People need to stop the viral plane seat hack – it's selfish and it ruined my flight

The Sun

22-04-2025

CHECKING in late, buying snacks for the crew - the internet is full of hacks for trying to get the best plane seats possible without paying for them.
But there is one viral flight seat hack that I absolutely hate - despite travellers bragging about it.
3
3
If travelling with a mate or partner, it can be tempting to try and get a whole row to yourself with an empty middle seat.
The online trick means booking the window and the aisle seat while keeping the middle one free.
Not only are people less likely to book a middle seat, but even if they do, they are more likely to move so they aren't between a group.
However, I've found that the latter rarely happens when I am forced to book a middle seat because of a full plane.
Not only is it infuriating, but it ruined my flight after being stuck between two rude passengers.
While I certainly don't like a middle seat - notoriously the worst seat on the plane - I won't begrudge anyone if I am forced to sit in it.
But what happened on this occasion was two friends - who I had "separated" after sitting between them - then refused to swap.
And rather than just sit in their respective seats, they spent the rest of the flight talking over and round me.
I was forced to lean back in my seat as every few moments they decided to have a full conversion, with me unable to even look at my phone without feeling like I was blocking them.
It might have only been a short trip to Ibiza but the selfish passengers completely ruined the flight.
Plane passenger blasted for refusing to swap seats with crying toddler on flight SUES airline & woman who filmed her
If it had been any longer it would have been even worse although little could be done, after all, how would I tell the flight crew that they were "talking too much over me" without sounding like a child?
But it's not just me who has been annoyed by it.
'Ghost floating between them'
One solo passenger recounted to the Thrillist: "Here I am, single and squeezed between two people who are happily passing around iPads and snacks, having a full-blown conversation as if I'm just a ghost floating between them.
'This experience has been haunting me, to be honest."
So to anyone thinking about trying the hack, I urge you to not risk annoying your fellow passengers.
Or at least make sure you give up your window or aisle seat instead.
One tried and tested method to getting a better seat without annoying anyone is to have the plane app up while boarding to see if there are any empty rows on the seat map.
You can then ask crew if it is okay to move to them.
Just make sure to always ask - sometimes they have been left empty to balance the plane.
3
How to get a free upgrade to first class on a plane
Travelers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times.
Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritize upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgment.
Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.