June 14, 2025

Athens News

News in English from Greece

How do flight attendants “punish” those who refuse to change seats in the plane?


One of the flight attendants opened in Wall Street Journal your own “trick” To manage passengers who refuse to change places, especially when it comes to a small child sitting far from parents.

“I say: Okay, will you take care of the baby? Then take both his food and notebooks for drawing “– she notes. This approach almost always convinces the stubborn passenger to agree.

However Mitra admits that passengers who paid the choice of place cannot be forced to move, and often responsibility lies with Air Companieswhich does not ensure the joint placement of families. “The next time you get angry due to the fact that you did not receive the desired place, remember: you did not pay for his choice. Otherwise they would sit there “– she said.

Control obstinate passengers The plane requires a tact and professionalism from the outside flight attendants. In addition to already known approaches, there are additional methods:

  • Switching attention: Offer the passenger something distracting, for example, a drink, a magazine or watching a film in order to reduce the voltage. “Do not want coffee to relax?” – A soft way to distract.
  • Attraction of authority: If the situation gets out of control, the flight attendant can cause captain Or the senior member of the crew, whose word has more weight. This often calms the conflict.
  • Private conversation: Take a obstinate passenger aside for a confidential conversation in order to avoid escalation to others. “Let's discuss it calmly there”.
  • Compromise offer: Offer an alternative, for example, another convenient position or service (additional tray or pillow) to settle the dispute. “I can offer a place at the passage instead of average”.
  • The threat of consequences: In extreme cases, to warn about possible sanctions, such as a challenge police Upon arrival or temporary exception to the loyalty program. “Continuation can lead to serious measures”.

These methods are effective due to the combination of psychology and clear rules aviation security. Modern trainings for crews, for example, from Iata (International Association of Air Transport) emphasize the importance of de -escalation without the use of force. However, success depends on the specific situation and the nature of the passenger.

Travel expert Jamie Fraser It also gives clear recommendations on how to politely respond to requests for a change of place:

  • Fraser He emphasizes that none of the passengers must change their place. The number of the place is indicated on the landing coupon, and if someone paid in advance a place by the window or in the aisle, it is fully justified, remaining there.
  • If you are asked to change in the middle place, he advises calmly to answer that you prefer to stay in its place. If the other insists, repeat the refusal politely, without further explanation.
  • The only reason to seriously consider the shift, according to Freyser– this is a case when a small child sits far from parents, and even then – only at your desire.

The main mistake to avoid is the occupation of someone else's place without permission. This can lead to delays, conflicts and awkward situations with the legal owner of the ticket.

Fraser warns: “The crew member may ask you to leave the side, or, worse, you will become viral on the Internet”.



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