It works! This is how you will convince passengers to switch seats with you on the plane - voila! tourism

A passenger and the doll that sat next to him on the flight (photo: zachprengler)

Asking someone to switch seats with you on a flight is not the most pleasant thing in the world, but there are certain circumstances that simply require it: maybe you didn't have time to book reserved seats for you and your family members together or maybe you just don't like the place you got.

No matter what the reason is, in that case you will have to rely on the kindness of strangers and hope that someone will be willing to give up their seat so that you can transfer the flight to a family member.

Regardless of the reason, in order to change seats you will have to rely on the kindness of strangers (Photo: ShutterStock)

Not all seats are equal

So how should you phrase the question?

Diane Gutesman, an etiquette expert interviewed by the Daily Mail, provides some advice.

"When it comes to changing seats on a plane, it's always better to plan in advance so that you can sit next to each other. That is, do it when you book the flight. If that's not possible, then it's a sensitive situation where you have to ask someone to change seats."

First and foremost, Gutesman recommends making sure that the seat you are offering will be "equal" in value to his seat.

That is, changing an aisle seat to an aisle seat, a window seat to a window seat, etc.

In this context, it is worth knowing that many airlines give families priority when it comes to sitting together.

"Therefore, if you want to sit next to a family member, especially if he is young, you can certainly request it from the flight attendants themselves."

One way or another, no matter how you phrase the question - you should be prepared for rejection.

"When asking another passenger if they would mind switching seats, always expect that the answer may be 'no' and be prepared to accept the answer in a good way. Smile and say you understand. Avoid showing frustration because at this point it is already clear that they will not give up their seat. It could be that they paid an extra fee for a larger legroom."

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Many airlines give families priority when it comes to sitting together (Photo: ShutterStock)

There are good people

However, sometimes other passengers may surprise you with an act of generosity: "There are times when someone sees that you are not sitting next to your loved ones, and he volunteers his seat without you asking. In such a case, thank them kindly and show appreciation for their kindness," she suggests.

According to her, there is one thing you should never do: "settling" in a seat that is not yours - and the one you want for yourself - and wait for the passenger to arrive.

This is a very discouraging action that can lead to unpleasant reactions.

"There are understandable circumstances in which you may request a change, but it is better to do so in advance when booking the tickets or in front of the travel agent," she concludes.

"Don't put other passengers in unpleasant situations."

By the way, it is true that most airlines charge a fee for seat selection, but there are some that do not do this at all or those that offer the service at a relatively low price (starting at NIS 14 at Ryanair, for example).

Sometimes other passengers may surprise you with an act of generosity (Photo: ShutterStock)

A seat for a chip snack

Naturally, the topic of changing seats on a flight feeds many debates on social networks.

In one of the Reddit forums, a question was raised regarding situations in which people would be willing to "sacrifice" their seat for a passenger who requests it.

There were those who claimed that they would be willing to do so if the offered seat was better than their seat.

Others claimed that if it is a seat at the same level, they will only do so if they are asked for it in a pleasant and respectful manner and even if they are offered something in return.

"Even a bag of potato chips will make me move from my seat," wrote one surfer, and another added: "I always agree when asked. Life is too short to dwell on such things. The flight ends in a few hours, and along the way I made someone's day." .

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