Traveling is stressful enough.

Between booking your trip, getting to the airport, checking your bags, going through security, and boarding your flight, you are already exhausted by the time you get on the plane. You are probably just ready to watch a movie, read a good book, and maybe even take a nap, but when you get to your assigned seat, you are surprised to find someone already sitting in it. This is a brand new trend that is hitting airplanes, and it is called “seat squatting.”

When booking air travel, more desirable seats, such as seats in first class, business class, or aisle and window seats, are much more sought after and often cost more. This is especially the case for seats towards the front of the plane. In some cases, there are even upcharges for seats with extra legroom, and depending on the airline you fly, some seats may even include alcohol. All of this costs an additional fee, and if you plan ahead and fork over the extra cash for these perks, you should be able to enjoy them.

“Seat squatting” is a new trend that has started to take over social media, and those affected by it have taken to Reddit to share their experiences. “Seat squatting” is when a person who has a less desirable seat, like a middle seat, chooses to sit in a more desirable seat, like an aisle seat with extra legroom, in the hopes that no one has booked the seat. 

These “seat squatters” hope that they can have a better seat without having to pay the price, but sometimes, it does not go according to plan. One user on Reddit shared that they received a first-class upgrade and were shocked that a “seat squatter” had already tried to claim the first-class seat and the flight attendant had already served them a drink.

Other times, “seat squatters” can try to make a deal with you to stay in your seat. This is entirely up to your discretion as to whether or not you wish to switch seats with them, as it should at least be a fair enough trade, especially if you planned ahead and paid extra for the seat. 

Airlines are shifting toward premium seating offerings as Southwest, which was known for its no-frills fares and open seating policy, will soon start offering extra legroom seats along with assigned seats. 

This new trend can add stress to a traveler’s day, as they should not have to worry about someone squatting in their seat.

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