Can my wife and I swap seats in different classes during a flight?
Consider the following situation. My wife and I are flying together. She is flying SFO-EWR-BOM and I am flying DEN-EWR-BOM. Both on United, with the same EWR-BOM flight, but with different confirmation numbers for the two of us.
Suppose I get upgraded to business class but she doesn't. What is the etiquette or the law or "best-practices" in us sharing that experience?
We aren't talking about meals and stuff; just if we could, say, plan our trip such that I get it for half the time and she for the other half (from the POV of sleeping comfortably and what not).
Best Answer
As you ask what is essentially a question of good etiquette, I can only give you my opinion; which is simply guided by the fact the aircraft is a communal space and our actions should be taken to minimize affecting adversely those around us. Other posters here I am sure will have more robust views on what problems attend exclusively to unfortunate third parties. (i.e., "It's not my problem")
It is disruptive to other passengers in the cabin if people are regularly moving around and swapping places, particularly if they move their personal effects with them, or if it is a night flight and everyone else is trying to sleep. Therefore I would assert that as a principle of "etiquette" one should take ones seat (particularly an upgrade) with good grace and not seek to play musical chairs during the flight. However, if you only intend to swap once or maybe twice, and you do so discreetly, I cannot see the harm.
You should seek the permission of the purser or senior flight attendant before moving, to avoid inducing confusion among the cabin crew.
You can also ask United "to link" your reservations, so that if one is changed then the airline knows you are travelling together; but this "linking" is not especially robust and as I understand it is effectively just a cross reference in the freeform notes field. However, if there is a need for the flight to be edited it means you are more likely to be kept together.
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Can you swap seats with someone on a plane?
As long as you ask though, you should be okay \u2013 there are no rules or laws against swapping seats. The best place to sit is actually the back of the plane, according to one flight attendant.Can you swap seats on a plane business class?
As tempting as it might be to switch seats with a generous friend or family member seated in business or first class, passengers are often technically prohibited from making such a move. Airlines have implemented policies to ensure the safety of all passengers as well as to promote fairness among all passengers.Why should you not swap seats on a plane?
Passengers who decide to move could cause the plane to make an emergency landing, due to the way weight is distributed. Pilot Magnar Nordal explained on a Quora forum: \u201cIf the [systems are] set wrong, then the aircraft may crash at take-off.Will airlines sit families together?
You can call the airlines' reservation line and let them know you're all part of one family group\u2014most of the time the agent can link the reservations or make a note that will identify you as a family within the seating system. Arriving at the airport early can help ensure families sit together.Delta Flight Attendant Tells Dad To Give Up His Kid's Seat or Go To Jail | New York Post
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Answer 2
I've not done a mid-flight swap but I've certainly swapped boarding passes with my wife occasionally. No issues at all.
For a mid-flight swap I would ask the flight attendant or, better yet, the purser or international service manager (head honcho in the cabin).
Answer 3
I've done this several times, on United and on Singapore Airlines.
It's never been a problem for me. I didn't ask the cabin staff, but only did the swap once during the flight so it wasn't very disruptive.
I didn't take any overhead luggage out and move it about...perhaps that would have been more disruptive.
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