Switching seats during a flight
 

I'm on a flight YVR-LHR return in July. I've booked J paid, and my wife and 2 kids on the same flight in economy AE. I'd like to give my wife time up front so will try to swich during the flight. Has anyone done this before? Any reasons why they won't allow us? I would let the FA know when I board.

Technically it is not allowed, but if you ask the Service Director nicely, they will often let you do it. Just don't try turning your seat into a merry go round for the family.

Another alternative, which you should not get any pushback is for you to take J in one direction and give it to your spouse in the other. Simply trade boarding passes after the gate. That is often a better way to do things than interrupting your sleep mid-flight to make the switch.

Switching seats mid flight is generally frowned upon and many SDs will say no. From ACs perspective, why would you need to buy 2 J tickets if you can share 1, as you're stating here. It's also disruptive to other J pax.

On the other hand, I've never had an issue giving up my seat during boarding. Not sure what the official policy is but the 3 occasions I've done this I let the SD know and stayed put in my Y seat the entire time. In fact, one time the SD told me very politely that no trade-sies were allowed!

Instead of telling the SD you want to give your wife some time up front, tell them you want to give your wife a break from watching the kids so you're going to switch with her for a bit and take over parent duty.

That's much more difficult to say no to.

Thanks for the tips, shaner82, great idea!

Happened to me one time NRT-YVR and I just talked to the SD and they had no problem with me switching.

Ahhh, the good old days :) ...

In 60s, 70s and early 80s I did a lot of flying on business always in first (no J in those days). Occasionally my wife would accompany me on an economy ticket and was always upgraded automatically so we could sit together :) ...

And therein lies the issue which is more of an irritant to fellow Guests on board as has been previously identified here by a few FT-er's. Basically, it´s one bum one seat.

You have a very sweet Mrs yvr2011.

No way I'd be flying with the kids in the back of the bus with Mr. LITW sitting up front. If we fly, we fly together - all in the back or all in the front. Just one of those things that I feel strongly about for my own family.

On a several occasions Mrs. Badenoch has met up with me on overseas business trips. On the way home I've swapped my front seat with her and it's not been an issue. I explained to the SD, switched early in the flight and we both remained in the seats for the duration. As long as you aren't shuttling back and forth it shouldn't be a problem.

Haha, I want to try this on the next family trip... "OK honey, I got a nice seat in business class, and you and the kids will ride in the back!"

Would make for a much more relaxing vacation... for me, at least :cool:

(Of course, I'm assuming that the OP is travelling on the company dime...)

Switching seats during a flight
 

Have done before as one switch only. Don't try to double up on services. Don't switch and then immediately ask for a glass of champagne; switch quietly after the meal service and then go to sleep; of course at the discretion of the SD.

I did that once. FA tracked me down in Y - quite impressive as it's a rather full NRT-YYZ flight. Escorted me back to J.

So let me get this straight you booked and PAID J for yourself but didn't for your family? Unless work is paying for you in J and they just tag along! How nice of your wife though kudos to her being stuck with the kids at the back of the bus!

Rebook yourself in economy and hang out with the wife and kids. This is the option that avoids any social trouble or worry.