BUDGET airlines charging for seat selection is a particular bugbear of British fliers, but none more so than the young family.
In recent years, there have been countless stories of stressed parents trying to find seating next to each other once on the plane.
For any mums and dads who find themselves in this situation – a member of cabin crew has this advice… try and sort the issue before you board.
Allie Malis, a representative at the Association of Professional Flight attendants told 7news.com.au: “It puts a lot of pressure on us to ask favours of passengers to switch around and it’s a very time-sensitive part of flight when we’re boarding."
The issue can become especially heated if passengers spot an empty seat in a slightly more premium section – for instance, the extra legroom row.
Malis added: “From a practical standpoint, I understand – if you have three people crammed in one seat and an empty row up there, shouldn’t everyone just be able to spread out?
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“What a treat that is when the flight allows you to. But then (there’s) also respecting that there are people who have paid extra to be there and that someone hasn’t, and that’s unfair.”
She said: "It puts a lot of pressure on us to ask favours of passengers to switch around and it’s a very time-sensitive part of flight when we’re boarding."
Recently, one passenger sparked a debate online after revealing that he refused to swap seats so a family could all sit together.
The man said on Reddit: "I booked my ticket specifically to be closer to the front of the plane so I can be closer to the gate when it’s time to get out.
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"I personally hate traveling so I spent a bit more money to be closer."
However, as soon as he got on the plane, he was asked if he could swap seats.
He continued: "Normally I’d be okay with that but switching spots would mean moving back 20 rows down which leaves me at an inconvenience and I would not be getting my money's worth."
However, after saying he wanted to keep his seat, he was called an "a*****" by the woman in front of her husband and kids, adding she "ended up making a scene."
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Another passenger was slammed for not giving up an empty seat after she was forced to fly by herself when her son tested positive for Covid.
Meanwhile ex-cabin crew member Beth Windsor has revealed that the emergency exit is the best place to sit on a plane.
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