Frequent travelers are well aware of the fact that the rules and policies for flying differ between airlines.
Among the differences passengers see after traveling with multiple airlines are varying boarding procedures, baggage and carry-on fees, and loyalty program requirements.
Related: Southwest Airlines makes major change on board
But something unusual on a recent American Airlines plane (AAL) – Get a free report The flight became the subject of some procedural discussion among passengers over another nuance of the airline's policy: namely, seat upgrades.
The theme itself evokes memories of the not-so-distant past, when the glimpse of an empty seat in a more desirable location (once all passengers had boarded and the doors had closed) was a simple invitation to take it.
On some occasions, on flights with few passengers, a traveler could occupy an entire row of empty seats without the flight crew asking so much as a question.
However, currently the reality around changing seats on board an airplane is very different. When trying to change seats, it is always advisable to ask a flight attendant first.
And often, if a passenger is looking to sit somewhere with more legroom, like an exit row, it involves a seat upsell charge, and that usually needs to be taken care of at the gate before boarding.
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The unlikely case of an empty seat in first class
A travel expert had recently boarded an American Airlines flight and was surprised to discover, when the doors closed, that an empty seat next to him in first class was still empty.
“Yesterday afternoon I flew American Airlines first class from New York to Miami. I had the unthinkable (well, at least on American airlines) luxury of an empty seat next to me, although it came at the expense of someone else's upgrade.” person”. wrote Ben Schlappig from One Mile At a Time on January 15. “This is the first time I've personally witnessed something like this at American, so it's certainly an isolated incident.”
It's extremely rare to see an unused seat in first class on American, because the airline offers unlimited free upgrades to its elite members, of which there are usually a significant number in economy class.
“I can't remember the last time I saw an empty seat in first class on an American domestic airliner,” Schlappig wrote. “Maybe a few times I've been on a regional airliner during a slow period when there were a few empty seats, but that's still rare.”
“Presumably there was someone who reserved this seat but then didn't show up,” he continued. “In these situations, the typical policy is for the gate agent to come on board and upgrade the next person on the upgrade list who is in coach. I think American is pretty consistent on this, and it's rare for gate agents to door don't follow the policy.”
Speculation followed as to why the seat was left empty.
“I think the next logical question is whether the first-class seat next to me was left empty due to the laziness of the gate agents, or was there another explanation?” —Schlappig asked. “I can only think of one possible (excusable) explanation as to why the upgrade was not authorized. Even before the flight left, it showed an on-time departure but an 18-minute late arrival, presumably due to a longer delay.” . than usual on the flight.”
“For gate agents, the number one priority is getting a flight out on time, so perhaps there was pressure to get this flight out as quickly as possible, especially with the expected delay in arrival,” he added.
Others offer theories to solve the mystery.
Other regular travelers suggested reasons why the first-class seat might have remained empty.
“The person who was ignored for the update could have needed two seats,” wrote a commenter on the story identifying himself as Lee. “I would have taken a seat and given it to my traveling companion. And I would have stayed back.”
Another traveler suggested some possibilities.
“They could have been travelers who chose to stay with their travel companions. They could have been no-shows or interrupted connections. They could have been people who waited and cleared an earlier flight,” Chris Bacon suggested in the comments. “Simply blaming the 'laziness' of gate agents or the need to maintain a timely departure is unfair to both the employee and the company.
Schlappig also shared a passenger interaction regarding the empty seat that occurred during the flight.
“About halfway through the flight, someone came up to the row I was sitting in and said, 'Do you mind if I sit here?' I replied, 'I don't care, but you might have to talk to the team about it,'” Schlappig wrote. “After all, I didn't pay for the extra seat, so it's really none of my business.”
The passenger took a seat and then began reading a book, Schlappig said. A stewardess soon appeared and the conversation that followed, according to Schlappig, went something like this:
Flight attendant: “Sir, what is your original seat?”
Passenger: “I was in 17D, but there is someone in my seat, so I need a different one.”
Flight attendant: “I'm sorry, is anyone in your seat now?”
Passenger: “Well, the guy next to me is slumping in my seat, he's too big, it's really not comfortable.”
Flight attendant: “Sorry, I can't seat you here. But if you want, I can try to find you another seat in economy class.”
“She was suddenly very happy to return to her seat in the exit row aisle and no longer needed his help to move,” Schlappig wrote.
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