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15/01/2025
Good morning! Resharing this story of mine as I am still getting reports of some passengers trying to get someone else's assigned seat!
Unless you're flying with airlines that have a free-seating policy like Southwest Airlines in the US, it's NOT RIGHT to occupy a seat that isn't assigned to you. Moreover, you shouldn't tell someone whose assigned seat you've taken "pareparehas lang naman yan!" Let me share a personal experience.
On a local airline flight in the Philippines, I intentionally reserved a window seat to vlog and capture photos. I even paid extra to ensure I got that specific spot. Upon boarding, I found another passenger in my seat. I verified my boarding pass and the seat label, confirming it was indeed my seat. I then said, "ma'am good morning po. That's my seat, 5F. What's your seat number?" Instead of checking, she replied, "nauna ako dito, pare parehas lang naman yan." This upset me. I informed her, "ma'am, I pre-booked 5F and paid extra for it." She audaciously responded, "How much did you pay? I'll just reimburse you."
Frustrated, I told her, "ma'am, it's not about the money. I want the seat I secured," and I buzzed a cabin crew member for assistance. The crew member, after checking both boarding passes, informed the lady that she had to move to her designated seat near the back. She argued, "nauna ako dito, just let him sit elsewhere." The crew member assured me with "ako bahala" and told the lady, "ma'am, if you don't relocate to your assigned seat, I'll report this to the captain who might have you removed from the flight. This would delay our departure as we'd also need to extract your checked-in luggage. So, to avoid hassle, please occupy your proper seat." Other passengers chimed in, urging the lady to relocate. I commend the crew's prompt response.
It's not merely about "pareparehas lang yan". Some passengers have specific seat preferences. For example, many desire window seats. You get a seat allocation upon check-in and boarding, so it's unjust to occupy someone else's spot and then treat them rudely.
There are also security reasons why you just cannot occupy any seat, which you can read more about here: https://mondortiz.com/the-importance-of-adhering-to-your-assigned-seat-on-flights/
If you wish to exchange seats with another passenger, inform the crew beforehand. If you aim to be relocated to an emergency exit row, ensure you're equipped to operate the exit and get approval from the crew. Ideally, sit in your assigned seat to avoid confrontations with fellow passengers.
Finally, it's not just "pareparehas lang yan". Like me and other avgeeks, we value our window views and record our journeys. It's not just about the additional fee; it's the principle. Others may opt for an aisle seat for restroom access. So, it's definitely not "pareparehas lang yan"; passengers have specific seat preferences. If you want a particular seat, pay extra, or check-in early to request your preference.
In the Philippines, there's no "free sitting". You get a designated seat upon check-in.
📷: Gary Sato
