Can I be fined for swapping seats on a plane?
PASSENGERS love to swap seats to sit closer to their friends and family during a flight.
But there is a dangerous reason not to, and it should always be done after consulting the flight attendant.
Can I be fined for swapping seats on a plane?
There is no law in the UK which for swapping seats on a plane and you cannot be fine.
It can be dangerous to swap seats without the consultation of the flight attendants though.
Passengers should always ask first and make a flight attendant aware.
If you asked to swap seats with another passenger, there is also no obligation to do so if you are in your designated seat.
Why is it dangerous to swap seats?
Pilot Magnar Nordal explained on a Quora forum: “If the [systems are] set wrong, then the aircraft may crash at take-off.
“Four passengers seated themselves forward from their assigned seats before take-off.
Most read in The Sun
“My first officer was flying, and he experienced problems when he rotated the aircraft: It was very heavy.
“This was a very critical situation, because the runway was very short, and we would not have been able to stop.”
Pilot Darren Patterson agreed, telling the that someone moving 10 rows of seats can have a “dramatic” effect on a plane’s balance.
Of course, passengers can ask flight attendants if they can move seats, so they are aware of the weight distribution.
Of course, passengers can ask flight attendants if they can move seats, so they are aware of the weight distribution.
They may ask you to wait until the plane has taken off, or will let you move straight away.
The best place to sit is actually the back of the plane, according to one flight attendant.
She revealed that this is more likely to get you bumped to first class for free, if the flight is quiet.
How much does it cost to swap seats on a plane?
Check with your operator to see for any costs of swapping seats.
For British Airways, you may be charged to upgrade but you may not be offer a refund if you downgrade.