As the rise of The travel term “seat squatters” is taking over the internetSome passengers may get into trouble when they encounter a passenger who is stealing a seat.
A passenger shared a recent experience in the “r/Delta” forum on Reddit with the title “The rise of seat squatters.”
The user claimed he witnessed three separate incidents of seat squatting during a Delta flight.
“First… a guy who was supposed to be in 28C ended up in 12B trying to argue that it was his seat,” the user wrote. “There was a lady in the next 18A who was insisting to the seat holder that she had to be near the window, not in the middle.”
The user added, “Next up was a couple who were supposed to be in 24C and D and they decided to camp in 24A and B and plant their flag.”
Fox News Digital contacted Delta Airlines for comment.
The poster reads, “Sitting on the seat is becoming more common.”
Reddit users took to the comments section to discuss the rise of the travel trend and debate how passengers and airlines should deal with the “seat encroachment” situation.
“Kick them out and put their seat on standby. That’ll probably fix it,” one said.
Another commented, “This has happened to me a few times in the last 2 years. I just offer to sell them your assigned seat…you can get the aisle for $500 cash.”
Another user said, “[It’s] evaporation of civilization, [halted] From an epidemic. That’s it till DL [Delta Airlines] Starts kicking people off flights and forcing them to endure inconvenience without any compensation. Act like a child, get punished. It has worked in the past.”
Another person wrote, “I had one last week. “I paid for the window, not the middle.”
“People will keep trying it until they can get away with it. Gate agents should warn against joining the wrong group as well,” shouted one user.
Another said, “Say no and you’ll get the evil eye (or worse) the entire flight.”
Rosalinda Randall, a California-based etiquette expert, told Fox News Digital that “it’s never okay to squat once on board. Ultimately, the passenger with that seat assignment will claim it.
Randall said that when dealing with a seat occupier, it is best to address the situation calmly and in good faith.
“Take out your boarding pass. Not just to double check [if] You’re right, but also as evidence if the seat occupant objects,” Randall said.
“If the person occupying the seat refuses to move, do not engage; Do not recruit other passengers to the rally; Request assistance from the flight attendant immediately.
That said, if you give up and let the seat occupant remain, don’t expect the airline to reimburse you for any fees associated with the seat.
Randall further said that if you are sitting on your own, eventually you will get caught.
Randall said, “Hoping to get your way by boring them with your story, being more forceful and adventurous, or pretending you don’t speak English will get you an assignment to a new seat – in the airport security office.”
