AN etiquette expert has revealed the worst thing that passengers do when swapping seats during a flight.
Trading places is sometimes necessary but you could still find yourself making a blunder and seeming impolite if you get it wrong.
Many airlines these days either don’t allow passengers to choose specific seats or charge extra for the privilege.
If you’re unable to pick your perch and, for example, find yourself separated from your child, it’s more than reasonable to ask a fellow holidaymaker to swap.
However, etiquette guru and adult behaviour specialist Diane Gottsman urged travellers to consider their request carefully first.
Diane explained that you should only ever ask to make the switch if you can offer an equivalent seat in return.
She told HuffPost: “Of course, you want to select a passenger who you can offer to exchange an equal or better seats so that you can sit next to a friend or family member.”
You should avoid asking anyone in a higher cabin class, as well as someone with a better seat position.
For example, if you are in a middle seat, it would not be polite to ask someone in an aisle seat to swap unless absolutely necessary.
Jackie Vernon-Thompson, founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette, added: “Convenience and comfort are considered when making arrangements.
“Some may have longer legs and paid additional fees for that extra legroom.
“Others may feel more comfortable resting their head on the side near the window, or they may like the cozy feeling near the window.
“Asking a fellow passenger to change their seat, more than likely, will place them in an awkward position.”
Once you’ve worked out who to swap with, Jodi R.R. Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting also advised on the best way to ask.
She said: “We know from psych studies that people are more likely to comply with a request when there is a reason stated.
“Be sure to include a reason.
“It is perfectly acceptable to decline to swap seats.”
The advice comes after a major airport explained why your luggage gets delayed more often in hot weather.
