Most American travelers would switch their airplane seats if asked, but the reason matters

For many passengers, securing the ideal seat with family or a favorable location is crucial. These coveted spots often come at a premium, thanks to airlines' increasing charges for seat selection. So, what would it take for travelers to relinquish their seats if asked by a fellow passenger? A new YouGov survey reveals that most US travelers are generally willing to be accommodating if the request to switch seats is reasonable, but the reason matters. Roughly three-quarters (75%) of travelers would be willing to switch seats with someone who wants to sit next to a younger family member, such as a child or dependent. This willingness is consistent across most age groups, with a slight increase for those aged 65 and over (83%).

A request for sitting next to a spouse or partner would sway slightly fewer travelers to switch, though most would still do it (66%). Again, older travelers are more likely to agree to switch for this reason (75% of 65+) than younger travelers (53%).

The allure of a better seat has a more significant influence, nearly on par with switching for a family member, with 72% of all respondents saying they would switch seats if they were getting a window or aisle seat, or more legroom. Travelers between 18 to 29 years old are nearly as likely to switch for a better seat (68%) as they are for a younger family member (66%). While those over 65 years (67%) are less likely to switch for a better seat, the figure rises to 73% among 30-44-year-olds and 76% for 45-64-year-olds.

The promise of compensation, such as money, sways slightly fewer travelers, with 54% overall willing to switch for an incentive.

Interestingly, sitting next to a friend is the least persuasive reason for a seat switch. But still half (52%) of travelers say they would agree to move for this scenario. 

A minority (4%) of travelers say they would not switch seats under any circumstances.

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Methodology: YouGov polled 700 US adults on April 24, 2024. The survey was carried out through YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, political affiliation, education level and region. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Self-serve.

Image: Getty Images