When Is It Acceptable to Switch to an Unoccupied Airplane Seat—and When Is It Not?

Consider yourself lucky if you spot an extra seat on your next flight. In recent years, U.S. airlines have managed to fill most of their aircraft—particularly in premium classes. As per the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, domestic airlines in 2023 reported an 81 percent load factor, which reflects the proportion of available seats compared to the actual number of passengers.

However, there will inevitably be situations where a flight has an additional empty seat, an extra row, or even an entire section that is vacant—and passengers will eye these spots with interest. Are those extra seats available for use? If they are, when is it appropriate to take one? And who has priority? Here’s a brief guide on the dos and don’ts of moving to unoccupied seats and how to sit considerately.

Wait for the right moment

Picture this scenario: You’re boarding a flight and find yourself squeezed into a middle seat between two fellow passengers. Meanwhile, you notice several rows sitting empty just minutes before boarding wraps up. Before moving to a new row, it’s crucial to wait until the boarding process is entirely finished, advises Stella Shon, a consumer travel expert for Upgraded Points.

“With last-minute connecting passengers, standby airline employees and their guests, and the necessity for cabin crew to adjust passenger placements for weight and balance, nothing is certain until the boarding door closes or, in some instances, until the plane has taken off,” explains Shon.

Not all seats are available for relocation

Currently, most U.S. airlines (excluding Southwest Airlines, which has an open seating policy) impose fees for various economy seat selections. These additional charges can apply to seats with extra legroom or, occasionally, to aisle or window seats. Seats located towards the front of the cabin might also incur extra fees. For instance, American Airlines refers to these as “preferred seats.”

“A good rule of thumb is to consult with the flight attendant before making any changes, as they hold the final authority once the boarding door has closed,” advises Shon.

For instance, Delta Air Lines offers the Comfort+ cabin, typically situated just behind the first or business class sections, featuring perks like additional legroom and complimentary alcoholic drinks. Shon emphasizes that due to the significant price variations between cabins and a formal upgrade process for elite members, passengers generally cannot simply switch to an available seat in a higher class.

The Dilemma of the Empty Middle Seat

While an unoccupied middle seat in a row of three is a prized find, there should be a mutual understanding between the two passengers. Start with some basic courtesy, advises Juan Ruiz, a frequent traveler and co-founder of the travel concierge service JetBetter.

“Consider acknowledging that the vacant seat is a shared benefit and utilize the tray table between the two of you when in-flight service starts,” suggests Ruiz.

Remember that a passenger may have intentionally purchased two or more seats together for added comfort. In such cases, it’s clear that the extra seat isn’t meant to be shared, and that space should be honored.

Lastly, Ruiz shares this useful tip: “Although it’s not a guarantee,” he notes, “if you’re traveling with someone and desire the extra space from an empty middle seat, book the aisle and window seats and hope that the middle seat remains unoccupied.” Just don’t be disappointed if you end up sharing that spot with a stranger.