Viral TikTok Shows Why It's Sometimes Best To Reject An Airplane Seat Swap Request

Seat swap requests have been a hot topic lately, and for all the wrong reasons. Here's a typical situation: after boarding, you get approached by a fellow passenger asking if you'd be willing to swap seats. It might seem like a harmless request — perhaps they give you a story of how they want to sit next to a friend or family member, or maybe they prefer the aisle seat you've been assigned. While the supposedly "nice thing to do" is to agree to such requests, especially if you're a people-pleaser, there are some very good reasons why it's sometimes best to politely and firmly decline.

@mmarkroberts

but if somebody does asks to switch seats with you on a flight dont always assume its a scam because i feel there are genuine families that just want to sit together — it was just some random flight on a plane i happened to be on

♬ original sound – Mark Roberts

One of those reasons is the growing concern over airplane seat swap scams. You might wonder, "scams? no way!" Way. Playing musical (airplane) chairs with friendly and accommodating passengers is something brazen scammers have gotten away with far too much in recent years, and people are starting to take notice and speak up. Perhaps you've even been a victim of this before yourself.

TikToker Mark Roberts (@mmarkroberts) shared his seat-swapping horror story in a viral video that now has over 2 million likes. The elaborate scam involved blatant lies, fake seat numbers, and Oscar-worthy emotional manipulation — which, in the end, turned out to be a bogus attempt to steal Mark's premium seat. Unfortunately, when seat-swapping scammers don't get their way, they act like the victim (which happened in Mark's case) or, worse, become either verbally and/or physically aggressive, causing a social anxiety inducing public fiasco aboard. 

One of the most common seat swap scams involves a passenger in a less desirable seat — a middle seat or one near the back of the plane — asking to switch with someone in a better seat. They might claim that they need to sit near their travel companion (bonus manipulation point if it's a family member) or that they have a medical necessity for more legroom. If you agree, you could find yourself stuck in a cramped middle seat or a spot near the lavatory while the scammer gets to enjoy a more comfortable ride in your original seat. In most cases, the scammer deliberately neglects to book their seat or purposely books a cheap seat, knowing that they could exploit someone's kindness to get a better spot for free.

Another scam involves passengers targeting those who have paid for specific in-flight perks, like extra legroom, early boarding, or proximity to the plane's exits. Seriously bold seat-swappers go after premium economy, business, or even first-class seat holders. By swapping seats with you, they get to gain access to these benefits without paying the additional fee, while you lose out on the perks you paid for. There are also security concerns to be aware of: your boarding pass is linked to your personal information. If you swap seats and a scammer gains access to your ticket, they can glean sensitive information from it. This is also why you should never share photos of your boarding pass.

Of course, not all seat swap requests are scams. Sometimes, passengers genuinely need to sit together or have a legitimate reason for asking to switch seats (like if they were sat next to a dog and they have a severe pet allergy) — provided they do so respectfully and within reason. Here are some tips to help you figure out the etiquette of airplane seat swapping and determine when it's safe to consider. First, when someone asks you to swap seats, take a moment to assess the situation. Are they asking to switch for a similar or worse seat, or do they want your premium spot? Don't be afraid to ask them directly. If the seat they're offering is clearly less desirable, it's probably best to politely decline.

If you've paid extra for a specific seat or certain in-flight perks, it's perfectly reasonable to stick to your original choice. You selected your seat for a reason, and you're under no obligation to give it up. Things do get delicate when the person requesting the swap has a clear and legitimate reason. In such cases, you might feel more comfortable agreeing, but in the end, it's a matter of personal judgment. If you're unsure, consider involving a flight attendant. They are trained to handle these types of requests and can help mediate the situation and offer alternatives, such as finding another seat that works for everyone involved. In the end, remember: it's okay to say no.