Passenger Strategies to Outsmart Seat Squatters Ignite Online Discussion

A flight passenger recently shared an unconventional tip to deal with seat squatters, sparking an engaging debate on social media. The advice centers around a clever tactic that travelers can adopt to minimize encounters with fellow passengers claiming their seats.

In a post on the popular forum r/unitedairlines on Reddit, a user highlighted the situation with a screenshot revealing a flight that had minimal bookings. They quipped that seat squatters could not disrupt your journey if you take matters into your own hands.

The photograph displayed the user opting for a middle seat, suggesting a strategy that could potentially lessen the chances of running into a seat squatter by choosing a less appealing option.

Creative Approaches to Avoid Seat Squatters

One commenter elaborated on their method, saying they book a window seat but choose to sit in the middle while all other passengers board. This strategy may reduce interactions with those who might want to claim a seat that is not theirs.

Another user echoed this method, stating, ‘I often book the window and aisle while leaving the middle seat open. The idea is that no one will select the middle seat during check-in.’

In an anecdote shared by another traveler, they recounted a flight where they sat in the aisle and their partner occupied the window seat. A fellow passenger offered to switch seats, but they preferred to remain in their assigned spots, knowing they would see each other once they landed.

Defining Seat Squatters

According to a Reddit user, a seat squatter is described as someone who attempts to occupy another passenger’s seat without permission, often offering a much less desirable alternative. This phenomenon has sparked considerable conversation among travelers who have encountered this situation.

Another individual shared their strategy while traveling with a spouse, noting they play the ‘window/aisle game’ which often goes unchallenged, as no one typically objects to taking the middle seat.