Switching seats during a flight
Jun 18, 2015, 9:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
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.
Jun 18, 2015, 9:24 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,655
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.
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.
Jun 18, 2015, 9:34 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
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!
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!
Jun 19, 2015, 5:29 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 193
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.
That's much more difficult to say no to.
Jun 21, 2015, 2:33 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Delta, Starwood, Fairmount
Posts: 2,312
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 ...
...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
...
Jun 21, 2015, 3:55 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto - YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan/Hilton Gold/Marriott Bonvoy Titanium/Accor/Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 5,899
Jun 21, 2015, 5:12 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Back in YYZ after 3 years of expat life in LHR
Programs: AC SE100K
Posts: 924
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.
Jun 21, 2015, 5:37 am
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, IHG, Enterprise, Avios, Nexus
Posts: 8,355
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.
Jun 22, 2015, 9:37 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: YWG
Programs: Aeroplan, MileagePlus, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 2,159
Would make for a much more relaxing vacation... for me, at least
(Of course, I'm assuming that the OP is travelling on the company dime...)
Jun 22, 2015, 10:37 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Platinum, hhonors Gold
Posts: 3,428
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.
Jun 22, 2015, 10:48 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AMEX AC CX UA AA DL
Posts: 3,008
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.
Jun 22, 2015, 11:39 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YYZ / FRA
Programs: IHG RA; Avis First
Posts: 1,444
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.
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!