United Airlines Flight Attendant Blocks Passengers from Switching to Empty Seats

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 08:30 AMNews
Share:
Passengers seated in an airplane cabin
Flight attendant prevents passengers from switching seats. Source: unsplash

On a recent United Airlines flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, passengers hoping to take advantage of empty seats were met with unexpected resistance. In the past, passengers could move to any unoccupied seat in their cabin once the doors closed, but this informal policy has seen changes, especially with the introduction of premium seats in coach class.

As the flight had numerous empty seats, several passengers requested permission to switch to more spacious locations. However, the flight attendant responded by quoting a fee of $180 for moving to these extra legroom seats. When the passengers declined to pay, the flight attendant prevented them from using the seats by opening the tray tables of each empty seat, creating a physical barrier.

Historically, open seats were available to anyone in the same cabin, but airlines now monetize these premium spots, such as Delta's Comfort+ and American Airlines' Main Cabin Extra. The shift aims to ensure that passengers who pay extra for these benefits get what they paid for, while also discouraging others from occupying these seats without paying.

United Airlines has previously argued that allowing passengers to move to extra legroom seats without paying is unfair and akin to theft. However, critics argue that if the seats remain empty and can't be sold mid-flight, no real loss occurs for the airline. The comparison to physical goods like cars, which hold tangible value, highlights the complexity of this policy.

While United’s stance is firm on prohibiting unauthorized seat changes, it raises questions about fairness and customer satisfaction. Passengers often feel frustrated when empty seats are off-limits despite the flight already being in the air. This policy ensures revenue protection for airlines but can leave travelers feeling shortchanged.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Rail workers conducting track and signal maintenance at a train station during daylight hours

Two-Week Rail Closure to Disrupt Key Surrey Route to Gatwick This September

Jun 21, 2025 21:23 PM
Air Transat aircraft approaching for landing under clear skies

Toronto to Berlin Now Connected by Nonstop Flights Opening Easier Travel Options

Jun 21, 2025 19:36 PM

Glasgow Adds Compulsory Fee to All Overnight Stays from 2027

Jun 21, 2025 17:47 PM

Seasonal Flight from Bremen to Varna Adds New Link to Bulgaria’s Coast

Jun 21, 2025 09:21 AM
Construction worker in safety gear at railway site

Long-Term Closure of Deighton Station to Disrupt Travel Until 2027

Jun 21, 2025 07:34 AM
Airplane flying through a clear blue sky

Summer Flights to Tokyo Now Cheaper from Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul

Jun 20, 2025 23:44 PM
Man checking phone at train station during sunset

EMR Agrees New Ticket Sharing Rules with Northern and TPE

Jun 20, 2025 21:27 PM
Wizz Air airplane ascending into the sky

Gatwick Expands Summer Routes to Eight New Cities Across Europe and Africa

Jun 20, 2025 19:31 PM
Railway workers conducting maintenance on train tracks

Ty Glas Station Closure to Impact Travel and Local Access for Months

Jun 20, 2025 18:46 PM

Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight to Barcelona Enhancing Travel Options

Jun 20, 2025 17:28 PM

Gloucestershire Rail Works in July to Cause Delays and Route Changes for Travelers

Jun 20, 2025 05:32 AM
AirAsia aircraft in flight against a blue sky

AirAsia Celebrates Global Ranking with Network-Wide Flight Promotions

Jun 19, 2025 23:44 PM
Railway worker carrying out track maintenance with hand tools

Track Closure Alert: Subway Construction to Halt Trains in Norfolk

Jun 19, 2025 21:23 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Emirates Partners with Uber to Simplify Airport Transfers

Jun 19, 2025 19:38 PM
Night view of Hotel del Coronado with lit palm trees and fountain

Coronado’s Historic Hotel Returns After Major Restoration

Jun 19, 2025 17:45 PM

Air Travel Alert: Strike Set to Disrupt Northern Italy Airports on June 20

Jun 19, 2025 04:22 AM

Finland’s Midnight Sun Transforms Summer Travel Experiences

Jun 19, 2025 02:37 AM
Wizz Air aircraft taking off from a runway with trees in the background

Wizz Air Reopens Suceava Base Opening New Direct Flights for Travelers

Jun 18, 2025 23:47 PM
Modern hotel room with two twin beds and warm lighting

New Opening in Covent Garden Blends London Setting with New York Flavour

Jun 18, 2025 21:24 PM
Volcanic eruption sending thick ash clouds into the sky over a green mountainside

Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Flights to Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo

Jun 18, 2025 19:31 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with stylish lighting and cozy decor

Marriott to Broaden African Footprint with Dozens of New Hotels by 2027

Jun 18, 2025 17:49 PM
easyJet aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

easyJet Expands UK Winter Flights with 22 New Direct European Routes

Jun 18, 2025 15:26 PM

Public Transport Updated for Blenheim Concertgoers

Jun 18, 2025 13:53 PM

Emirates Launches A350 Flights to Lyon as Part of Fleet Shift in France

Jun 17, 2025 23:43 PM
Modern hotel room with large windows and city view

New Wyndham Days Inn Opens in Shantou, Increasing Hotel Availability Beyond China’s Largest Cities

Jun 17, 2025 21:29 PM
Jet2 airplane taxiing on runway at UK airport

New Iceland Flights from UK Boost Winter Travel Options for 2026

Jun 17, 2025 19:36 PM