a gentle and understanding tone: “Excuse me, I think there might be a slight mix-up. My boarding pass shows this as my seat.”
- Show them your boarding pass and politely point out the seat number.
- Offer help if needed: “No problem at all, it happens! Can I help you find your seat?”
- A little empathy goes a long way: Remember, airplane cabins can be disorienting, especially during boarding.
The Crucial Difference: Intent
The key differentiator between a squatter and someone who made a mistake is intent. A squatter is consciously occupying a seat they know isn’t theirs, while someone in the wrong seat is usually unaware of their error.
Why Does It Matter How We React?
Our initial reaction can significantly impact the outcome of these interactions. Approaching a suspected squatter with immediate accusation can escalate the situation unnecessarily. Conversely, being understanding and polite with someone who made a genuine mistake can resolve the issue quickly and without awkwardness.
The Takeaway:
Before launching into a full-blown “this is my seat!” declaration, take a moment to observe the situation. Are they settled in with an air of defiance, or do they seem a little lost? A calm and polite approach, coupled with the visual aid of your boarding pass, is usually the best first step. And remember, if you encounter a truly resistant squatter, don’t hesitate to involve the flight crew – they are the ultimate arbiters of the airplane seat shuffle. Just remember that flight rage is a real thing and you do not want to be involved in a situation like that.