There used to be a time when airplane passengers could
jump to an empty seat once the door closed, as long as they didn’t advance a
class from economy to business or first-class, for instance. Not anymore.
Most airlines now charge more for better seating or extra legroom, even if the seed is still in economy. So the practice of moving to an empty seat after the doors close is frowned upon because, well, you didn’t pay for that seat.
Now, one United Airlines flight attendant did
more than just frown.
According to a passenger on a recent Honolulu-to-Los Angeles flight, the attendant created something of a deterrent for people to move by lowering the tray tables in front of empty seats to make it look like it was occupied. Some passengers did the courtesy of asking permission to move, but were told that the empty seat would be $180 more expensive.
It has created a somewhat ethical dilemma about the cost
of fares and the amenities you receive. For paying more in price. The airlines
argue that the so-called self-upgrade is stealing from the company, while passengers
argue that once the cabin doors have closed and the plane is moving the empty seat
can never be sold again.
Airplane seating
has long been the subject of many arguments. One man even went as far as to
create a contraption that
prevented seats from reclining and bothering the person behind you.
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